Northland Community and Technical College in East Grand Forks celebrated its "extreme makeover" Friday afternoon.
The school formally dedicated an 8,700-square-foot nursing addition and 35,000 square feet of remodeled space for a surgical laboratory, learning resource center, commons/cafeteria, bookstore, entrance and reception area.
College President Anne Temte told about 100 students, supporters and faculty gathered in the new commons that the expansion was planned in 2004, two years before her tenure began.
"There were stories of aged and overcrowded buildings, surgical tech students packed shoulder to shoulder," Temte said.
"We no longer have to run room to room to find an empty classroom to learn in," second-year nursing student Michelle Stadstad said. "It's a much more conducive environment for productive learning."
ADVERTISEMENT
Barb Forrest, practical nursing program director, recalled when she was in a graduating class of eight students from the then East Grand Forks AVTI in 1985.
"Today, we have more than 520 practical nursing students," Forrest said. "The physical changes in our surroundings are beautiful."
"This institution of higher learning plays in the big leagues," said David Molmen, chief executive officer for Altru Health System.
East Grand Forks City Councilman Henry Tweten, who has been associated with the school since 1968, said the expansion was "like a resurrection" and he encouraged NCTC to strive for a future enrollment of 2,500 students.
Funding for the $10 million project came from 2008 and 2009 Minnesota Legislature bonding bills and Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement funds.
The city of East Grand Forks also donated a new fire engine to NCTC's Fire Technology Program.
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
