STCC celebrates groundbreaking for $55 million School of Health and Patient Simulation relocation project
STCC leaders, along with state, local and federal elected officials, hold ceremonial golden hammers at a groundbreaking event on June 17. From left: STCC Trustees Jeffrey S. Sattler, Samalid M. Hogan, state Sen. Adam Gomez, Maddy Landrau of the MassMutual Foundation, STCC President John B. Cook, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, STCC Trustees Michael R. Knapik, Elizabeth A. Oleksak-Sposito and William A. Davila. (Photo credit: Paul Bloomfield)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College celebrated a major milestone in its commitment to healthcare education on June 17 with a groundbreaking ceremony for a $55 million project to relocate the School of Health and Patient Simulation to Scibelli Hall, also known as Building 2.
Federal, state, local officials and stakeholders joined STCC leaders, faculty and staff at Scibelli Hall to commemorate the beginning of renovations that will create a new home for over 20 healthcare degree and certificate programs, as well as the college’s nationally-accredited SIMS Medical Center.
During the ceremony, speakers highlighted the importance of the investment in strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce and ensuring students have access to modern, state-of-the-art learning environments.
STCC President John B. Cook takes a ceremonial swing with a sledgehammer at the groundbreaking for the relocation of health programs.
The event concluded with participants taking a ceremonial swing with a sledgehammer at a mock wall at Scibelli Hall.
The groundbreaking also marked a significant milestone in the tenure of STCC President Dr. John B. Cook, who has championed the project for years and worked closely with elected officials and state leaders to secure funding and move the initiative forward. The healthcare relocation project has been one of Cook’s top priorities during his decade-long presidency. He is stepping down at the end of June.
“The School of Health relocation project has been the highest priority in our campus Master Plan since 2019,” Cook said. “As we celebrate today a $55 million project, it is a testament to the value of our effort to ensure such vital programs have the classrooms, labs, equipment, and technology needed to ensure those do endure and persist.”
Among those participating in the ceremony were U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, State Sen. Adam Gómez, STCC Board of Trustees Chair Michael Knapik, and Cook.
“The importance of providing hands-on training that will help meet the needs of today’s workforce cannot be understated, and STCC has been leading that effort for decades,” Neal said. “As President Cook prepares for his next chapter in higher education, today’s announcement is a fitting tribute to all that he’s accomplished during his time at STCC. His focus has remained the same: providing high-quality, accessible education to students from all walks of life. It is because of his efforts that thousands of students have garnered the skills needed to build meaningful careers, support their families, and make lasting contributions to their communities."
This is an historic day for our campus as we celebrate today’s groundbreaking.Michael Knapik, Chair, STCC Board of Trustees
Gómez said, “This project represents a meaningful investment in Springfield, our students and the future of healthcare across Western Massachusetts.”
“STCC has long served as a gateway to opportunity for residents throughout our region, and the modernization of the School of Health and Patient Simulation will provide students with the state-of-the-art facilities and training environments needed to prepare for in-demand healthcare careers,” Gómez said. “By strengthening our workforce pipeline and expanding access to high-quality education, we are investing in healthier communities and a stronger regional economy.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno thanked state leaders for the investment and the MassMutual Foundation for the philanthropic gift. He applauded STCC’s leadership team.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal takes his turn to swing a sledgehammer at a groundbreaking ceremony.
“I commend and thank President John Cook and the team at Springfield Technical Community College for bringing this cutting-edge health science educational tool to our Springfield community,” Sarno said. “STCC continues to be a great partner to Springfield and remains focused on education and training for a competitive regional workforce, and meeting the needs of our community.”
Michael Knapik, chair of the STCC Board of Trustees, said, “This is an historic day for our campus as we celebrate today’s groundbreaking which is the culmination of a great deal of hard work to advance instruction and learning for the next generation of students within our new School of Health and Patient Simulation—a partnership of the Commonwealth, STCC, and our donors and students. The Board of Trustees is grateful to the members of Springfield’s Legislative Delegation and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their extraordinary support for STCC and for making this day possible.”
The $55 million relocation project is funded through a combination of state, institutional and philanthropic support, including $38 million from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, $11.5 million from STCC Board of Trustees, $500,000 from the STCC Foundation and $1 million from the MassMutual Foundation. The remaining funding comes from STCC’s capital budget.
Officials set an estimated completion date of winter 2027-2028.
The investment will support the relocation of healthcare programs from Building 20, an aging facility constructed in 1941 that has exceeded its useful life and required costly emergency repairs over the years.
The School of Health and Patient Simulation offers over 20 associate degree and certificate programs and several shorter term credentials. Approximately 500 students earn health care credentials through STCC each year. Students can choose from a range of programs, from nursing, dental hygiene and physical and occupational therapy to surgical technology and radiology. The school also offers a unique open-admission Health Science degree with embedded certifications.
Students have access to the SIMS Medical Center, one of only a handful of nationally-accredited simulation centers in the state, which features state-of-the-art patient simulators that mimic biological functions and physiological responses. An innovations lab features 3D printing and design, virtual reality training tools to create realistic patient scenarios in a safe environment.
The School of Health and Patient Simulation employs more than 120 faculty and staff and serves as a key contributor to the education, training and workforce needs of the region’s healthcare industry.
College leaders said the relocation will enhance the student experience, expand opportunities for hands-on learning and help meet growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals across Western Massachusetts.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the College—a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution—seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed, and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu