NVC Celebrates Grand Opening of New $33.9 Million Cedar Elm STEM Center
May 24, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Antonio (May 24, 2022) - The Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores and Northwest Vista College (NVC) will celebrate the grand opening of the $33.9 million Cedar Elm STEM Center with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on May 25.
The ceremony will include a geode (rock) cracking demonstration by the NVC Natural and Physical Sciences department with a chance for attendees to win one of about 14 geode halves. There will also be tours of science labs and classrooms, and the awarding of two STEM scholarships.
“STEM careers are in high demand and the CEDAR Elm STEM Center represents a new resource for our students to reach their potential and improve their lives and their families,” said Alamo Colleges Chancellor Dr. Mike Flores.
At 52,550 square feet, the CESC is an innovative, project-based learning hub, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among students in fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
The inspiring and inclusive design by Overland Partners invites learners from different backgrounds, fields of study, and academic disciplines into the space and promotes a shared identity for all students, faculty and staff who are part of the Northwest Vista College and the Alamo Colleges District community.
“Northwest Vista College is proud to offer nationally-renowned science, technology, engineering, and math programs. Our new STEM Center will spark even more innovation and technology-based education, helping strengthen our existing local and regional partnerships while preparing students and graduates for careers of the future,” said Northwest Vista College President Dr. Ric Baser.
The CESC includes flexible, forward-looking general-purpose classrooms to support changing demands; chemistry, engineering, math, physics, genetics, and tutoring labs; instructor offices, and student and faculty common areas.
The two-story elevated lobby and common space, wrapped in dramatic lake and tree canopy views, is the social hub for celebrating STEM on campus through events such as the Sci-Tober science fair, and STEAM Blast events.
The building is nestled in a natural setting, with abundant mature trees, which were preserved and incorporated into the landscape. A variety of protected outdoor spaces will leverage the existing tree canopy and provide space for immersion in nature. Other site amenities include places for outdoor learning, and a dedicated food truck station.
“The amenities are fantastic, and I am so excited for our chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering faculty and staff to start moving in very soon.
We are scheduling classes and labs in the building beginning in the fall of 2022, and we are looking forward to welcoming our community to our newest building,” said NVC Dean for Academic Success Dr. Russ Frohardt.
The CESC is located at 3535 N. Ellison Drive, San Antonio, TX 78251 (map), in the heart of the Northwest Vista College campus. In May of 2017, Bexar County voters approved a general obligation bond and awarded Northwest Vista College $69 million to make necessary improvements to current buildings and add new facilities.
Contact:
Lisa McDaniel
Strategic Communications Coordinator
Email: nvc-news@alamo.edu
Northwest Vista College (NVC), part of the Alamo Colleges District, is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. The college opened in 1995 with 12 students and has grown to one of the largest institutions of higher education in San Antonio and the region with current enrollment exceeding 17,000 students. Located in Westover Hills, NVC’s expanding agreements with business and higher education partnerships provide a wealth of opportunities for students and the community.
NVC was the only community college in San Antonio and one of eight in Texas that was invited in 2021 to compete for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s highest recognition in community college education. The Aspen Prize recognizes excellence in teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success as well as equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.