By The Communitarian

DREXEL HILL, Pa. — On Jan. 20, 2026, Delaware County Community College’s new Southeast Campus finally opened to students, marking the culmination of a six-and-a-half-year journey of planning and fundraising. The opening represents a major milestone for the college, providing a modern, expanded hub for education in a region that has awaited these facilities for years.

The campus was originally scheduled to open Jan. 14 to coincide with the start of the spring semester. Instead, the first week of classes was held via Zoom as final preparations were made. Mary Jo Boyer, vice president of Delaware County Community College branches, announced the change in a Dec. 10 email. During the delay, students were directed to the Upper Darby Center for student services. In an interview, Boyer explained that the delay was a standard part of the development process. “It’s just the normal process of building something; [construction] is going to get in the way,” Boyer said.

This significant moment was years in the making. The college first acquired the rights to the Prendergast building side of the Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School on Sept. 17, 2019, for $3 million. While the project was initiated under previous leadership, current President Marta Yera Cronin described the Jan. 20 opening as a milestone achieved through “vision, perseverance, and the tireless work of so many across our college community.”

In a message to the college community, Cronin expressed deep gratitude to the faculty and staff for their “professionalism and adaptability” during the transition. She specifically credited the leadership of Tony DeLuca and the facilities team, as well as Don Sloat and the information technology team, for bringing the complex project to life. “Watching [the students] enter the Southeast Center reminded me why this work matters so deeply,” Cronin said. “We were not simply welcoming them to Delaware County Community College; we were walking alongside them as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives.”

Construction officially broke ground on May 6, 2023, following years of preparation. Funding for the massive project relied heavily on state and local public support. Notably, on Sept. 10, 2024, Delaware County representatives secured $10 million for the second phase of construction. Rep. Heather Boyd emphasized the importance of the investment, calling it a way to invest in Pennsylvania’s future workforce. “We’re sending a message that Delaware County is the right place to invest in people, our region’s greatest asset,” Boyd said. Other funding was raised through private donations and fundraising; those contributors will eventually be recognized via a plaque at the new campus.

The new facility is an 80,000-square-foot main building containing four floors, along with a 30,000-square-foot annex and a 17,000-square-foot Early Learning Center operated in collaboration with the YMCA. The campus brings programs to the area that previously required a trip to the Marple Campus, including specialized labs for allied health, biology, biotechnology, carpentry, chemistry, culinary arts, and electrical work.

However, the transition has presented hurdles. At the time of writing, finding the new site proved difficult for some, as navigation apps like Google Maps initially directed students to the old Southeast Center location in Sharon Hill. This led to confusion on the ground, with some students reportedly attempting to enter the now-closed building before realizing the error.

Inside the renovated building, the blending of new architecture with the historical high school has drawn some criticism, specifically regarding doorways where the old and new styles do not mesh seamlessly. The campus is still very much an active construction zone. The main staircase is currently boarded with plywood, tarps block off certain areas, and construction workers are visible throughout the halls during classes.

Photography by Lydia Kirkpatrick

The interior environment also faces challenges. On the second and third floors, staff and students have dealt with cold drafts and a lack of heat, with many seen bundled in coats and scarves. Staff members have noted that the heat works significantly better on the fourth floor, which has become a refuge for those working in the building. Technical glitches also persist; in the first-floor annex, where students learn about electrical and mechanical systems, Professor Allan Browne noted that the seating and equipment layout make it difficult for students to see the whiteboard. “I’ll have to see if they can change that,” Browne said.

Despite these growing pains, the student body remains largely optimistic. “When I first applied to go to the new building, I had these thoughts that nobody would be here, but I thought wrong about that,” said student Musa Bility. “There seems to be a lot of friendly people here. I was confused about classes but after a day, it seems more easy to navigate through the campus.”

Student Shadid Hossain felt the campus was ready enough for the semester to begin. “I think it was a bit early to start classes here but it’s acceptable,” Hossain said. Others, like student Janna Lively, are focused on the future. “It’s a little odd being in an unfinished school building. I’m sure the experience will get better once the cafeteria is finished,” she said.

Faculty members expressed long-term excitement for the regional upgrade. Laura Cipko, an associate professor of English who taught at the previous centers for 12 years, called the new facility a “wonderful addition” that allows students to complete entire programs in a single location. Early childhood education professor Jean Allison praised the design and the upcoming Early Learning Center, slated to open in February. “It will be a great opportunity for students in early childhood education because of the hands-on experience they will get to have,” Allison said. Dr. Will Jonen, an associate professor of biology, echoed that sentiment, stating he looks forward to growing “strong roots in the surrounding communities.”

Substantial work will continue throughout the school year. Boyer stated the building is on track for a grand opening and full completion by the fall 2026 semester, with spaces like the culinary labs, cafeteria, and courtyard expected to open later this spring. Officials are also exploring a potential partnership with nearby Upper Darby High School to provide further opportunities for local students. While the facility is not yet finished, the modern architecture and expanded resources represent a significant step forward for the college community.

Reporting contributed by Viviana Pruett-Saratan, Luis Herrera-Herrera, and Lydia Kirkpatrick.