According to the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), planning for construction of the new labs began 12 years ago in response to a growing demand in the area for more advanced HVACR training. Loren (Shorty) Shuck, CMS, RSES’ Educational and Examining Board Chairman, served on a committee at the college that managed campus facilities development. Fellow RSES member Joseph Owens, CM, Secretary of the Antelope Valley Chapter of RSES, who is also an instructor at the college, eventually took over Shuck’s role on the committee.
“It took years to move this project to the top of the funding priority list, but it finally happened,” said Shuck.
An earthquake in 1994 delayed funding for the project as money was rerouted to other areas of need. But RSES says that Shuck continued to push for funding of the project for years.
“I am very happy these labs are finally near completion because it is the only educational facility within a 50-mile radius with an HVACR program. The new labs more than triple the size of the area that was dedicated to HVACR in the old building. This will allow the program to grow a great deal,” Shuck said.
Publication date: 10/28/2002