Southeast Community College tech center project off and running

BEATRICE - Southeast Community College broke ground on the Sandhills Global Technology Center Wednesday, on the Lincoln Campus.

Construction on the $32.4 million Sandhills Global Technology Center was aided by a $5 million gift...the largest in SCC history, from Sandhills Global, an information technology company headquartered in Lincoln.

Shawn Peed, chief executive officer of Sandhills Global, attended the groundbreaking.

SCC also received nearly $4.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds distributed by the city of Lincoln to address workforce development needs. The funds are supporting SCC’s new Office of Work-based Learning and dedicated lab spaces to provide upskilling, reskilling, and other asymmetrical training opportunities in the information technology industry.

The Dillon Foundation also donated $500,000 toward the project.

Dr. Paul Illich, SCC president, said the building is part of the College’s vision to transform and empower its diverse learners for fulfilling careers, lifelong learning and community and societal advancement.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, said Lincoln’s long-term commitment to equipping SCC students and area residents with life-changing opportunities is being celebrated with the launch of the new facility.

Weitz Construction of Lincoln is the general contractor for the project, which will consist of 75,000 square feet for Computer Information Technology, Electronic Systems Technology, Biotechnology, and Design & Drafting Technology programs. BWBR, with offices in Omaha; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Madison, Wisconsin, is the architect.

The facility is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2024 Fall Semester.