On Tuesday, June 24, 2008,  representatives from Tarragon, City of Kent and Green River Community College  broke ground on the next phase of construction for Kent Station and the GRCC expansion. Joe Blattner, President of Tarragon and emcee for the dedication ceremony, invited Rich Rutkowski, GRCC President, and Suzette Cooke, Mayor of Kent,  on stage to share their thoughts about this momentous occasion. Rich Rutkowski used the opportunity to thank everyone involved with the project, stretching back to the previous city administration under Mayor Jim White through today’s civic and community leaders.

Rich also recognized GRCC staff and faculty who have been responsible for putting together solid college programs and making good use of the Kent facility. He specifically mentioned the work of Mari Ragland, Kent Campus Manager, and the team of Edith Bannister and Leslie Moore. Additionally, Sam Ball, Dean of Instruction for Capital Projects, was commended for his work on leading the construction process from vision to completion.

Rich shared with those in attendance that higher education is an economic driver in the community; and Green River specifically, addresses the communities needs in the areas of basic skills, English as a Second Language (ESOL) and providing resources for a pool of skilled employees, small business assistance, and programs for students intending to transfer to universities. The Kent Campus expansion will also increase Green River’s capacity to deliver programs for an international audience, which will enhance Kent Station’s character - adding to the unique atmosphere already in place.

Several Green River staff members intermingled with business and community leaders and enjoyed witnessing the next steps toward increasing Green River’s presence and service to the community. Rather than mark the occasion with a traditional groundbreaking, Joe Blattner invited Rich and Mayor Cooke to don hard hats, pickup shiny shovels and help plant a tree that will grow along side the new Green River building. Incidentally, the new building is being built to the LEED Silver Standard and will be among the first in Kent to embrace these environmental standards and sustainable construction.