WVC announces Center for Technical Education and Innovation groundbreaking
June 9, 2025
Media Contacts:
Marcine Miller, Executive Director, Public Information Office, 509-682-6582, mmiller2@wvc.edu
Rachel Evey, Executive Director, Wenatchee Valley College Foundation, 509-682-6415,
revey@wvc.edu
Wenatchee Valley College invites the community to a groundbreaking ceremony for the
new Center for Technical Education and Innovation (CTEI) building on Thursday, June
12 at 3 p.m. at the Van Tassell Center patio.
Presenters include Dr. Faimous Harrison, WVC President; Ruby Gaston, Central Washington
Representative from the Office of Congresswoman Kim Schrier; Francisco Sarmiento-Torres,
Agriculture faculty and co-director of WVC’s Hispanic Orchard Employee Education Program
(HOEEP); and Ariel Torres, a student representative from WVC’s Environmental Systems
and Refrigeration Technology (ESRT) program.
The Center for Technical Education and Innovation will serve as a hands-on learning
facility for skilled trades programs, including agriculture, automotive technology,
computer technology, electronics and aerospace electronics, environmental systems
and refrigeration technology, industrial technology, and more.
"As President of Wenatchee Valley College, I am excited to invite our community to
join us for the groundbreaking of our new Center for Technical Education and Innovation,"
shared Dr. Faimous Harrison. "This center will advance the college’s role in preparing
students and professionals to make long-lasting contributions to the economic growth
and vibrancy of our region in North Central Washington. We look forward to sharing
this moment with our students, faculty, staff, and friends of WVC."
The CTEI building is scheduled for completion by Fall 2027. The 70,000 square foot
$50 million facility will feature specialty labs and training centers.
WVC’s skilled trades programs prepare students to succeed in career paths that require
skilled labor and specialized training. The new center will advance the college’s
mission in delivering innovative educational opportunities to build a thriving community
in North Central Washington.
Funding for the CTEI building is made possible by funds from the State of Washington
2023-25 capital budget allocation that are separate from the college’s operating budget.
The groundbreaking event will feature a ceremonial turning of the dirt. Refreshments
will be provided.
Free parking is available at the Smith Gym and Student Recreation Center parking lots
along Fifth Street.
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Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington by serving educational
and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college
is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and employees and
provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills
and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Visit our website, wvc.edu.
Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment
and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against
any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability,
or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status
or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably
discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030,
040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint
process. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding
the nondiscrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and
Omak campuses:
To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M,
(509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
To request disability accommodations: Student Access Manager, Wenatchi Hall 2133,
(509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.