SAC Dedicates New and Renovated Buildings

A once-in-a generation campus improvement project at San Antonio College was celebrated today with the dedication of two new buildings and the unveiling of a major renovation at a third building that includes a one-stop student enrollment center named for two legendary San Antonio journalists.

“This is a banner day at SAC and for our mission to be responsive to the needs of our students and our community,” said Dr. Naydeen González-De Jesús, president of San Antonio College. “These new spaces give us the opportunity to raise the level of teaching, experiential education, and the overall student experience.”

The construction of a science building, a combined building for the SAC Early Childhood Center and John L. Santikos Micronaut Center, as well as renovations to the Fletcher Administration Building, are part of the Alamo College District’s bond-funded Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).

In May 2017, Bexar County voters approved a capital improvement bond proposal representing $450 million in upgrades across the Alamo Colleges. These include the renovation of existing facilities, the addition of new facilities and expanded reach within San Antonio. To date, the Alamo Colleges District has completed over $395 million of groundbreaking futures development across Bexar County. 

SAC received $83 million to fund the construction projects. O’Connell Robertson was the architect of record on the project and Vaughn Construction completed the project.

Construction began in Spring 2019.

“The capital improvements at San Antonio College represent the near completion of $450 million of infrastructure and IT across the Alamo Colleges,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “New facilities, such as these, make sure we’re creating paths for high-wage, high-demand jobs which leads to increased economic and social mobility for our students. We are grateful to the community for supporting our vision of expanding educational opportunities throughout Bexar County far into the future.” 

Science Building
At a cost of $15.6 million, the 19,000 square-foot SAC Science Building includes seven flexible classrooms that also serve as advanced lab space for subjects including microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and general biology, and will serve hundreds of students majoring in nursing, allied health (medical assisting, dental assisting and EMS), biology and pre-professional biology.

Each of the classrooms serves as an advanced laboratory, with ergonomic chairs and gas access at each student work station, hood vents, coolers and emergency showers. Extremely durable flooring stands up to any spills or water. And each lab includes two ADA-accessible stations.

 Read more on the Science Building here

Early Childhood Center and John L. Santikos Micronaut Center
A new $17.8 million, 21,000-square-foot building houses two of SAC’s most beloved programs. The Early Childhood Center provides childcare services for SAC students, staff, faculty and the community for children under 4 years of age.

The center also serves as a teaching lab for SAC’s early childhood education associate degree program. The new facility will enhance and expand the center’s nationally recognized reputation.

Classrooms are customized for children by age, with rooms for infants, mobile infants and preschool children, all designed so children can learn, play, eat, nap and use the restrooms without leaving the room. Each classroom also has direct access to an enclosed, age-appropriate playground. A covered patio provides ample space to play outside even when it’s raining.

Read more about the Early Childhood Center Here.

 The Santikos Micronaut Center is designed to spark the imagination of young children with STEAM-focused activities (science, technology, engineering, art and math).

It's the first of its kind in the country and is already serving as a model for other centers. The center caters to school groups and is currently hosting preschool and kindergarten classes.

A $500,000 grant from the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation, a fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, allowed SAC to develop the dedicated center designed for younger children. A team of local early childhood experts, educators and other community stakeholders planned the center concept and created the activities to serve young students.

“Once again, the Alamo Colleges District continues to serve as a national model – in this case, from cradle to career in creating pathways for our community’s youngest minds to get connected to STEM fields,” said Patricia Mejia, Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact at the Area Foundation. “We’re humbled to be able to provide catalytic support through the legacy of John L. Santikos, who highly valued educational attainment.”

Read more about the Santikos Micronaut Center here.

Fletcher Administration Building
The 60,039 square-foot Fletcher Administration Building underwent a $21.1 million -dollar renovation and is now the home of the Tino & Millie Duran Welcome Center, the first stop for students who want to enroll at SAC. In addition, the building includes the Outreach and Recruitment Office, Testing and Advising, Admissions and Records, Business and Financial Aid, Offices for the College Executive Team, a student lounge, and a café area.

San Antonio College (SAC), part of the Alamo Colleges District, is among the largest, single-campus community colleges in Texas and the nation. In 2021, SAC received the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

SAC has been designated as an official Hispanic Serving Institution and also serves the largest student veteran population in Texas and has earned a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Founded in 1925, SAC offers courses in the Arts and Sciences and Professional/Technical Fields. SAC is also a leader in the field of online education. For more information, visit: alamo.edu/sac.

About the San Antonio Area Foundation:
The San Antonio Area Foundation (SAAFdn) has served as the city's community-giving headquarters for nearly 60 years, growing to become one of the top 20 community foundations in the nation. The Area Foundation helps donors achieve their charitable goals supporting our community’s greatest needs, managing more than 500 charitable funds nearly $1 billion in assets. Beyond serving hundreds of nonprofit organizations every year through training and grantmaking, where total impact exceeded $71 million in 2020, the Area Foundation operates a strong student scholarship program. Over $37 million has been invested in our future leaders since 1969 through more than 100 scholarship funds. Learn more at saafdn.org.

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