A grand day for CCPE
Dean Jeet Joshee, who is also Associate Vice President for International Education and Global Engagement, dreamed about having a home for the College of Continuing and Professional Education. He envisioned a state-of-the art facility, where faculty could help students reach their goals. A learning environment where students could study together, complete group projects and move closer to attaining a college degree.
It took eight years of planning, securing resources and building but Joshee finally realized his vision in September when the newly constructed CCPE building opened its doors. CCPE students can now attend classes in this beautiful facility that were before spread across campus.
“This was a historic moment for us. We never had a home,” Joshee said at the official grand opening this week. “We’ve been on campus for 47 years without a home, so this is a crowning moment for us.”
The LEED Platinum rated building is the first of its kind in the California State University system. The design utilizes several energy-saving and green building features, such as radiant underfloor heating and cooling, LED lighting and water-saving measures. Solar panels will be installed on the building’s roof and canopies to reach net zero consumption. All classrooms and the conference facility have automated temperature control features eliminating the need for a traditional air conditioning and heating system.
LEED Platinum is the highest level of international certification developed by the United States Green Building Council. It recognizes a building’s energy features, reduced carbon footprint and environmentally sustainable design elements.
“It’s a perfect illustration and commitment to actively address the global climate crisis,” said President Jane Close Conoley.
Conoley, who green-lighted the project nearly two years ago, said she was “delighted” about the building for several reasons.
“It’s a beautiful addition to our campus,” she said. “It’s hard to imagine when we envisioned it on paper that it would look like this. But it’s like it belonged right here and I can already see that it’s a magnet for students.”
The first floor houses a large conference area that can be used for meetings and gatherings. It features a lobby and catering room. Classrooms are located on the second and third floors, while the outdoor space has been equipped with electrical outlets and increased wifi capabilities that provide students another area to study and meet.
“I think it’s a wonderful facility for students and faculty,” Joshee said. “ The courtyard and patio areas have become a learning-hub for students indoors and outdoors. It was designed for outdoor group learning so we boosted the wifi and put power outlets everywhere.”
The building will house classes for the American Language Institute, International Education programs and many of the CCPE degree and professional education programs.
