Howard Community College officials touted the campus’ new $77 million science, engineering and technology building on Monday as a facility that will help put the college at the forefront of science education.

“The technology and the ability to integrate the technology you’re teaching here is cutting-edge,” said Patti Turner, dean of HCC’s science, engineering and technology division. “The faculty and staff are well prepared for it and so much of their time and energy went into planning it, so they know exactly how to use the facility.”

College President Kathleen Hetherington led a ribbon-cutting celebration Monday attended by state and local officials including Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford, state Sen. Gail H. Bates and Howard County Council members Jon Weinstein and Calvin Ball.

After the ceremony, more than 80 visitors flooded the entrance to look at the finished building.

Turner said the four-story, 145,300- square-foot building actually opened in May for summer classes. But the start of the fall semester marks “a milestone” for the See HCC, page 5