Profiles COTC

The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) celebrated the start of construction for the John and Mary Alford Center for Science and Technology with a ceremonial groundbreaking onWednesday, August 7. Heralded by event speakers as a “game-changer” for central Ohio, the $32 million, three-story, 60,000 square foot facility will allow both institutions to expand academic programming, increase enrollment, enhance student success and better meet local workforce needs. Student enrollment at Ohio State Newark grew 24% from 2013-2018. The Alford Center will become the 11th building on Ohio State Newark’s and COTC’s shared 200-acre campus. The building’s anticipated completion date is spring 2021. “The number one issue for employers is workforce development,” noted Congressman Troy Balderson (Ohio 12th) while addressing the crowd of nearly 150members of the public, community partners and donors, faculty, staff and alumni. “Jobs in STEM fields are in high demand,” he added, noting the critical relevance of Ohio State Newark and COTC adding more educational opportunities leading to STEM careers. Rob Montagnese, president and CEO of Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) echoed Balderson’s comments and noted that nearly 20% of LMHS employees are COTC graduates, underscoring the importance of the campus to the community. COTC’s planned state- of-the-art healthcare simulation center will serve “students who will become our employees and who will care for our community in years to come,” said Montagnese. During 2016-2017, 532 COTC graduates earned degrees and certificates in healthcare fields.With demand in healthcare support occupations projected to increase by 28% through 2024, according to Ohio Bureau of Labor Market Information, the new G Building for Our Future Groundbreaking Kicks Off Construction of New STEM Center September 2019 CENTRAL OHIOTECHNICAL COLLEGE Building for Our Future Campaign Chair Dan DeLawder thanked donors for their incredible philanthropic support and announced that since August 2018 COTC and Ohio State Newark have secured $13.1 million toward their $14.4 million campaign goal. DeLawder invited community members to help complete the campaign by taking advantage of Ariel Corporation’s generous $2 million campaign match, which will allow donors to effectively double their contribution. DeLawder also thanked Alford Center major donors: the Gilbert Reese Family Foundation, the LeFevre Foundation, the Newark Campus Development Fund, Melissa Warner Bow, Licking Memorial Health Systems, the Lindorf Family Foundation and The Park National Bank and associates. For information about the Building for our Future Campaign, naming opportunities in the Alford Center or how to make a gift, please contact Kim Manno, director of advancement, at 740.366.9135 or manno.18@osu.edu. Continued on page 3

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