Students are already using the new business and technology building at Johnson County Community College. On Tuesday, the college is inviting the public to come take a look at the Regnier Center.

College officials say the three-story, 155,000-square-foot building includes:

** The Center for Business and Technology, with training rooms, assessment center, computer labs, a 6,000-square-foot Capitol Federal Conference Center and classrooms, including the Harvey S. and Beverly R. Bodker Executive Classroom for classes in management and leadership.

** The Small Business Development Center, including an expanded resource center.

** Classrooms and labs for training in information technology, interactive media, computer science and data processing.

** A 5,400-square-foot biotechnology suite with a teaching lab, research lab, classroom, prep room, tissue culture room and faculty office. Equipment includes a DNA sequencer, a thermocycler and high-pressure liquid chromatograph.

** A three-story Shull Foyer, named in honor of Dick and Barbara Shull.

The project is part of a campus expansion that includes the new Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, which is scheduled to open Oct. 27. Together the Regnier Center and art museum cost about $52 million, according to college officials.

Construction of the Regnier Center was supported by a $5 million challenge gift from the Victor and Helen Regnier Charitable Foundation. The Regniers developed housing and commercial properties.

Regnier Center dedication

What: Public look at the new business and technology building at Johnson County Community College.

When: A dedication is from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday followed by an open house from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Where: East side of the campus at College and Quivira in Overland Park.

Details: The dedication will include an animated film created by the Educational Technology Center, and a video about the Regnier family created by the college's Media Production and Services. Dedication speakers will include JCCC administrators, state and local politicians, and Bob Regnier, president of Bank of Blue Valley. The open house will include self-guided tours, "gourmet" appetizers and a special blend of "Regnier" coffee created by The Roasterie.

Source: JCCC

Section: COLATHE
Page: OL7

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