Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Alka Joshi
650-224-7580 cell
408-270-6413 direct
alka.joshi@evc.edu

EVC Announces Groundbreaking for Visual and Performing Arts Center Building

San Jose, CA – In September, 2007, Evergreen Valley College will break ground formally on construction for a new $25 million Visual and Performing Arts Center, which will consist of two buildings, one to house the music and drama departments and the second building to house fine and applied arts. The San Jose/Evergreen Community College District Board awarded the construction contract during the August Board meeting, and construction is scheduled to be completed by February 2009. Faculty and staff will move into the building in Spring 2009.

Evergreen Valley College President Dr. David Wain-Coon feels this is a timely addition for the campus. “Our college will honor the disciplines of visual and performing arts by creating a space that is capable of inspiration and of honoring the intrinsic talents and strengths of the EVC community. Local community has spoken by providing funding for such endeavors, and we will deliver.”

Working with Steinberg Architects and Swinerton Builders, Robert Dias, Director of Plant Planning, Maintenance and Operations for the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District, is leading the organization of this project. “These kinds of projects take teamwork. They involve deans, faculty, staff and consultants. The past 18 months I’ve worked with the interim dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, faculty from each division, and architects to finalize the planning and design.”

Local bonds passed in 1998 and 2004 provided 80% of the funding for this project. The remaining $9.5 million will come from the state of California.

Anticipate the future design of the new Center to be modern, flexible and simple. Much of the design input comes from faculty, since they are the ones utilizing the space, and they envision a space that can flow with the needs of different programs. Visual and Performing Arts students in the South Bay Area can look forward to accessing a beautiful facility at a reasonable price.

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ABOUT Evergreen Valley College
With student learning as its primary focus, Evergreen Valley College’s mission is to empower students to expand their human potential and to succeed in a global, multicultural society. The College, which sits on a picturesque 175-acre site in the eastern foothills of San Jose, provides access to comprehensive and flexible post-secondary education to prepare students of all ages and backgrounds for balanced and productive lives and to improve the workforce and quality of life in our community.