Science Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Photo by Andrea Mirisciotti)
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Santa Ana College (SAC) celebrated the grand opening of the new Science Center on Wednesday, January 26th with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by tours and a reception. Faculty, staff, community leaders, and board of trustee members were in attendance for this special event as SAC ushered in a new era for its science programs. Among notable guests were Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Phil Bacerra, Santa Ana Councilwoman Nelida Mendoza, Garden Grove Council Member John R. O’Neill, Chancellor Marvin Martinez, and Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez.
Dr. Jeffrey Lamb, vice president of Academic Affairs, served as the emcee of the night, introducing the Science Center and the special guests to everyone in attendance.
“Even though Santa Ana College has been part of this community for over 100 years, we continue to evolve meeting the needs of our students and growing community,” said Dr. Lamb. "This new Science Center is one facet of that growth, which will enable students to rise through education, helping to change their future and legacy for their families.”
SAC alumnus Dr. James Nguyen (Class of 98) was the keynote speaker of the night, sharing his life story of how he grew up a troublemaker, but at the encouragement from his mother and former President of the Board of Trustees for Rancho Santiago Community College District Pete Maddox, he embraced the challenge of higher education and graduated from Santa Ana College at the age of 14. He later went on to become a cardiologist and is currently practicing in Bradenton, Florida.
Dr. James Nguyen delivers his keynote speech. (Photo by Andrea Mirisciotti)
“Santa Ana College taught me that no matter what barriers or hardships you face, you can overcome this by simply believing in yourself and knowing who you are,” said Dr. Nguyen. “Life will happen and your defining moment is what you will do when you meet an obstacle or stare at the face of defeat. The worst thing you can do is give up because all you can wonder is ‘what if’?”
Following Dr. Nguyen’s inspiring keynote speech, the Associated Student Government student representative Avinash Ramaswamy shared a personal and inspiring story about his journey to pursue the study of Neuroscience despite his battle his with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. After dealing with panic attacks during his middle school and high school years, he received medical treatment and therapy to overcome these obstacles and pursue a college education. His personal experience sparked a keen interest in Neuroscience and aspires to help kids who grew up with similar experiences be able to pursue their dreams. Ramaswamy expects the new Science Center to serve a critical role in his journey to become a scientist with a more enhanced educational experience.
ASG Student Representative Avinash Ramaswamy shares his inspiring story to the attendees. (Photo by Andrea Mirisciotti)
“The next-level, state-of-the-art amenities can facilitate a love for STEM, but also foster innovation that can be applied in any field or career,” said Ramaswamy. “I hope to do my part by being my most authentic self and serving as a representation of diversity that often goes overlooked. I want ot show others with neuro-divergent disabilities that when you invest your efforts into what you desire, and more importantly, when others invest in you – you can accomplish things you never thought you could before.”
The new 64,785-square-foot Science Center was made possible by Measure Q Bond Funds and will serve as a home to the college's science programs, including astronomy, earth science, geology, physics, chemistry and biology. This building will also include the Science Learning Center, which will be equipped with computers, microscopes and labs where students can receive one-on-one assistance from faculty as well as conduct independent/group study and research. The building contains several open spaces and areas for students and faculty to collaborate. The three-story building features 15 laboratories and four large classrooms.
Learn more about Santa Ana College's programs in the Science, Mathematics, and Health Sciences Division.
For more information, please contact SAC's Public Information Office at (714) 564-5527, or email Dalilah Davaloz, interim public information officer, at davaloz_dalilah@sac.edu. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college's School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
