Campus Currents
Breaking Ground On A New Chapter For WWC
It was an historic day for Walla Walla College. On June 11, 2005, campus officials broke ground for the new Administration Building.
Located on the site of the original building, the new facility will honor its legacy with a similar façade and will house administrative offices along with the academic departments of English, history, and theology.
The future is in sight as WWC breaks ground for a new Ad Building.
“With the help of alumni and friends of the college, we are ready to start construction on the Administration Building,” says Jon Dybdahl, WWC president.
“Everyone played a part in making this a reality—from the people who prayed for this endeavor to the hundreds of alumni who gave a gift.”
Jere Patzer, WWC board of trustees chairman and president of the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, opened the event with an invocation, followed by Vice President for Financial Administration Manford Simcock with a description of the project, from its earliest planning stages to the upcoming construction.
Karen Johnson, vice president for college advancement, introduced the 15 groundbreaking participants, who included representatives from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, board of trustees, donors, college administration, alumni, and students. Then, they put shovel to earth, officially beginning a new chapter in the history of WWC.
“Being a part of the groundbreaking ceremony is an incredible honor,” says AJ Stagg, Associated Students of Walla Walla College president for 2004-05 and groundbreaking participant. “The symbol of the school has been gone since the old Ad Building was torn down, and this project means so much to the faculty, staff, students, and prospective Walla Walla College family members.”
The new Administration Building is part of the $18 million Faith in the Vision: The Campaign for Walla Walla College to revitalize key areas of the campus. Several projects have already been completed, and a facility to house the School of Social Work is still in the planning stages. W