GROUNDBREAKING for the STEM Complex took place on April 18, 2008 under a tent adjacent to the construction site.
James P. Gaffney, Chair of the College's Board of Trustees, welcomed 150 guests that included representatives from government, business and industry. Vice President at Goshen Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Gaffney went on to describe the great demand for skilled workers in STEM-related fields and the hope and opportunity that the STEM Complex provides to the community.
Dr. Jerry Parker praised the leadership of the Pennsylvania legislators who have advocated for funding in Harrisburg on the College's behalf, as well as for U. S. Representative Joe Sestak who has obtained a Congressionally-authorized grant for the equipment in the STEM Complex.
Parker also had praise for business and industry leaders who have supported the College's students and its program developments. In welcoming to the podium W. R. (Roger) Lyle, Vice President, Northeast Refining, Sunoco, Inc., Parker said, “Not only has Sunoco been a close friend and advisor to the College, but also to the citizens of Greater Philadelphia who have benefited from its largesse. Without a doubt, Sunoco epitomizes the phrase, 'good corporate citizen.' ”
Lyle, who heads up the capital campaign for the project, said, “It is the basic skills that are lacking in today's labor pool. You can either complain about it, or do something about it. We are going to do something about it.”
