This story first appeared in the Steamboat Pilot, August 19, 2011. By Scott Franz.
Steamboat Springs — The loud construction booms that echoed across Colorado Mountain College’s Alpine Campus on Thursday night didn’t seem to bother anyone who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new academic facility in front of Bristol Hall.
Alpine Campus CEO Peter Perhac said at the event that when the new $20 million, 58,000-square-foot academic and administrative building is finished, it will usher in a new era for the college.
“What we have going on here is not only a physical transformation of this campus, but also an emotional transformation going on,” Perhac said.
CMC alumni and Steamboat Springs community members gathered on a patio overlooking the construction site and listened as Perhac, CMC President Stan Jensen and others spoke about the importance of the new building.
The college last month launched a fundraising campaign that aims to raise $1.5 million by Oct. 15. The funds would go toward the construction of an auditorium that would connect to the academic facility.
CMC Foundation CEO Matt Spencer, who is leading the fundraising campaign, said that in addition to a $500,000 gift from Arthur E. Anderson, a Steamboat Springs man who left $1.7 million to local charities after his death in 2000, the college has raised more than $400,000, bringing the fundraising total to just more than $900,000.
Thursday’s groundbreaking also honored the college’s past. A group of Yampa Valley College alumni — who attended the school from 1963 to 1969 — were at the groundbreaking.
“We all have some really great stories about the fact that the classrooms, the dorm rooms and the bathrooms were all within 20 feet of each other,” said 1968 Yampa Valley College graduate Willy Markowitz as he gestured toward the older buildings on the campus. “I’m happy to be a part of this ceremony at the beginning of this new and incredible building going on here.”
To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210 or email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com