HCC officials break ground for STEM facility on Felix Fraga Academic Campus

Mar 11, 2015

The chilly, windy weather did not keep supporters away from the groundbreaking ceremony for the new STEM facility on the Felix Fraga Academic Campus of Houston Community College Southeast.

“Forget about the weather,” said Dr. Irene Porcarello, HCC Southeast president. “Think of this as a beautiful day for celebration!”

The celebration brought out HCC trustees, elected officials, community leaders and students including Yajaira Peña, an East Early College High School student who will graduate in May 2016 with her High School Diploma and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from HCC.

“This new building will benefit the students," said Peña. “We aspire to be the new leaders from HCC.”

The $16 million, 36,400 square foot building will focus on science, technology, engineering and math. It is the second one on the campus named after Felix Fraga, community leader and former Houston City councilman.

Fraga, who was in attendance with his wife Nelly proudly said, “This is probably the best thing that will ever happen to our neighborhood.”

The new facility will include lab and classroom spaces, a Maritime Center, lounge, library and a telescope that will be part of an astronomy curriculum offered under the direction of renowned professor Roger Boston.

“The latest technology is here at HCC,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. “You don’t have to go anywhere else to get a world class education.”

Today’s groundbreaking was the fourth in a series of 14 in the $425 million dollar HCC Groundbreaker Bond Program, which celebrates significant capital improvements of campuses across the district.

“Thank you for sharing in this dream,” said Eva Loredo, HCC Trustee District VIII. “Use our facilities, they are here for you.”

For more information about the bond program, please visit hccs.edu/bond.