BREAKING: Guam Community College (GCC) has officially opened its newly renovated Student Success Center, a landmark development aimed at enhancing educational support for students. The grand opening took place on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the college’s Mangilao campus, marked by a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The 6,000-square-foot facility symbolizes GCC’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. This major capital improvement project, which commenced in July 2022, is designed to serve as a hub for student engagement, creativity, and academic success.
“This building serves as the heart of our campus—where student learning, creativity, and success begin,” stated GCC President Mary A.Y. Okada. She emphasized that the vision for the Student Success Center was largely inspired by feedback from the students themselves. “Our students were the driving force behind this project, just like they have been for many other efforts on campus,” Okada added, highlighting the importance of student input in shaping the college’s infrastructure.
The new center, also referred to as Building B, will accommodate various essential services, including the Assessment and Counseling Department and GCC Identification Card Services. Additionally, a state-of-the-art computer lab is located on the second floor, complete with an outdoor veranda for students to enjoy.
Constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, this facility becomes the eighth environmentally sustainable building on campus. Okada expressed gratitude to her team for their dedication, stating, “Everything they do supports our students.”
The total cost of the project was $6.3 million, funded through the Governor’s Education Stabilization Fund and GCC’s Capital Projects Fund, with no debt added to the college. “We’re constantly finding creative ways to fund our capital projects through multiple sources. That’s our strength—and our promise to the community,” Okada affirmed.
As GCC continues to prioritize student needs, this opening represents a significant step forward in enhancing educational resources on the island. The community is encouraged to engage with the new facility, which promises to enrich the academic experience for both current and future students.
For more updates on educational initiatives in Guam, stay tuned as developments unfold.
