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NANTICOKE — The Luzerne County Community College Board of Trustees heard about talks with a potential developer of student housing at their monthly board meeting Wednesday evening.
With classes beginning next Monday, the board reiterated in both a lengthy work session and subsequent board meeting that all of the long hours and deliberation is “for the betterment of our students.” And one of the primary points of improvement on the table was the potential addition of student housing in close proximity to LCCC’s main campus.
“We have a great opportunity to build enrollment as well as give students an opportunity for education they otherwise would not have,” said LCCC President Thomas Leary.
The concept of student housing – something that the board has been in talks of for nearly 5 years or more – is finally beginning to flesh itself out in the form of talks and proposals with an unnamed solicitor whom Leary said is willing to abide by LCCC’s strict rules.
“The company would build the housing, fill it of their own accord, manage it independently and the costs would be on them,” added Leary. “It is imperative that it is clear that this is not a joint venture between LCCC and the company. They are simply providing student housing near a facility and we would, ideally, help them conditionally to promote that independent venture.”
The board, while in agreement that the opportunity for LCCC students is not one they would like to see slip away, decided to make amendments to the proposal and table the issue for further discussion at a later date.
The board also voted to introduce a new major and educational program available at the college: an Associates of Applied Science in the field of Mechatronics.
The Mechatronics program aims to prepare students for careers as multi-skilled technicians in industrial, manufacturing and commercial settings. It is designed as a multidisciplinary program where students gain knowledge and skills in blueprint reading, CAD drawing, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electricity, motors, motor control, robotics and motion control, computer integrated manufacturing and more.
The first graduates of this major are slated for May 2017.
The Board also had a presentation from the LCCC Foundation, highlighting the latest news and events.
“First and foremost, at this point, nearly all of our scholarships are in place and have been received. This year in total The foundation has granted over $244,000 to approximately 280 students,” said Sandra Nicholas, executive director of the foundation.
Nicholas also said the foundation is preparing for LCCC’s 50th anniversary celebration, slated for Oct. 3, 2017 – marking the anniversary of the first class of LCCC students.
“We are planning events to span from the beginning of next school year – 2016 – all the way to the actual date,” said Nicholas. “This is not simply a one day affair, it’s a long celebration.”
The foundation is also hosting its 23rd annual dinner on Oct. 20 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort. Those interested in attending should call JoAnne Yuhas at 570-740-0731 to RSVP, or e-mail questions or reservations to [email protected].