Get linked up to learn in luxury

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By SALVADOR GUTIERREZ, Staff Reporter ¦

Amarillo College’s satellite site, Community Link, has a new look after getting remodeled over the summer. The change represents a team effort by the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) department, the student success division and the AC Foundation.

AC’s communication and marketing department, physical plant and information technology department contributed to the project as well. Community Link is located in Northeast Amarillo and offers adult education services and English as a second language classes.

Approximately $100,000 in money from an Adult Education and Literacy grant and the AC Foundation funded the remodeling, turning the facility into a flexible space.

“It just needed to be refreshed. We had some grant dollars that would allow us to purchase new collaborative learning stations that produce a learning classroom for high engagement and best practices for our students,” Edythe Carter, dean of academic success, said.

Student comfort was considered in the design process, according to Michelle Lamons, AEL director of instruction and college integration pathways. The outcome was “providing students with a beautiful learning environment because the vendor used, SteelCase, is known for their beautiful design aesthetics,” Lamons said.

“Amarillo College received a two-for-one — designing a space for students to be comfortable in as they learn and receiving a beautiful result,” she added.

AEL provided all of the ergonomic SteelCase furnishings. Physical plant provided flooring, paint and new countertops. Communications and marketing provided artwork showcasing AEL student success stories. IT services provided audio-visual equipment, high speed Wi-Fi and new wiring and the AC Foundation provided the new vinyl wrappings showcasing AC communities.

“We wanted to make it a space where students feel inspired to continue their education,” Wes Condray-Wright, director of communications and marketing, said. “What we are working on is creating a cohesive look that fits the brand of AC across all of our campuses,” Condray-Wright added.

Currently, GED and ESL classes are taught at Community Link and it also serves as a space for students to work on homework.

“They could go over and use the facility. In the afternoon is the best time,” Dr. Tamara Clunis, vice president of academic affairs, said. “The labs are open from 12 to 5, which is the perfect time for students to work on their resumes or use the Wi-Fi,” Clunis added.

Community Link will host an open house Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 806-345-5505 or visit Community Link, located at 2412 N. Grand.

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