Journal staff Lambton College marked a significant milestone this week with the completion of its latest capital project.
Journal staff
Lambton College marked a significant milestone this week with the completion of its latest capital project.
Students, employees, and community members gathered inside the doors of the West Entrance on the main campus to celebrate the completion of the newly constructed Bridge Entrance, new Campus Shop, new classroom space, student life space, and an Atrium & Welcome Centre honouring former college president Judith Morris.
The extensive renovations were undertaken to create a modern, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all learners, regardless of their age, nationality, ethnicity, or background, explained Rob Kardas, President & CEO, Lambton College.
Kardas said the new Bridge Entrance now features words of “welcome” in 26 languages (and counting) to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds feel valued and embraced from the moment they step on campus.
“We needed to ensure that learners of all types felt welcomed upon arrival,” he said.
The entrance can also now be accessed by two new barrier-free ramps on either side.
Inside is a bright and safe space that has been carefully designed to reflect the values and identity of the college, officials said.
The new Campus Shop, located inside the main entrance, has nearly doubled in size to 2,873 sq. ft.
The event was highlighted by the official unveiling of the Judith A. Morris Atrium & Welcome Centre, named in honour of retired President & CEO, Judith Morris.
“The Board of Governors knew we needed to find a unique and fitting retirement gift for someone who has had such a staggering impact on Lambton College and the surrounding community of Sarnia-Lambton,” said board of governors chair Tania Lee. “To do so, we distilled Judy’s marvelous career down to what we felt was its most basic but impactful essence, and we came up with one word: welcome.
“Whatever language you want to say it in, Judy has made countless individuals from all backgrounds and all walks of life feel welcome in these hallways and this community.”
Lee was joined by Kardas and President Emeritus Tony Hanlon to officially unveil the signage for the centre.
Morris, who retired in June 2021 following a 20-year career at Lambton, ten of which she served as President & CEO, was in attendance for the opening of her namesake welcome space.
“To have my name on such a spectacularly beautiful entrance, which so tastefully represents who and what Lambton College is now, and will be long into the future – you have honoured me beyond my wildest dreams,” she said.
The project also includes the addition of the Alumni Terrace, a three-season outdoor lounge area, located adjacent from the Bridge Entrance that was built thanks to a $1 million donation courtesy of The Lambton College Alumni Association, as part of the newly launched Funding Futures campaign.
Other features include an additional 1,963 sq. ft. of learning space overlooking the Atrium, two new barrier-free washrooms, common student areas on both the first and second floors, as well as three study rooms.
Members of the Lambton College International Women’s Club organized a student showcase featuring branded attire from the Campus Shop, Lambton Lions Athletics uniforms, and a sample of culturally diverse fashions representing a handful of the College’s global student body – hailing from 43 countries around the world.
Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to explore the new entrance and welcome space, along with all of Lambton’s world-class labs and facilities at the upcoming Fall Open House, taking place Saturday, November 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information, visit lambtoncollege.ca/openhouse.
