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New wing opens at NMC
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Posted on Feb 08 2009
A new wing that will house various offices and classrooms for important programs in the Northern Marianas College was officially opened Friday on campus.
NMC Board of Regents chair Charles V. Cepeda told members of the Legislature, students and faculty that the formerly abandoned building is a testament to the college’s commitment to bring progress and development to students.
Building M used to serve as the school’s warehouse facility for many years but fell victim to various calamities such as typhoons.
The refurbished facility now serves as home for the languages and humanities department, the English language institute and the English learning laboratory.
It has 18 offices, two classrooms, a conference room, and an administrative office.
Saipan Tribune learned that NMC Foundation, through the leadership of Vicente Ben Babauta, contributed approximately $100,000 for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment that include new computer systems, networking infrastructure, multimedia equipment, and classroom and office furniture.
Funding for its construction was sourced from local monies provided to the college to address accreditation concerns over NMC’s dilapidated buildings.
The board chairman said that Building M will play an integral part in the college’s efforts to attract foreign students, which will enhance cultural diversity on campus.
NMC was recently placed on continued show-cause status and have until April this year to comply with the additional requirements.
Cepeda said renovation projects are part of the original recommendations by the accrediting commission.
He asked students and faculty to “keep” the facility.
“We must continue to be aware that these amenities need maintenance constantly,” he said.
Citing the college’s many improvements under the leadership of president Carmen Fernandez, Cepeda said everybody is expected to contribute their part in the completing the “remaining” standards.
He assured students that “more developments” would be seen on campus along the way.
