The brand new South Quad Complex could not have come at a better time for Long Beach City College.

On Friday, the community college welcomed its newest addition to the Liberal Arts Campus, a state-of-the-art multimedia center with 32 classrooms and enough space to serve more than 15,000 students per semester.

In an age where universities are cutting enrollment and more students are opting to go for the lower tuition of a community college, upgrades to the LBCC campus are more vital than ever in order to deal with a booming student population that is learning to embrace the community college experience before jumping to four-year universities to finish their degree.

“The new South Quad Complex will provide our students with state of the art classrooms and technology,” said President Eloy Ortiz Oakley. “Our faculty and students will now have access to the latest equipment and multimedia.”

The complex was constructed with funds from the 2002 Measure E bond. It will house Speech Communication, Social Sciences and Business departments, providing wireless internet, video conferencing systems and space for public meetings and community events on top of its classroom facilities. It is also designed with energy efficient lighting and cooling systems, as well as drought resistant landscaping and stormwater retention.

Photos courtesy LBCC