(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA)—When Delaware County Community College’s new Southeast Center in Drexel Hill officially opened its doors to students on Tuesday, January 20, DCCC President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin was there to welcome them on their first day of class.

“We were not simply welcoming them to the College; we were walking alongside them as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives,” Dr. Cronin said.

After more than six years of planning, partnership and sustained commitment, and 14 years after Archbishop Prendergast High School merged with neighboring Monsignor Bonner High School, leaving “Prendie” empty, the historic building is once again filled with students.

“It is exciting to see it once again serve as a place of learning, and to watch it come alive as our students arrived,” Dr. Cronin said. “They are here for learning, training, and building pathways to opportunity. We are thrilled to support their goals.” For DCCC’s Educational Foundation, the moment reflects both a milestone and an ongoing commitment to support the programs, partnership and resources that will allow the new Center to reach its full potential.

“This moment has been a long time in the making,” Dr. Cronin said. “The opening of the Southeast Center represents the culmination of a six-and-a-half-year journey—shaped by vision, perseverance, and the tireless work of so many across our college community as well as our community partners. Reaching this milestone is a testament to what we can accomplish together when we stay focused on our mission and on serving our students.”