Congressman Calvert to attend RCCD Norco Campus Industrial Technology Building Ribbon Cutting and Griffin Classroom Dedication

NORCO - The Riverside Community College District's Norco Campus will cut the ceremonial ribbon to its new $30.6 million state-of-the-art Industrial Technology Building on September 3, and also dedicate a classroom in the building in recognition of a major gift from Dale and Theresa Griffin.

Dr. Brenda Davis, president of the Norco Campus, will preside over the ceremonies and welcome special guest, Congressman Ken Calvert, who has been successful in bringing federal funding to the campus to help meet the educational needs of this growing region. "The opening of the Industrial Technology building couldn't be better timed," said Davis. "We are at record enrollment, offering educational opportunities leading to new high tech jobs in growth industries."

Congressman Calvert sees the new IT building as the next step in meeting the needs of constituents. "Now is the time to bolster educational opportunities for future generations," said the ninth term congressman. "This building houses not only new technology but is the doorway for a successful and fruitful career. In order for our country to continue to be the technological leader of the world, we must continue to produce the best minds and the new IT building at RCC is part of that effort."

The Industrial Technology building, constructed with a combination of state funds and Measure C dollars, offers students sophisticated smart classrooms; manufacturing, computer-assisted design, and environmental labs; and special classrooms for gaming art and other programs. The Griffin classroom is located in the building and will serve as the new permanent base for the campus’s construction technology program. "Although we're currently in the midst of yet another construction downturn, it's a great time for construction workers to take advantage of the opportunity to further enhance their skills, which will make them even more desirable to their current and future employers," said Theresa Griffin, who served as president of the RCCD Foundation Board from 2005-2007, and is an RCC alumnae.

Students cite reports that 45.7 percent of CSU and UC graduates first attended a community college. In 2007, 14,000 community college students transferred to UC campuses, 55,000 enrolled in CSU campuses, and another 23,000 went on to in-state private colleges and universities. The community college transfer rate averages 40.3 percent annually.

Measure C is a local general obligation bond passed by voters in 2004 that provides $350 million for classroom, laboratory and other faculty, construction and safety improvements on RCCD campuses and education centers. Given California's financial difficulties, Measure C has proven to be a critical benefit to Riverside Community College District and its ability to keep pace with changing workforce education and training needs. As a major economic force in the region, RCCD provides over 100 career technical certificate programs and university transfer programs.

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