Salina Area Technical College is launching a capital campaign to fund an expansion to Building A, with the goal of providing more informal space for students and creating a more college-like atmosphere on campus.
The project is estimated to cost $681,000, and includes a 2,960 square-foot commons area, a bookstore and food vending area.
The addition will provide much-needed space for students to gather between classes to socialize and study, said Salina Tech President Greg Nichols.
“We currently only have one small commons area, and it quickly becomes crowded between classes,” Nichols said. “It’s an important part of the college experience for students to have places to gather.”
Approximately 700 students attend Salina Tech, according to official fall 2020 enrollment figures.
The campaign has already received significant donations of $250,000 from the Sunderland Foundation and $200,000 from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, said Larry Pankratz, director of development for the Salina Tech Foundation.
“These two generous donations mean we’re launching the campaign with some momentum behind it already,” Pankratz said. “We’re actively seeking both large and small donations to reach our goal.”
Pankratz said naming rights and other recognition is available for donors who reach certain thresholds, and he encouraged people with questions to contact him at 785-309-3121 or [email protected].
More information about the project, including floorplans and detailed information about donor recognition, is available on the college’s website at salinatech.edu/student-center/.