Dr. Phillip D. Randolph Automotive Technology Center Opens January 15, 2016 in Time for Spring Semester
Glendale, AZ (PRWEB) December 23, 2015 -- (December 23, 2015) Glendale Community College announces the grand opening of the newest main campus building, the Randolph Automotive Technology Center (ATC), named in honor of the college’s fifth president, Dr. Phillip D. Randolph. Ribbon cutting and tours will begin at 9:00 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2016.
The 40,000 square-foot building, designed by Holly Street Studio and built by Adolfson and Peterson Construction, features dedicated instructional space, vehicle and tool storage bays, open learning spaces and work bays specific to electrical/electronics, engine overhaul, HVAC, steering and suspension, manual drivetrains, brakes and engine performance.
With one associate degree and three certificate programs, as well as factory-sponsored programs with Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, the new Automotive Technology Center will be equipped to expand program capacity from its current enrollment of approximately 400 students.
Dr. Phillip Randolph, Respected Educator and Leader
A Glendale native, Randolph was a prominent leader in the west valley throughout his 35-year career at the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). Randolph was named Glendale Community College (GCC) Interim President in 2002 and, in 2003, became the fifth President of GCC. As such, he was instrumental in creating extensive community partnerships, developing signature programs like Automotive Technology, and revitalizing the campus, which continue today.
“Dr. Phil Randolph, who has been a driving force behind so many innovations at Glendale, recognized the impact an Automotive Technology program could have on west valley students and was instrumental not only as an instructor in that program, but as the leader of this campus,” said GCC President Irene Kovala.
Automotive Technology Building from 1969 to Today
The original 11,000 square-foot “T3” building, constructed in 1969, was outfitted in 1972 to serve the new Automotive Technology degree program at Glendale Community College. Randolph was hired to oversee the program, which enrolled 60 students during its inaugural year. “Then, for quite a number of years when Phil was running the automotive program at GCC, he would come over here [to Sands Chevrolet] every summer and work as a technician,” recalled Buzz Sands, owner of Sands Chevrolet. “That helped keep him up to date on new technology, and we were very happy to have him because during the summer, our service demands increased.”
Sands Chevrolet gifted $100,000 to GCC to name the Sands Chevrolet Conference Room in the ATC. “I just think for the local car dealers it’s a very smart approach to help us feed the demand for qualified technicians,” said Sands.
If You Go
The Dr. Philip D. Randolph Automotive Technology Center Grand Opening event is open to the public. It will be held rain or shine. The closest parking is available in the Northwest parking lot. Enter from 59th Avenue and Via Gaucho.
Breakfast will be provided by Adolfson and Peterson Construction. Sanderson Ford and Sands Chevrolet will display vintage cars in the new Automotive Center during the grand opening.
# # #
Contact: Heidi Capriotti, 623-845-3805, Heidi.capriotti(at)gccaz(dot)edu
ABOUT GCC
Glendale Community College offers innovative higher education curriculum in more than 100 associate degree, certificate and transfer programs, workforce development and career re-training courses. Glendale Community College is one of ten colleges in the Maricopa Community College District.
Heidi Capriotti, Glendale Community College, http://www.gccaz.edu/, +1 (623) 845-3805, [email protected]
Share this article