College celebrates transfer of deed of land for new campus
BROOKINGS, OR – Guests and college staff gathered at the current Southwestern Oregon Community College facility in Brookings Thursday afternoon to celebrate the transfer of the deed to 10 acres of land being donated by U.S. Borax/Rio Tinto for the new Curry Campus.
Just under 60 people crowded into a classroom. Curry Campus Dean Janet Pretti noted in the introduction that the staff made a collaborative effort to move classes around so the event could be held in the old facility, allowing people to view the existing building while they were looking at design plans for the new building.
College President Dr. Patty Scott extended thanks to many in the community who have helped build momentum for the new campus, including Board of Education member Cherie Mitchell; Curry Dean Emeritus Peggy Goergen; Pretti and her staff; former college President Stephen Kridelbaugh; Rep. Wayne Krieger (R); Gary Milliman and the City of Brookings; and Dennis Boyle and Burton Weast of U.S. Borax.
You’re going to make dreams come true for people now and into the future,” said Scott.
“You’re going to make dreams come true for people now and into the future,” said Scott.
Boyle, Director of Operations for U.S. Borax, congratulated the college on the big day. He also discussed plans for the Lone Ranch development, including shops and a convenience store at the entry to the site.
“Our project is being designed to complement the college and the community as a whole,” said Boyle. “I commend and congratulate the college… and look forward to following your progress closely.”
Milliman, City Manager for Brookings, thanked U.S. Borax and the community college district for bringing the project to Brookings. Milliman, his wife and their two children are all products of the community college system. He is a co-chair, along with Krieger, of the Curry Campus Campaign.
“Local students need a better facility,” said Milliman. “They need a facility that will facilitate learning and encourage students to go to college, to learn here at home.”
Many people have eagerly been waiting for this day of celebration and an important milestone in the new Curry Campus project. The college had already been searching extensively for an appropriate location for a campus when discussions between the college and U. S. Borax regarding the land began in 2001. U.S. Borax’s Lone Ranch site Master Plan was approved on October 11, 2004. The college’s Detailed Development Plan for the new campus was approved on September 1, 2009.
“It took nine years to get the land, and we have only 18 months to move in,” said Scott. “Things will move very quickly.”
The project will go out to bid in April and the Board of Education is expected to review the bid at their May board meeting.
The land was given to Southwestern for a new Curry Campus on the Lone Ranch Development in the northern end of Brookings. The college already has a commitment of $2.3 million from the state and has received support from both Curry and Coos counties through its Curry Campus Campaign.
Plans available at the celebration are for a 24,000 square foot facility that is needed now and into the future. The college currently only has funding for a 17,000 square foot building. The Curry Campus Campaign has been established to help make up some of the difference.
Individuals, groups, and businesses are all welcome to make a donation or pledge to the project by contacting the Brookings Center at 541-469-5017, or by donating online at the project website, which can be found at: www.socc.edu/curry. Naming opportunities are available for the building and its rooms. Large pledges can be given in up to five year increments.
Published Feb 5, 2010 (Updated Feb 16, 2010)
