Mission College Unveils Measure W Funded Modernized Library
Exterior view of the updated Library & Learning Commons at Mission College. Modernized
through the community's support of Measure W, the 28,000-square-foot building serves
as a vital learning and research hub for both students and the broader Silicon Valley
community.
For Immediate Release
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - Mission College will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its reimagined
28,000-square-foot Library & Learning Commons on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4:00
p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Made possible by the local community through the passage of the
West Valley-Mission Community College District’s voter-approved Measure W bond measure,
the transformed facility serves as a dedicated public resource for the greater Silicon
Valley region.
The celebration will include welcoming remarks from campus and district leadership,
an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided walking and tours led by student ambassadors.
"Community colleges belong to the public, and this grand opening is our opportunity
to welcome our neighbors to campus and thank them directly for their investment,"
said Dr. Seher Awan, President of Mission College. "Through voter-approved Measure
W, this space was built for our students to persist and thrive, and our doors are
wide open to community members who wish to read, research, and connect."
A Mission College student browses course materials in the newly renovated Library
& Learning Commons. Funded by voter-approved Measure W, the modernized 28,000-square-foot
facility features expanded book collections, collaborative study rooms, and integrated
academic support.
A Modernized Center for Collaboration and Student Achievement
Designed to accommodate quiet contemplation as well as active teamwork, the upgraded
28,000-square-foot space combines the ability for students to engage with academic
research and receive comprehensive student support:
Collaborative & Quiet Spaces: Group study rooms, dedicated quiet reading zones, modern ergonomic furniture, and
updated computer workstations.
Academic Support Center (ASC): An integrated support center offering peer tutoring, degree completion mentoring,
and basic skills support.
Civic & Research Access: Enhanced physical book collections, extensive digital research databases, and information
literacy opportunities, all designed to serve students and community partners alike.
Expanded Access: Modernized welcome services and after-hours availability to support working adults
and non-traditional student schedules.
"Our goal was to design an inclusive environment that eliminates barriers and supports
students at every milestone, from their first semester to transfer and graduation,"
said John Schoppert, Director of Library & Learning Support Services. "With our integrated
Academic Support Center and expanded technology, this building provides the tools
our students need to achieve their academic goals."
Delivered Through Strong Regional Partnerships
The project was funded through the 2018 Measure W capital bond funds under the leadership
of the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees and the Facilities
Construction & Design team. Project partners who brought the renovation from design
to completion include:
Architect: WRNS Studio
General Contractor: SC Builders
Project & Construction Management: Gilbane Building Company
Ceremony Schedule & Public Attendance Information
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Library & Learning Commons, Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara,
CA 95054
Parking: Complimentary parking is provided in campus Lot B
Members of the public, civic partners, alumni, and campus community are encouraged
to RSVP at tinyurl.com/mission-library
Benjamin Demers Director of Marketing and Public Relations [email protected]
About Mission College
Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing
accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.
With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers
a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services
to foster a thriving educational community.
