SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College held a grand celebration for the new Oscar A. Keller Jr. & Elderlene R. Keller Health Sciences Building and the addition of the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center on Tuesday, May 15.

These projects were made possible through the $23 million Central Carolina Community College bond referendums approved in November 2014.

Julian Philpott, Chairman of the CCCC Board of Trustees, thanked the citizens of Lee County "who recognized the educational excellence of CCCC and by overwhelming support approved the bond proposals several years ago that has allowed CCCC to expand and improve existing College facilities and construct new ones that will continue to keep CCCC an innovative leader in education," he said. "This new Health Sciences facility and the addition to the Civic Center that we're dedicating today are integral parts of the overall vision for the College from the Trustees, administration, faculty, and community leaders. We have a great partnership here at CCCC with the public and with our private businesses and industries.

"The Mission Statement of CCCC provides that 'Central Carolina Community College serves as a catalyst for individual, community, and economic development by empowerment through accessible lifelong learning.' These new facilities will be key components in helping fulfill CCCC's mission to not just serve our service area and our State, but also internationally. Through the foresight of Lee County's citizens and the generosity of people like Oscar and Elderlene Keller, educational vision is becoming reality. Our quality of life will be improved because of these facilities," said Philpott.

Among the guests for the event included Peter Hans, the new president of the N.C. Community College System. "Central Carolina Community College has been an innovative leader in our state and the dedication of these new facilities is a great testament to the people of Lee, Harnett, and Chatham counties," said Hans.

Former N.C. Lt. Gov. Dennis A. Wicker, a Sanford resident and namesake of the Civic Center, said, "We have a lot to be proud of. But it didn't happen because of any one person. It happened because we came together as a people and made this happen. Our community made this happen. All of us. All of us who have been a part of it."

Another speaker was former N.C. Secretary of State and Attorney General Rufus Edmisten, a friend of Oscar Keller Jr. "Oscar Keller and Elderlene made a big difference in life," said Edmisten. "The legacy that Oscar leaves will no doubt be undeniably one that will live forever in Lee County."

For information about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit its website, www.cccc.edu or call the college at 919-775-5401.