Mission College was honored to welcome an array of distinguished guests and supporters to the event. Notable among the attendees were City of Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, representatives from the offices of Rep. Ro Khanna and Assemblyman Evan Low, as well as esteemed members of the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees and Chancellor Bradley Davis. The event was graced by many from the Mission College community and unwavering supporters.

“The Business and Technology building is more than just a physical addition to our campus; it's a symbol of our institution's enduring commitment to excellence and our community's unwavering support. Today, we embark on a new chapter in our collective journey, one that is defined by innovation and an unwavering focus on our students. This building represents the spirit of exploration, discovery, and lifelong learning that we hold dear at Mission College,” Mission College President Dr. Seher Awan said. 

This state-of-the-art Business and Technology Building highlights Mission College's vision of promoting student engagement and active participation in the learning process. Designed with the future of education in mind, the building boasts cutting-edge classrooms and open spaces meticulously crafted to inspire academic excellence and foster meaningful connections among students and employees alike.

“What excites me the most is how this building will impact us as students. It's not just a place for classes; it's a catalyst for success. The seamless integration of classrooms, laboratories, and office spaces fosters collaboration among faculty, staff, and dedicated students. The cutting-edge classrooms and communal spaces inspire academic brilliance and connections, both crucial for student growth. This building goes beyond education; it's a place where students can flourish holistically,” said Aliyah Lexus Manansala, Associated Student Government President at Mission College. 

Some of the notable features include:

• A grand suspended staircase that creates a stunning focal point upon entering the building.
• Adjoining classrooms are equipped with glass garage doors, allowing for an innovative approach to teaching and learning, with the option to extend classrooms into the Central Plaza.
• A Computational Science and Information Technology lab with an adjoining workroom, encouraging collaborative efforts among students and instructors.
• An outdoor classroom and terrace, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mission College campus, providing an inspiring backdrop for learning and social interaction.

“Thank you to all the members of our community who have supported us. Your partnership is why we do this work. You support us in moving this community forward and serving the needs of every single member of our community, which is what we do every day. Thank you for being our partners and collaborators in that,” Chancellor Bradley Davis said. 

The realization of this visionary project would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of Lionakis, a renowned leader in architectural, structural engineering, planning, and interior design. Their expertise and dedication were pivotal in bringing this groundbreaking facility to life.

"From the moment it was designed, this building has been all about student equity and success. It's been at the heart of what we've thought about as we put something physical together to be able to help students and faculty be as successful as possible. I was very proud to see that we have accomplished that,” said Dennis Guerra, Associate Principal with Lionakis.

The building was paid for by 2012’s Measure C, a $350 million bond program from the West Valley-Mission College Community College District. The program will update academic facilities and technologies to prepare students for 21st century jobs, transfer to universities, and upgrade healthcare, public safety, and job-training facilities. The monies for new construction will be and have been used to replace aging buildings, classrooms, and facilities.

“This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the growth and development of our city, showcasing the enduring commitment of Mission College to excellence in education and the betterment of our community. This day not only exemplifies the dedication and vision of Mission College but also serves as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between our city and this prestigious institution. I am confident that it will serve as a catalyst for even greater achievements in the years to come,” Mayor Lisa Gillmor said.

Mission College is excited to embrace the future with its new Business and Technology Building and looks forward to the remarkable educational experiences and opportunities it will provide students. This grand opening marks a significant milestone in a journey towards academic excellence and a brighter future for all who walk through its doors.