“Topping Out” Marks Milestone in Cellon Institute Construction

December 4, 2024

Construction workers in hardhats gathered alongside business and college leaders for a “Topping Out” celebration Dec. 4 to mark the end of the structural phase of construction at the Ralph W. Cellon Jr. Institute for Skilled Trades and Advanced Manufacturing on Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus.

A builder’s tradition, a Topping Out celebration recognizes the shared dedication and hard work that brought the project to this significant juncture.

About six months after construction began on the Cellon Institute at the Northwest Campus, the final beam has been put in place.

All present were invited to sign the beam as a mark of their contribution and appreciation.

Bill Pearson, president of Parrish McCall Constructors, which is leading construction, thanked members of his team, the subcontractors and college leadership and staff for coming together seamlessly on this important project.

“Everyone’s individual contributions created the whole,” he said.

Pearson noted that Parrish McCall’s mission and Santa Fe College’s are uniquely aligned “to improve our community and strengthen our construction trades.”

His remarks complemented those of College President Dr. Paul Broadie II, who noted that trades are growing both locally and nationally.

“The work you have done to create this center will have a profound impact for years and years to come,” he said. “The high-tech education and training that will be provided here will positively impact our students, our workforce and our community.”

 

Broadie also recognized Ralph Cellon, who attended the event, and thanked him for his vision and for his decades of commitment to advancing the College.

Cellon has been a notable figure throughout the history of the college as an advocate and board member.

Also, in the tradition of a Topping Out, the builders added a tree to the roof for the celebration. An ancient Scandinavian rite calls for an evergreen tree or branch to be placed on top of a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced by the building. The ceremony also included a prayer and blessing of the tradespeople.

Later in the afternoon, Santa Fe College employees and students were invited for a tour of the new building and an opportunity to sign the beam.

Broadie told them the building was a reminder about the importance of listening.

“The impact as an institution will be because we listened. We listened to the faculty who described their needs and what was best for students. We listened to our businesses who told us their workforce needs and we listened to our community about what it needs to thrive.

“And now we are delivering.”

Scheduled to open in Fall 2025, the Cellon Institute will allow for expansion of key trades programs in Welding and HVAC, as well as the addition of an Engineering Technology Advanced Manufacturing degree program, which also has a specialization in semiconductors.

The 33,725 square foot facility will have 24,216 square feet of air-conditioned space and 9,508 of covered exterior teaching lab space.

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