Victoria College’s Board of Trustees voted Monday to approve a guaranteed maximum price of $33,683,644 for the construction of the new Student Success Center, setting the stage for construction to begin following a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30.
The Board previously selected Drymalla Construction Company, Inc. as the construction manager for the project in Nov. 2020. Monday’s action amends the agreement to establish the guaranteed maximum price, ensuring project costs will not exceed the established amount.
Victoria County voters approved a $10 million bond in May 2023, which will fund approximately 24 percent of the project, with 76 percent of the funding committed through grants, gifts and institutional funds.
The three-story expansion and renovation of the existing Student Center will provide students with resources – including a library, admissions, advising, financial aid, testing, veteran services, and tutoring – in one, central campus location.
“We invite the community to join us as we break ground and celebrate the incredible collective effort that has moved the Student Success Center one step closer to reality,” said Dr. Jennifer Kent, VC President. “From our visionary Board of Trustees and dedicated employees to the many generous donors and supportive voters, the Student Success Center will stand as a symbol of community commitment to education and progress.”
Construction is expected to begin soon after the Jan. 30 groundbreaking, with completion slated for 2025, coinciding with VC’s 100th anniversary.
“As Victoria College prepares to turn 100, we are excited to open doors to a brighter future for our region’s students, whether graduating with an associate degree, transferring to a four-year institution, or entering the workforce,” said Kent.
Updates on the project’s progress will be posted on Victoria College’s bond webpage at VictoriaCollege.edu/Bond23.
The public is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony, which will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the Student Center on VC’s Main Campus.