Riverside Community College Celebrates Completion of Advanced Training Facility For Science and Nursing Students

RIVERSIDE - A newly completed $61.1 million educational complex at Riverside City College will offer nursing and science students hands-on access to ''state-of-the-art technology,'' the head of RCC said today.

College President Cynthia Azari joined faculty, staff, students and others on campus to celebrate the end of construction on the 132,000-square- foot School of Nursing, Math and Science Complex.

The multi-wing facility boasts a virtual hospital suite, complete with Human Patient Simulators intended to teach students about how to assist stroke and heart attack victims and women in labor.

The complex also features numerous lecture halls, biology and chemistry laboratories and study spaces.

''Two of the exciting aspects of this project are that it brings state- of-the-art technology into the classrooms and laboratories, and opens up more opportunities for all students,'' Azari said.

''Nursing students will train on the same generation of equipment used in the workplace. General science students will work in sophisticated and expanded laboratories for chemistry, mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences,'' she said. ''The new facilities also will offer current professionals opportunities for continuing education and advance skills development.''

San Diego-based Balfour Beatty Construction, which specializes in ''green'' projects, began building the complex in October 2009.

''Our team was especially proud to work on this important project that will provide students access to sophisticated technology that will lead directly to saving lives,'' said Balfour Beatty Construction Regional CEO Eric Stenman.

The project was funded through Measure C bonds, which Riverside County voters approved in 2004, as well as through state allocations and help from the nonprofit Riverside Community College District Foundation.