By Jean Hernandez / Herald Forum
For the months of July and August, Edmonds College President, Dr. Amit B. Singh, and the Edmonds College Foundation have hosted special tours of the college’s newest instructional building —Hazel Miller Hall — for donors who contributed to its “Launch – The Future. Powered by You” campaign, which raised $2 million.
These funds purchased furniture and equipment in the labs and classrooms to create a state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and nursing educational facility.
I was fortunate to attend the tour recently and can honestly say that the quality of the equipment and furnishing was of the highest caliber. I had the opportunity to meet several nursing students who were taking classes this term in the building and could not say enough wonderful things about the nursing clinical lab mannequins and new digital prescription dispenser.
For future STEM and nursing students they will find that their educational experience is not only enhanced by the highest quality of faculty teaching in these programs, but also by classroom and lab settings that meet industry standards. The active learning spaces and common spaces for individual study or group study are also beautifully furnished with comfortable chairs and tables. I especially liked the tables with the whiteboard surfaces that allow students to draw and write directly onto the tables.
We cannot thank the Hazel Miller Foundation for its generous donation of $1.5 million toward the campaign to make this building a STEM and nursing hub for our region. I also am very proud of the Associated Students of Edmonds College (student government) who donated $300,000 towards the capital campaign. What strong student leadership has been shown by this great investment! While there are many individuals and organizations who stepped up to support this campaign in our community, I especially want to acknowledge the artistic work of Tulalip Tribes member James Madison who created the new sculpture, “Family” that combines traditional forms and contemporary techniques to depict three orca whales and sits at the east entrance of the building.
To the many donors, students, faculty, administrators and legislators who made this building possible, thank you! You have built a strong foundation for the future career mobility of our South Snohomish Community.
Jean Hernandez is president emeritus of Edmonds College.
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