PITTSBORO, N.C. - Central Carolina Community College has dedicated the Sustainable Technologies Building on the CCCC Chatham Main Campus in honor of Dr. George Lucier. An event to commemorate the naming took place on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Dr. Lucier has been an active member of the CCCC Board of Trustees and the CCCC Foundation. In addition, Dr. Lucier has served on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and the Chatham County Planning Board. He was a member of the Chatham Board of Commissioners when that board approved funding for the CCCC Sustainable Technologies Building that is being named in his honor.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman has noted: "Dr. Lucier is a dedicated public servant whose service at Central Carolina Community College and beyond has been marked by strong leadership and great integrity."

Dr. Lucier has served 12 years on the CCCC Board of Trustees and currently is the Trustees' Vice Chair. He has served on the Trustees' Program Committee and Building and Grounds Committee - and has been Chair of the Building & Grounds Committee since 2020.

During his chairmanship of the Building & Grounds Committee, the new 220,000-square-foot E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center came into being. When renovation is complete, the facility will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind world-class education center - the largest facility in the state focused on addressing the workforce needs of advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. The Moore Center is just one of many construction and renovation projects that Dr. Lucier has been a part of during his tenure on the CCCC Board of Trustees.

Dr. Lucier has been a member of the CCCC Foundation Board for over 12 years, joining the board in 2011. He has served in various leadership roles including Chair of the Board from 2013-2015 and Immediate Past President from 2015-17. During his service on the board, Dr. Lucier founded and co-chairs the Foundation's Chatham County Annual Golf Classic that has raised over $150,000 over the past 10 years.

"George has faithfully served on our Board of Trustees for over a decade and as a member of CCCC's Foundation for most of that time as well. George currently serves as the Chair of our Building and Grounds Committee, and more importantly, as Vice Chair of our Board of Trustees," said H. Julian Philpott Jr., Chair of the CCCC Board of Trustees. "I personally value his judgment and his input on matters coming before the Board of Trustees and the Foundation, and I know that those of us who serve with George on those boards feel the same way."

Mr. Philpott said the Trustees wanted to honor Dr. Lucier in recognition of his outstanding service to CCCC, its administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Dr. Chapman, in her remarks, said that Dr. Lucier believes in taking care of everybody. "He absolutely is interested in every student and every community member," she said.

"You are a tremendous supporter of our college. You've done so much for the community. So much for Central Carolina. And over the years, the difference that you have made has continued to be seen by all," said Dr. Chapman, who presented a college coin for Dr. Lucier.

Dr. Jane Gallagher, representing her husband Dr. George Lucier, said: "He's definitely honored and thankful to you all. ... He believes that the college is very important. ... He appreciates you so much for this honor that you have given him."

Dr. Lucier served at the NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park for 31 years. In addition, he served as Chair of the NC Scientific Advisory Board with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources for 15 years, overseeing risk assessments for air pollutants in North Carolina.

Among others speaking at the dedication event were CCCC Foundation Board member Chris Ehrenfeld, former CCCC President Dr. T. Eston Marchant, and CCCC Trustee Dr. James G. Crawford.

"Retirement for George meant spending his time serving the county he loves and serving this community college," said Mr. Ehrenfeld. "This naming recognition means that generations from now will know what a lasting impact George has had on this community."

"George loves this college. He loves it with his heart and his soul," said Dr. Marchant. "But there is something that George loves even more - and that is the students who go here. ... There can be no higher honor than to serve as George has done."

"It is an honor to be part of the dedication of Dr. George Lucier Hall, a building that epitomizes the good works of a remarkable scholar, public servant, and friend of the college," said Dr. Crawford. "We recognize his outstanding work on behalf of the College Foundation, securing funds to the benefit of students and faculty. Thousands have attended our school on his watch. In years to come, thousands more will learn needed skills and knowledge inside these brick walls. My wish at this dedication is that they know that this building is named for Chatham and Central Carolina's indispensable citizen, Dr. George Lucier."

Dr. Emily C. Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director, said of Dr. Lucier: "Working with Dr. Lucier as chair and board member of the CCCC Foundation board is an absolute delight. He is full of energy and passion for CCCC and Chatham County. I am proud of his dedication to seeking investments in the college to support its needs and ensure our students have the best possible education available."