UPDATE: Guam Community College (GCC) has just celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated Student Success Center with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the institution. This $6.3 million project, which began in July 2022, underscores GCC’s dedication to enhancing educational facilities for students and the broader community.
The 6,000-square-foot Student Success Center, also referred to as Building B, is strategically located at the front of the Mangilao campus. It will host vital resources including the Assessment and Counseling Department, GCC Identification Card Services, the Faculty Senate office, and a state-of-the-art computer lab featuring an outdoor veranda for student collaboration.
GCC President Mary A.Y. Okada emphasized the building’s role as the “heart of our campus,” where “student learning, creativity, and success begin.” She noted that the concept for this center originated from the students themselves, highlighting their essential role in shaping campus initiatives. “Our students were the driving force behind this project, just like they have been for many other efforts on campus,” Okada stated.
“During our recent reaffirmation of eight-year accreditation, the student voice was clearly heard, and this building stands as proof of that,”
Okada added, reinforcing the importance of student involvement in the college’s evolution.
The new facility is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, making it the eighth environmentally sustainable structure on campus. Okada expressed gratitude towards her team for their commitment to the mission, stating, “Everything they do supports our students. From design and grant writing to procurement, construction, and maintenance, the GCC team continues to live by our motto: ‘Students first, mission always.’”
Funding for the Student Success Center came from the Governor’s Education Stabilization Fund and GCC’s Capital Projects Fund, with Okada highlighting that the project incurred no debt for the college. “If you look around our campus, you’ll see that we’re constantly finding creative ways to fund our capital projects through multiple sources. That’s our strength—and our promise to the community,” she said.
This development is not just a physical upgrade; it represents an ongoing commitment to student welfare and success at GCC, fostering an environment where educational achievement can thrive. As the new Student Success Center opens its doors, students and staff alike can look forward to a refreshed space designed to enhance learning experiences.
As this story develops, watch for more updates on how the Student Success Center will impact student life and academic performance at GCC. The new facility is expected to become a hub for student engagement and support, marking a significant chapter in the college’s ongoing growth.
