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home / community / news detailsGCSC Celebrates Advanced Technology Center
Gulf Coast State College hosted a topping off ceremony for its new Advanced Technology Center on Tuesday, September 11. Dr. Jim Kerley, president of GCSC, led the event and reflected on the special circumstances that surround 9/11. The ATC construction is scheduled for completion on June 17, 2013 and classes are to begin next fall.Several community leaders were in attendance, including former Speaker of the House, Alan Bense, Florida State University Panama City President, Dr. Ken Shaw, and Florida Representative, Jimmy Patronis. “People come and go, but communities and institutions are here forever,” Patronis said. Community support is what has made this project possible and fundable. A total of five checks were presented during the ceremony, totaling out to equal around $1.5 million. The major contribution amount, $1 million, was donated from the college’s own GCSC Foundation. These donations will help the ATC house several programs and departments including a state-of-the-art culinary academy.
The ATC’s focus is on programs and training that appeal to a wide variety of students such as those who may not fit “traditional” college pathways. “In a nutshell, it creates that global workforce that we need to be competitive to bring in high tech, high paying jobs,” Kerley said. “That’s what it is really all about. This building is to help create jobs.” We look forward to the change and innovation this building will bring to Panama City and our global workforce.
