FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, October 21, 2004 - San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies (CES) is hosting a grand opening celebration for its new $13 million Extended Studies Center from 3-5 pm Tuesday, October 26.

This sparkling new facility adds 22 state-of-the-art classrooms to CES. In addition, the 60,000-square-foot project provides new office space for the Department of Rhetoric and Writing and the SDSU Human Resources Department.

The first two floors of this new facility feature SMART classrooms with the latest in technology available to the College's customers - members of the greater San Diego community, individuals re-entering the workforce and business people from the community.

"We are very excited about the possibilities this new facility presents to CES," Dean William Byxbee said. "As we begin new certificate programs, expand our extension offerings and increase our American Language Institute student base, we now have a state-of-the-art building to handle new demands. Not only is the space appropriate for our offerings but the ambiance created with plants, fountains, beautiful art and furniture - as well as a great patio for relaxing over coffee and pastries - is sure to please the most discriminating visitor."

CES occupies the first and second floors of the new four-story building. Layout includes 12 standard classrooms, five large capacity seminar rooms, a computer lab and multimedia presentation room. There is also a student lounge, reception area, conference room, and additional storage.

The third floor of the new building is occupied by the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, and includes faculty offices and instructional labs. The top floor houses the SDSU Human Resources Department, with the basement level reserved for parking.

Highland Partnership of Chula Vista was the project's general contractor. The architect was Mosher Drew Watson Ferguson.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 30 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 594-5152 or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.