When Vincent De Sanctis, 19, an automotive technician major, attends class at Delaware County Community College, he doesn’t just sit in a boring classroom doing book work all day. He puts on goggles and uses cutting-edge technology to enhance his learning and to get a “hands-on” experience to better his education. He does this in a building some students don’t even know exists on campus.
Left, Charles Stevenson, automotive program manager, Ryan McWilliams, Jed Miller, with safety glasses on, and Silvio DeAngelo, assistant automotive program manager, take time to pose for a picture. They are working on a car in the new STEM buildin (Photo provided by DCCC Public Relations Office) Walking up the pathway to DCCC, one can’t miss the newest and largest addition to the college’s main campus. The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics building, often referred to as the STEM, is getting all the recognition and attention around campus this year.
Everyone has admired the STEM’s size and “green” technology, but some have yet to see the Advanced Technology Building (ATC) located just behind the main buildings.
The two-story, 32,000-square foot, state-of-the-art ATC is part of a $59 million complex which also includes the STEM. The new technology building was just built and has opened its doors just in time for the fall 2009 semester.
Eric R. Wellington, acting dean of Technical Education and special assistant to the CIO said the building was built as a comprehensive institution to give DCCC students a “hands-on” experience.
“All jobs have been affected in a negative way with our economy,” Wellington said. “But the number of technology majors has increased, so there are still jobs available, and this is why we provide our students with a great hands-on experience.”
DCCC currently offers 14 degrees, including architectural technology, automotive technology, electronics technology, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and refrigeration), machine tool technology and mechanical technology, among others. The college also offers 20 certificates, including automotive technology I and II, electrical, finish carpentry, machining operations I and II, plumbing apprenticeship, and welding. All of these certificates and degrees are being housed in the ATC.
DCCC currently has roughly 1,000 students taking advantage of the new opportunities at the technology building, Wellington said.
“I came to DCCC this year because it gives me the same opportunities and education as other high priced schools,” said De Sanctis. “I think the curriculum is good, it keeps me on my toes and awake.”
De Sanctis said his typical day begins at 8 a.m. “We do book work and go over the previous night’s homework for about an hour to an hour and a half.”
De Sanctis said he usually gets a 15-minute break and then works on cars donated to the school, which helps him gain “hands-on” experience.
“There is such a competitive work field out there,” Wellington said. “This is why we provide a great “hands-on” experience for our students. If you break it; we want you to break it here.”
If there isn’t any “hands-on” work, we usually complete more book work until 11:00 a.m., which concludes the remainder of the school day, De Sanctis said.
DCCC introduced the ATC to the public and the student body on October 9 at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.
This special event included an introduction and special thanks by DCCC president Dr. Jerome S. Parker. Also in attendance for the grand opening was Pennsylvania State Rep. Joe Sestak, who addressed the crowd: “Our community colleges represent a critical part of our higher education system and play a considerable role in ensuring our workforce has the skills it needs to fulfill our nation’s economic potential.”
“I had the opportunity to witness the ribbon cutting on Oct. 9, and wow,” said Anthony Patterson, 19, a criminal justice major. “I was a part of class 124, the last to graduate at the other building. I’m a little jealous I was unable to attend classes over here because DCCC is making a lot of positive changes and technological advances.”
“This is advanced technology for our future,” Wellington said. “I invite you to come out and see it for yourself.”
Contact Joe Giotti at
communitarian@mail.dccc.edu
