On Saturday, March 24, WCCC administrators and trustees along with elected officials, held a ground breaking ceremony for the one-story, 6,700 square foot project. When completed in the fall, it will feature a lecture hall that can seat 120 people, additional classrooms, a state of the art computer lab and additional office space.  According to WCCC President Dr. Will Austin, 80 percent of the building will be dedicated to classroom space.  

“This is going to have a great impact on the college because one of the learning opportunities is obviously to open up a large classroom environment to students,” said Dr. Austin.  “This will give people an opportunity to get in that large class environment, which they’re more likely to have when they transfer to a four-year university.” 

Funding for the over $1.5 million project came predominately from the higher education bond. 

“We think it is going to be a great win-win return on investment for the county and for the citizens, because not only the students will use it, but the community can use the large lecture hall and the facility itself,” said WCCC Board of Trustee Chair Dr. Phil Linfante.

Warren County Freeholder Director Ed Smith said this is a “great investment in the county’s future,” as it will benefit people of all ages.  “With the lecture hall, we’re going to be able to bring in high quality speakers because we can fit more people,” he said. 

State Senator Mike Doherty agreed with Smith that it is a good investment, saying, “Warren County Community College is a great value for taxpayers.” 

He added, “They went through the bureaucracy of Trenton to try to get additional money for the residents here in Warren County and for the students and that’s what we’re seeing today,” said Doherty.

Warren County Freeholder Richard Gardner mentioned how he is the father of two WCCC graduates and how he thinks this is “very smart and affordable planning” by the College.  State Assemblyman Erik Peterson and Warren County freeholder Jason Sarnoski, also on hand for the ceremony, echoed these thoughts. 

“This is an outstanding – and important – project for the College,” noted Sarnoski. “Dr. Austin and the Board of Trustees have done a fabulous job of leading the effort as the county college moves forward.” 

WCCC graduate, James “Jimmy” Crouse, now at Centenary University pursuing a Psychology degree and the Alumni Rep on the WCCC  Board of Trustees, added that the expansion fits in with the college’s “growth” goals and this addition “fits right in line with that.” 

Secretary of the Board of Trustees Betti Singh has seen WCCC “grow significantly” since she became a board member in 2003.  “It’ll help people accelerate their education program.  I’m looking forward to seeing the opportunities this space will be able to afford for our students,” she said.