PORT ANGELES – Peninsula College flung open the doors to its $22 million science and technology building Thursday.
A ribbon cutting ceremony preceded an afternoon of tours, celebration and music throughout the new building, which will house classes in the fall.
“This represents the scholarship and opportunity available for students,” said Tom Keegan, president of the college.
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim and Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam each spoke at the ceremony.
Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, was also invited to the ceremony and was expected later in the day for a tour of the building.
The three are representatives of the 24th District, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties and a portion of Grays Harbor County.
Kessler said that the building was a result of teamwork, with her part being in the Legislature – which funded the building.
“There is just a passion in my heart for this community college,” she told the audience Thursday.
Van De Wege said his wife, a science teacher, would appreciate the world class facilities.
“She is constantly telling me the importance of the sciences,” he said.
“She tells me how we use the sciences in our everyday lives.”
The 56,000-square-foot facility sits on the grounds where the college’s deteriorating dorms once stood, and houses 13 labs, five classrooms, and faculty offices.
“This is a world-class facility,” Keegan said. “And I use the term ‘world class’ with a great deal of thought.
“We know that we have a world class natural laboratory with Olympic National Park right here. We have a world class faculty, not only in the sciences but other disciplines as well.
“So now we have a world class facility to complete that.”
During the tours and reception Dennis Crabb, Fred Thompson and Karen Hart, all professors at the college, performed “Trio in F major” by C.P.E. Bach.
The sounds of the music drifted through the two wings and central spine of the building.
Tables for students to study or socialize upstairs were decorated with flowers placed in test tubes from the biology department.
Slide shows of the progression of the building were available for viewing in several classrooms, conference room and labs.
“It is just incredible, classy and elegant,” said Bill Melville, a former PC student who came to the opening.
The building is part of a $36 million building program that also will include a $14 million library and administration building, planned to open in next spring, and a $830,000 longhouse – which will be a teaching resource and a venue for tribal cultural events – expected to open in October.
