Over 200 people were in attendance on a bright, breezy April 3 afternoon to witness the groundbreaking for the college's future Nursing and Allied Health Building. The two story building will house instructional laboratories for the nursing, physical therapist assistant, emergency medical care, and medical office programs, as well as supporting classrooms, computer laboratories, and office space. The $6 million project is scheduled to be completed by July 2004.

College president Dr. Faye Pappalardo began the ceremonies by stating that the new building represented "what community colleges do," namely, respond to the needs of their community and "work together with others to realize a shared vision." Citing the Carroll County Commissioners, county agencies, the county's delegation to the state legislature, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Carroll County General Hospital, Springfield Hospital, the county's continuous care facilities, and the college's Board of Trustees, faculty, students, and staff, Dr. Pappalardo said that "without the solidarity of so many, we would not be breaking ground today."

Over 200 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

She cited a day nearly four years ago when she met with the heads of Carroll County General Hospital, Carroll Lutheran Village, Springfield Hospital Center, and the Westminster Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to discuss the need for a nursing and allied health facility. "A dream was born that day," recalled Dr. Pappalardo, "and today we see the beginning of its realization."

Barbara Charnock, chairman of the college's Board of Trustees, said the building was "testimony to the partnership and spirit of cooperation" within the county "in meeting the needs and raising the quality of life in Carroll County."

Nursing student Deborah Beveridge: "We will be there in your times of need."

Commissioner Julia Gouge reflected back to a meeting in 1987 when she first saw the initial drawings for a possible community college campus in Carroll County. " And look what we have now," she said, adding that "the economic development that comes from the training at this college is so important to Carroll County."

Nursing student Deborah Beveridge thanked Nancy Perry for being the "fearless leader" of the college's nursing program. She expressed the appreciation of all of Carroll's nursing students to the community for supporting the needs of people "who want to pursue their calling as nurses by studying in the county where they live."

"But this building is also for the community," Ms. Beveridge added. "It is for the people who will benefit from what we learn here, from our hard work and dedication, our skills and knowledge, our caring and compassion. We will be there in your times of need."

"And I promise—we will make you proud of us."

Back to top