Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will be celebrating the grand opening of its new Buckeye Educational Center on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the historic, newly renovated Buckeye Union High School Building located at 902 East Eason Avenue in downtown Buckeye. The opening also shares the ninetieth anniversary of the Buckeye Union High School, which opened in 1921.
As a strong partner in the economic and educational development of the West Valley, EMCC is also celebrating its twentieth anniversary in the 2011-2012 academic year. “The opening of the Buckeye Educational Center enhances our celebration of providing exceptional and creative learning experiences to the students of the communities we have proudly served over the past twenty years,” says EMCC President Ernie Lara. “With a growing population of 50,000 residents, EMCC recognized the opportunity to provide a local solution for higher education in the Town of Buckeye, while meeting the learning needs of its residents.”
The grand opening celebration includes an Open House being held from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. welcoming all members of the community, including high school staff and students from the adjacent new and current Buckeye Union High School. Tours of the renovated facility and free refreshments will be provided to guests.
“The partnership between Estrella Mountain Community College and the Town of Buckeye illustrates our dedication to lifelong learning and creating an educated workforce to ensure economic growth for years to come,” says Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck. “This celebration is a culmination of four years of planning with EMCC to bring a physical presence that supports higher education. I believe this facility sets the foundation of our economic vitality and shows once again that Buckeye is ‘open for business.’”
Historic graduation photos will line the hallways of this cherished building that has had the honor of graduating students since 1921. “This was an important component of preserving the proud history and commitment to education,” says Randy Mauldin, director of facilities planning and development at EMCC and Buckeye Educational Center. “Preserving the integrity of this educational facility was paramount. As a nationally registered historic building, the Town of Buckeye and EMCC made an investment in the future while preserving the past.”
The center will provide convenient access to academic, job training and community education courses to the Town of Buckeye and its surrounding communities, including Gila Bend, Harquahala Valley, Palo Verde, Rainbow Valley and Tonopah. Classes will begin October 17 and registration has all ready brought in more than 270 students. Course offerings for traditional and non-traditional age students range from college credit, degree-seeking pathways, to short-term job training programs, and noncredit community education classes.