SFCC Unveils New Health, Science Building

AVON PARK - When members of the public got their first look at the inside of South Florida Community College's new Health and Science Education Center, they were impressed, but it's the students and professors who use the building daily who say they appreciate it most.

SFCC President Norman Stephens said the project encompasses the work of thousands of people who have worked on the building in the five years since they started planning for it.

"This is quite a milestone for the college," Stephens said at the open house Wednesday. "One of the reasons we are so proud is because it was such a participative effort."

The 51,320-square-foot facility sits on the shores of Lake Glenada. It boasts state-of-the-art laboratories for allied health and science programs and 10 classrooms, all of which are integrated with the campus information technology network. It also has two conference rooms and 22 offices for nursing, radiology and science staff.

The $12.2-million project opened for the start of the fall semester in August.

Louis Kirschner, president of the Board of Trustees and a chiropractic physician, said the center is a
valuable addition to the Highlands campus.

"In these modern classrooms, present and future students can learn about life, nature and serving others," Kirschner said. "As a lifelong medical practitioner, I especially know the importance of having modern classrooms where faculty can work and students can learn."

Anai Cervera, a second year nursing student, said the new facility has more lab space and better technology than the former building.

"The other building had about half the space," Cervera said. "Now we have rooms for private beds, just like in the hospital, so it's a lot more similar to what we see when we actually go to the hospitals."

Students also are able to work with simulators, which teachers can program to imitate symptoms they may see in patients.

The new radiography program, which started this year, also enjoys top-notch equipment.

"The students are learning on state-of-the-art equipment that is very similar to what they are using in the hospitals," said Junior Gray, director of the radiography program. "It makes the transition easier because they are using the same technology."

Mary Ann Fritz, chair of the nursing department, said the new facility has allowed the nursing program to expand to 91 students.

"I think the newness of the building is exciting and having everything together gives the students a real sense of belonging," Fritz said. "We feel like a real team."

Erik Christensen, chair of natural sciences, said the science professors enjoy having offices, classrooms and laboratories nearby.

"The close proximity allows us to interface with students more," Christensen said. "Plus the professors are really enjoying the technology and it's invigorating the department."