ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The Harford Community College Education & Training Center officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Government and Technology Enterprise (GATE) office park Sept. 28.
"Partnering with universities and community colleges, with elementary, middle schools and high schools in our community is an incredibly important part of what we are about, because that
is our future," Maj. Gen. Nick Justice, commanding general, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command and senior installation commander, said during his address at the ceremony.
Unveiling the newly-leased 2,325 square-foot training facility marks the HCC commitment to the training needs of Army civilians and contractors who work with garrison-supported organizations.
The first class scheduled for the new classrooms was a program management course Oct. 16, according to officials. The facilities are in building 6245 in the GATE office and technology park near APG's Route 715 gate.
Honored guests at the ribbon cutting were Justice, Dr. Dennis Golladay, president, Harford Community College, and Col. Orlando W. Ortiz, APG garrison commander.
About 80 community civic and education leaders attended the ceremony, including Maryland State Senator Barry Glassman, Michael Bennett, mayor of Aberdeen, Gary Martin, executive deputy to the commanding general, RDECOM, and Robert Tomback, Harford County superintendent of schools.
The HCC student jazz ensemble, Second Shift, sang a beautifully arranged, acapella rendition of The Star Spangled Banner to open the ceremony.
"I cannot help but feel chills run down my spine when I hear those young people sing that National Anthem," Justice said, his voice cracking with emotion.
He said events are happening quickly at APG.
"When they announced this transformation was going to occur, it seems like only yesterday," he said. "But it is a great opportunity to partner with you in the education infrastructure of our
community, and help our nation build a strong workforce in this area."
"We've had nothing but positive feedback about the value of working with our experienced instructors at this convenient, onsite facility," said Marlene Lieb, associate vice president for HCC's Continuing Education and Training. "We're committed to meeting the needs of APG and its
supporting organizations with all of the latest technology right here on post."
HCC will provide affordable, flexible training programs for business, industry and government in the new facilities. Instruction is available by contract in the areas of Information Technology, Project
Management, Leadership, Healthcare and Technical Certification. For information, contact Pam Karwowski at 443-360-9108.
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