8/19/03

Ceremony Marks Official Opening of Lake Michigan College at South Haven campus

LMC President Dr. Richard Pappas addresses the more than 300 people who attended the grand opening ceremony of the Lake Michigan College at South Haven campus. Seated behind Dr. Pappas are (from l to r) WMU President Dr. Judith Bailey, LMC Board Chairman Steven Silcox, LMC Board Vice Chairman Pat Moody, State Senator Ron Jelinek, US Representative Fred Upton, LMC Board Treasurer Paul Bergan, LMC Board Trustee Edward Woods III, and South Haven Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Larry King.

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - Many South Haven residents and people throughout the area have eagerly awaited today's grand opening of the new Lake Michigan College at South Haven campus. With the building now open and staffed, area residents and students can begin to fully utilize the services and programs housed in the 41,909-square foot facility.

The ceremony marks the culmination of over 18 months of planning and 8 months of construction that were made possible by the January 2002 vote of the residents of South Haven to join the Lake Michigan College district.

"Today as we realize the achievement of one dream, we begin anew in helping people fulfill their own dreams for a better life through education," states LMC board chairman Steven Silcox. "As those dreams are realized, we will see something happen that is more important than this campus; we will see people's lives change, new opportunities emerge, and a renewed sense of optimism and hope for what is possible."

As the only permanent college campus in Van Buren County, LMC's South Haven campus is expected to increase the accessibility of higher education to residents in the region.

"Our sincere appreciation goes out to all who made this project possible," expressed LMC president Dr. Richard Pappas. "Expanded opportunities are now accessible to a new group of individuals because of the support of the residents of the South Haven area, the City of South Haven officials, and countless individuals who believed that bringing a college to this community was the right thing. The heart of this building will truly be reflected in the people and programs that will call this campus home,"

Located in the I-196 Business Park, the structure sits on a 22.37-acre parcel donated to the College by the City of South Haven. The two-story facility includes the latest in technology throughout the 12 general classrooms, graphic design studio, art studio, two science labs, two-way interactive classroom, and 24-station computer lab. A childcare center, operated by Kidzone Preschool and Childcare Center, LLC, and specially designated classrooms for Western Michigan University complete the building.

A wireless computer network throughout the building as well as multimedia classrooms with Internet access, DVD and video playback, and image projection capabilities are just a few of the technology instructional tools faculty and staff are anxious to introduce to students. Students will also be able to participate in classes with students and instructors based on LMC's Napier Avenue campus and Bertrand Crossing campus through the two-way interactive classroom.

The campus design integrates technology with an environment that promotes accessibility, learning, and flexibility. Modular furniture, expandable classrooms, and a commons area that can serve several purposes are just a few of the innovative functionalities incorporated into the building.
"Every aspect of the facility is intended to send the message: learning is fun and engaging, this is an inviting place for all," commented Brian Craig, AIA, senior vice president and project design principal with Grand Rapids-based architects Progressive AE.

The timeline for a project of this size was demanding. Progressive AE embarked on fact-finding and constituent interviews in the spring of 2002 and presented a final design for the facility in November. Kalin Construction of Eau Claire began site work in December, and shortly thereafter in January, the general contractor, Houseman Construction Company of Grand Rapids, began the construction process.

According to Anne Erdman, LMC vice president of Administrative Services and special assistant to the president, Progressive AE Houseman demonstrated exceptional coordination and communication with the College from day one.

"Construction began just eight short months ago. Everyone understood the unique timelines we faced to ensure the campus would be ready for the grand opening and open for fall classes. They focused on the critical path to make everything happen," stated Erdman.

Those participating in the grand opening ceremony included U.S. Congressman Fred Upton; State Senator Ron Jelinek; State Representative Mary Ann Middaugh; Western Michigan University president, Dr. Judith Bailey; South Haven mayor, Dale Lewis; South Haven Charter Township supervisor, Ross Stein; South Haven Public Schools superintendent, David Myers; South Haven Board of Education president, Ed Bocock; South Haven Chamber of Commerce executive director, Larry King; retired president of Wycoff Chemical Company, Ron Hartgerink; and LMC South Haven campus executive dean, Janice Varney.

Fall classes begin Monday, August 25, at all LMC's locations. Beginning Wednesday, students may register at the new campus during regular hours, which are Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. The South Haven campus staff can be reached at 269-639-8442.