SWTJC celebrates Eagle Pass expansion with ribbon cutting event

A picture perfect spring afternoon set the stage for the celebration of the newly constructed Academic and Library Building in Eagle Pass on Friday (Feb. 25).

SWTJC Eagle Pass Campus Vice President, Gilbert Bermea opened the ceremony with a welcome to all and was followed by a lovely performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Rita Ortiz.

Prominent guests including Ramsey English Cantu, Mayor of Eagle Pass; Alfonso “Poncho” Nevárez, State Representative District 74; David Saucedo, Maverick County Judge; Gilberto Gonzalez, Eagle Pass Independent School District Superintendent offered remarks about the new addition to the Eagle Pass campus.

Dr. Harry O.Watkins, SWTJC Board of Trustees Vice President thanked the city of Eagle Pass and Maverick County for their contributions and partnership. Watkins also gave a special thanks to SWTJC President Dr. Hector Gonzales for being the driving force behind SWTJC.

Gonzales offered remarks on the current and future expansion in Eagle Pass.

“It is truly amazing to be part of this transformation that has left a lasting impact on the community of Eagle Pass,” said Gonzales. “This facility here should see our growth for the next ten years. We have purchased 18 acres on the other side of the hospital because we are not thinking for today, but we’re thinking for tomorrow.”

Gonzales also said that the college has committed to expand another area of education in the form of expanding the offerings in technical programs.

“We purchased ten acres on Veterans Boulevard, the plan is to expand our technical programs,” said Gonzales. “ We are going to have Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, Certified Nurse Aid, Law Enforcement Academy, Professional Truck Driving all in a central location.

Gonzales ended his remarks with an invitation to tour not only the new facility but also the entire campus, which was followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new 34,000 square-foot classroom building includes 19 classrooms, computer labs, offices, multi-purpose room, café, and a physics/pre-engineering lab.

Construction on the $7.2 million state-of-the-art facilities began in December of 2015 and was completed early this year, which includes the addition to the Rio Grande College building.

Immediately following the ceremony guest were treated to light refreshments in the new Academic and Library Building.