Governor cuts ribbon at Germanna in Stafford

STAFFORD — Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine was on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the newly opened Germanna Community College Center at 2761 Jefferson Davis Highway on Wednesday.

“Does anyone have a left-handed pair of scissors?” joked Kaine as he sliced the ribbon at the school entrance.

“Community college is where it’s at,” said Kaine. “When people are seeking more skills they go to community college.”

Members of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors were present for the ceremony.

“It’s a great day for Stafford,” said Supervisor Harry Crisp, D-George Washington. “It’s important for the economic recovery. …It’s a great opportunity for those who have been laid off and seek re-education and for those who seek career opportunities.”

Supervisor Bob Woodson, D-Griffis-Widewater, called the college a “great opportunity for your people who don’t want to go to a four year university. They can find themselves at a school that is not cost prohibitive and is closer proximity to their homes.”

Supervisor Paul Milde, R-Aquia, said he worked to bring Germanna to Stafford for more than two years. He first approached the Economic Development Authority, which presented a check for $300,000 to the college’s president, Dr. David Sam, for the project at the ceremony.

“It’s a great start,” said Milde.

Germanna’s facility houses a computer testing center, interactive classrooms, wireless Internet, and a computer lab. Fifty-two classes will be offered this fall and an enrollment of approximately 1,000 is expected.

“Non-credit training” will also be available, including classes on leadership and team working. Also, computer courses for business owners and prospective business owners will be available. History and appreciation of art, general biology, human physiology and anatomy, introduction to business, English, education, sociology, psychology, history information technology, and others, are included in the curricula.

“Students are signing up already,” said Sam.

“I think this will be outgrown quickly,” remarked local businesswoman Jo Knight, who attended the ceremony.

Sam also expects positive growth for the school.

“It will come,” says Sam. “Eventually we’ll have our building if not a campus.”

Jim Lawrence is a contributing writer to the Stafford County Sun. Reach him at info@staffordcountysun.com.