Despite the cold weather, more than 50 Cosumnes River College staff members, students and other community members came together for the dedication of CRC’s Northeast Technological Building on Oct. 25.

Those who attended were welcomed with coffee, muffins, pastries and bottled water. Guests were also welcomed by CRC staff members as they walked into the building waiting for the ceremony to begin.

CRC President Deborah Travis thanked everyone, highlighting the students in attendance, as well as Elk Grove Councilman Gary Davis.

Jon Sharpe, Interim Chancellor of the Los Rios District, then spoke at the podium and explained the background history of the building.

The process to get the building to where it is today took 10 years and was covered by Measure A and Measure M, said Sharpe.

Los Rios Board of Trustees member Kay Albiani spoke about how the students will be able to understand the lessons they learn and apply them in real life.

President Travis spoke again about how important each contribution was in order to make the construction of the building successful.

“These things don’t happen without a team,” Travis said as she continued to thank everyone who helped the project become a success, including F & H Construction, DLR Group, an architecture design group, and the staff of CRC that helped to move the equipment.

Some courses that will be offered include welding, construction and horticulture.

Sharpe, Albiani and Travis then presented the plaque that would be displayed in front of the building.

“We gratefully acknowledge the generosity of the Los Rios Community College District taxpayers,” Travis read from the plaque, “and the California taxpayers who funded the construction of these buildings.”

To conclude the festivities, the board members, CRC staff, the representatives from F & H Construction, DLR Group and some students from the welding program gathered outside to cut the ribbon.

Everyone positioned themselves and prepared for the photo-op as Travis and Albiani cut the ribbon on the count of three.

“We feel that the students learn from the mind and heart,” Albiani said.