Ribbon Cutting and Open House Draw Community to Tour Facility – Posted 5/23/14

The County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 22, to celebrate the renovation of the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center (LRC).

The LRC houses the college’s library, Disability Services, Testing Center, Media Center, gallery and a new café.
As part of the 14-month renovations, the library is now consolidated on the second floor of the LRC. Four new group study rooms and a large meeting room have been added to the library, along with a quiet study area and more than 80 open-access computer stations.

The Testing Center is now twice as large at 3,700 square feet. Disability Services now includes five testing and quiet rooms and three large group rooms, along with administrative offices. The 2,425-square-foot café on the second floor features a striking view of the campus and the rolling hills of Randolph.
The gallery has been expanded and now consists of an enclosed professional gallery and a student gallery both with improved lighting.

As part of the open house, the Department of Visual Arts hosted a Faculty Art Show in the renovated gallery, showcasing paintings, photographs and ceramic works created by CCM professors.
Also as part of the renovations, the building was provided with a more efficient HVAC system and lighting. A new classroom and conference room also were added to the first floor.

“With these renovations, the LRC provides students, faculty and the community with a modern facility where they can conduct research, study, hold events and relax,” noted Dr. Edward J. Yaw, president of CCM. “The building is one of the most fully utilized on the campus by our students and we are pleased we can provide them with the resources and an environment to support their academic success.”

The $5.9 million renovation was funded by Chapter 12 bonds (50 percent paid by the state and 50 percent by Morris County).

The ribbon cutting was attended by college and Morris County officials. Following the ceremony, numerous members of the campus community took advantage of the opportunity to tour the facility. The college then held its 45th commencement at 7 p.m., marking the graduation of more 45,000 students from the college since its opening in 1968.

# # #


Photo: The County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 22, to celebrate the renovation of the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center. Front row, from left to right, Trustee Chair Stanley T. Omland, CCM President Edward J. Yaw, Trustee Joseph S. Weisberg and Trustee Barbara L. Hadzima. Back row, from left to right, Trustee Laurie Bogaard, Trustee Secretary Paul R. Licitra and Trustee Rosalie S. Lamonte.