The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) reached another milestone with the grand opening of its new Cafeteria Building, last Friday.
ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Pato explained how, historically, the vision to have a foodcourt housed in a student services building began in 2008 under the leadership of former ASCC President Dr. Seth Galeai and then-Chief Financial Officer Falema’o Pili.
With the receipt of funds through the ARRA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and CIP Capital Improvement Projects, ASCC was able to put this vision partially in place when it opened the Multi-purpose Center (MPC).
The groundbreaking for the new building took place in 2020 under the previous administration of Governor Lolo and Lt. Governor Lemanu.
“Four years later, with the support of the current administration of Lemanu and Laapui and the Board of Higher Education, we open the doors of a building that houses a foodcourt with four vendors on the first floor offering a variety of healthy options catered to our student population,” said Dr. Pato.
“On the second floor, the Financial Aid Offices and the Admissions Offices will serve all students and will extend the services offered on this end of the campus and right next door at the Division of Student Services housed in the MPC.”
First Lady Mrs. Ella Mauga cut the ribbon to officially open the cafeteria building.
Also, on Friday was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smart Art, Community and Higher Education Building at ASCC.
The building will be built by Willis Construction Corporation, based on a plan by Clifford Planning and Architecture LLC. When completed, the two-story structure will combine classroom and office facilities, and is envisioned as the hub of the College’s many activities involving the community.
