HCC President’s Gala Raises $200,000 for Student Scholarships

Columbia, MD – Howard Community College (HCC) raised $200,000 for student scholarships at its December 2, 2017, President’s Gala, celebrating the grand opening of the  Science, Engineering, and Technology Building and Dr. Kate Hetherington’s 10th anniversary as president. Presented by Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), the black-tie affair attracted more than 600 guests, with proceeds going to the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (HCCEF), Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

The gala featured a buffet dinner catered by Putting On The Ritz, and dancing to the music of the Oracle Band. In addition to enjoying delicious food and a live band, guests toured the building and participated in interactive activities found in classrooms and laboratories. Guests also enjoyed a Black Bag Drawing, with each Black Bag including a bottle of wine and certificate to The Iron Bridge Wine Company, as well as a chance to win one of four prizes. 

The state-of-the-art SET Building, which officially opened for classes in summer 2017, offers dedicated laboratories for hands-on training in disciplines such as cybersecurity, computer forensics, genetics, geology, and plant science. It also features a two-story engineering big build room with a strong wall, ceiling-mounted crane, catwalk, and workbenches. A rooftop telescope observation area, with a telescope warming room and weather station with camera, is offered to the college’s aspiring astronomers. At approximately 145,300 gross square feet, the new building features innovative instructional spaces and modern advances in laboratory design to prepare students for the workforce or to transfer to four-year universities. 

Howard County and the state of Maryland shared the costs of the $76.7 million building, which will help meet growing demand for well-training cybersecurity professionals, scientists, and engineers.