The Bhupesh Parikh Health Science and Technology Building, which began construction in May 2005, 26 months later is now open for classes.
The building, housing nursing and art facilities, was funded from three sources: $17,564,000 from the state, $11,570,000 from local bond money, and $1 million from the family of Kumud and Bhupesh Parikh. The total expenditure of $29.3 million has delivered a new look to Glendale College with its state-of-the- art classrooms filled with fancy new computers to help guide students on their path to success in digital art and nursing.
When Bhupesh Parikh first saw the building after it was constructed he said he was very proud and felt very humble that he got more than he asked for. He also added that he had seen the outside of the building from a picture, but would have never thought it was this beautiful from the inside.
The 38,000-square-foot building will provide the students with space for their activities and more opportunities in these newly built classrooms. The first floor has four computer labs and an accumulative total of 160 computers for student use.
The second floor of the science building has an open computer and preparation lab. The lab has 25 new Apple computers with the latest software for their projects.
On the third floor are two nursing labs with 28 computers and four classrooms that allow more spots for Nursing majors.
This year, the nursing program has raised its academic standards for admission. According to the nursing department regulations on the school website, all students interested in the RN program have been required to pass a diagnostic assessment test to determine if they are prepared. Those that do not pass will not be enrolled.
The nursing program offers two programs that allow their pupils to gather knowledge and take their career to the next level. First, the four-semester Generic Nursing program, qualifies graduates to apply for a license in California as a registered nurse. And the Ladder Program is a two-semester program that leads to an associate’s degree.
The digital design department is one of the most innovative features of the new building. Rebecca Hillquist, a professor of the Web Design, teaches her students to be aware of the patterns in the environment. “We basically want our students to be visually aware of the environment and notice the patterns of design,” said Hillquist. “Students that have interest in design will not be disappointed, because the courses will provide them with practical knowledge and prepare them for the outside world.”
Additionally, Hillquist said that the students are encouraged to go on the Web and acquaint themselves with the work of other designers. She also encourages students who are interested in Web design to visit art galleries to gain exposure of of the work of recognized artists.
Professor Robert Kibler, Chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Division, said, “Students can complete an A. A. Degree in Visual Arts and be prepared for transfer to a four-year program at another college or university, or choose the A. S. in Art with a certificate major in a variety of occupational careers, including photography, graphic design, ceramics, animation, media arts, studio art, etc.”
This year the art program has expanded with the completion of the building. “We just moved our digital arts program into the new Bupesh Parikh Technology building,” Kibler said. “There are new instructional labs for digital arts training in Animation, Digital Photo, Digital Illustration, Web Design, and Graphic Design. Each of these four labs has 25 state-of-the-art Macintosh work stations for students. There is also a 25-seat student open lab for students in the digital arts classes so they can work on class projects.
“We have a great staff of highly qualified and dedicated instructors and laboratory technicians ready to help students succeed in transfer or vocational training.”
“It’s a pretty nice facility, open late – very accessible – and has all new state of the art equipment”, said Marvin Yousry, a graphic design major and international student.
