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Santa Fe College to hold groundbreaking for new Cellon Institute

Press release from Santa Fe College

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Santa Fe College will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. for the new Ralph W. Cellon Jr. Institute for Skilled Trades and Advanced Manufacturing. It will be built on SF’s Northwest Campus, 3000 NW 83rd Street, across the street from the SF Gymnasium.

The facility is being named in honor of Ralph W. Cellon, a longtime supporter of the college. Cellon has been a central figure throughout the college’s history. He helped lead the effort to secure the land where the college’s Northwest Campus is located, served as an inaugural trustee on the college’s District Board of Trustees, and has continuously served for 54 years on the Board of the Santa Fe College Foundation.

“Ralph Cellon has been integral to the growth of Santa Fe College since its inception, and it is fitting that this new facility be named in his honor,” SF President Paul Broadie II said. “He knows the power of a college education and the need for highly skilled workers in the trades. As demand continues to grow in these industries, students graduating from our programs will be able to enter their career field knowing that they have been trained to utilize the latest technology and are poised for success.”

When the facility opens, the increased space will enable the college to see a 275% increase in the number of students who can be trained in HVAC and Welding. In addition, the college plans to add a new degree program in Advanced Manufacturing to help address the needs of business and industry within the community.

Construction on the facility is expected to begin next year, with a projected opening in Fall 2025.

  • Outstanding and long overdue. It will train for a huge demand in “non-STEM” careers and well paying jobs.
    Attention to all you who say there’s nothing for the young people in our community to strive for.
    Now here’s your chance to put your child into a path other than gang violence.

  • This is a long over due to to a person that is very deserving .Mr. Ralph Cellon, Jr
    he has done many wonderful things to help lots of people for many years. I consider it an honor to know the Cellon family many years.
    Sincerely,
    Dee Williams Watson

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