News
CHTS Building Officially Opens
April 6, 2021
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently for the Center for Health and Technical Sciences (CHTS) at Central Community College-Grand Island.
The event marked the official completion of a $4.4 million, three-phase renovation of the building formerly known as the Center for Industry and Technology. A total of 17.265 square feet was remodeled, and an additional 3,600 square feet of new construction provides space for a central entrance and reception area.
Except for dental hygiene and dental assisting, all CCC health science programs that were based at the Hastings Campus are now located at the Grand Island Campus. The multimillion-dollar renovation also included upgrades to spaces used by the drafting and design technology, electrical technology and welding technology programs.
“Today marks the end of a three-year journey of transformation from an outdated, underutilized industrial building to an innovative, state-of-the-art center for health and technical sciences,” said Grand Island Campus President Dr. Marcie Kemnitz. “Our vision was to centralize health science education on our campus to support a health care workforce in Grand Island and surrounding communities while continuing to provide a pipeline of employees in electrical technology, drafting and design and the welding fields.”
Lt. Governor Mike Foley took part in the ceremony. He said no matter where he goes in the state, the call from business and industry is always for more skilled workers. “The community colleges are going to be a critical component in solving this dilemma,” said Foley. “You can get a first-class education that will lead to guaranteed employment with a good paycheck.” Foley said he knows firsthand about the effectiveness of community colleges as he is a graduate of Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York.
College President Dr. Matt Gotschall thanked the taxpayers of CCC’s 25-county service area for their investment that made the renovation possible. “We thank you for your continued support of Central Community College as we work to provide modern facilities that you can be proud of,” said Gotschall.
Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Johnson praised CCC for its continued response to the needs of the community. “What Central Community College does is anticipate what our businesses are going to need,” said Johnson. “They look for what the trends are, for what the opportunities are and then they act.”
The ribbon was cut by Anthony Gonzalez of Grand Island, an electrical technology major, and Kelsey Peterson of Kearney, who is majoring in occupational therapy.