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MATC-WATERTOWN
CAMPUS EXPANSION DEDICATION CEREMONY
Driven by the need to provide classroom and lab space to its nursing program,
Madison Area Technical College (MATC) has expanded its Watertown campus.
The expansion project will be celebrated at a dedication and ribbon cutting
ceremony on Sunday, November 5th at 1:00 pm. Building tours are available
to the public from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. The MATC-Watertown campus expansion
adds 5,500 SF to the existing structure. New facilities are dedicated
to the nursing program, faculty offices, and classrooms. Renovations to
the existing structure include doubling the size of the campus library.
"By expanding our
Watertown campus we are equipped to better serve the needs of area employers,"
states MATC President Beverly S. Simone. "There's a great need for nurses
and these on-site facilities will improve the training that we provide."
The MATCÑWatertown
campus first offered associate degree nursing classes in 1982. At that
time, Watertown Memorial Hospital extended rent-free office, lab and classroom
space to start the program. As hospital activities expanded, the health
care facility needed this space for their own needs. As a temporary solution,
Maranatha Baptist Bible College came forward and offered MATC a lease
agreement that began in January 1990. With expanded courses and programs,
Marantha notified MATC that it needed the space and that MATC should relocate
its program by spring 2001.
The expansion and
renovation project provides classroom and laboratory space for the nursing
program, improved facilities for adult basic education, career education,
student counseling, and individuals with disabilities. In addition to
doubling the library facility, the project includes ten faculty offices,
two counseling offices and improved acoustics, lighting and ventilation
for the Mechanical Design and Commercial Art students. Other amenities
include a central copy center, three conference rooms for private individual
counseling, testing and assistance.
The $700,000 project
has been funded through a combination of MATC's capital budget, donations
from college employees and support from several Watertown area corporations
and foundations. "The Watertown area has a strong history of supporting
community projects," states Lyn Hertel, MATC - Watertown campus administrator.
"Area leaders have stepped up to the plate and supported this project
because they know that the training we provide directly supports the area
workforce. Not only do the students benefit but area employers do as well."
The project was designed
by architect Alan Hutchins of Bray Architects from Middleton, WI. Construction
was handled by Miron Construction from Menasha, WI and the local sub-contractor
was Carroll Electric of Watertown. The project was completed earlier than
scheduled and within budget. "Their hard work allowed us to offer classes
in the new space one semester earlier than planned," states Hertel. "They
completed the project two months before scheduled completion. It's a great
achievement and proof of their talent and dedication."
MATC is one of the
largest of the Wisconsin Technical College System's 16 colleges. It provides
a comprehensive curriculum of technical, liberal arts and science, adult
basic education and life enrichment studies and activities, as well as
customized employee training. MATC provides training in more than 100
career programs. It awards associate degrees, vocational diplomas and
certificates, and offers non-degree courses. The college serves all or
parts of 12 counties located in southcentral Wisconsin and offers instruction
through five campuses and various other locations throughout the district.
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Last
Modified: November 15, 2000
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