PIQUA – A crowd of over 150 supporters were in attendance to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Edison State Community College’s latest addition, the Robinson Student Career Center on Wednesday, Sept. 25, in Piqua.
The 5,200 square-foot student career center and campus entry located at the West Hall of Edison State’s Piqua Campus was brought to life thanks to a generous $2.5 million donation made by Thom and Patricia Robinson of the Robinson Fund.
“When I was on the Foundation Board many years ago, I found out what Edison State was all about and thought it was terrific. It is a thrill to be here and we’re thrilled to be a part of all this,” said Patricia Robinson.
The new center is aimed at the promotion and integration of students into a growing regional workforce. The addition includes areas for career counseling and services, access to job search resources such as Ohio Means Jobs, conference rooms, student work spaces, and an information desk.
“This center was designed to reflect Edison State’s role in connecting students to the careers of their dreams,” said Edison State President Dr. Doreen Larson. “Those careers are ready and waiting here in our cities, our counties, and our state. This center is not only a highly-visible and uniquely beautiful entrance to the Piqua Campus, but also it represents the highly-valuable Edison State education.”
“This is much more than just a building,” said Jack Hersey, President and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. “This building is a sign that this is a campus that understands where this country and this community is right now, understands that our economy is strong, understands that employers are hiring, and they understand that there are people throughout the counties you serve that are ready to make a jump, make a jump from having a job to a career to getting a better living and earning a better wage. The building also represents that higher education is changing, and this is a college that is changing along with it. In fact, I would say arguing, leading the change.”
“This is a shining example of what Ohio is doing and what Edison State is doing for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner.
Edison State Board of Trustees Chair Tami Baird-Ganley echoed sentiments of gratitude to the Robinsons.
“Though words are not adequate, we extend our sincere appreciation to Thom and Pat Robinson. Thom and Pat have been long time supporters and friends to Edison State. Our institution and our communities have been truly blessed by this couple and their kindness. And now, through the completion of the Robinson Student Career Center, Edison State students of today and Edison State students of tomorrow are going to be the ones that are blessed by their kindness and generosity.”
Edison State at Piqua sits on a one-hundred thirty-one-acre rural plain among agricultural fields and neighboring educational institutions. The Campus is home to over one-hundred degree and certificate pathways including transfer pathways to both in- and out-of-state four-year universities. Additionally, the Piqua Campus presents the opportunity for College Credit Plus coursework, expanded articulation agreements with Upper Valley Career Center along with several university and industry partners, and support to regional businesses with response to workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities.
For more information, call a resource specialist at 937-778-8600 or visit www.edisonohio.edu.
