New STEM Building Opens at PCC, Offering Hope in the Wake of Wildfires

(Photo courtesy of Tammy Silver)

In a region still reeling from the devastating January wildfires that destroyed over 9,400 structures, a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Pasadena City College (PCC) on April 2 became more than a formal tradition—it became a symbol of resilience and renewal.

By News Desk

PCC officially opened the new Armen Sarafian Building, also known as the U Building, with all the usual trappings of such an event: a bright red ribbon, oversized ceremonial scissors, and rounds of applause. But for many in attendance, the event was steeped in a deeper meaning.

“Our community has suffered so much loss,” said PCC President José A. Gómez. “It’s good to be able to celebrate the addition of a new building, a new resource that will benefit our community. Our opening today is a hopeful reminder that no matter the cause of destruction, we can—and we will—build again.”

The new five-story, 104,000-square-foot building replaces a previous structure that was demolished in 2022 after being deemed seismically unfit. The facility will serve as a hub for STEM education, featuring 17 science labs, five flexible lecture halls, five nursing labs, and a radiological technology center complete with X-ray and observation rooms. A new 2,670-square-foot Student Health Clinic will also be housed within.

Former State Senator Anthony Portantino, former Assemblymember Chris Holden, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, and numerous community members and educators attended the ceremony.

“We are grateful to the California State Legislature, and to everyone who made this day possible,” Gómez said. “This building demonstrates true dedication to the future of our region and our state.”

Laura Ramirez, PCC’s assistant superintendent and vice president for instruction, highlighted the building’s role in preparing students for competitive careers in STEM and health sciences.

“Our STEM students are going to be even more competitive when they get out there because the experiences that they are having here in the classroom are top notch,” she said.

Board of Trustees President Alton Wang emphasized the larger vision behind the project: “This building represents an investment in our students, an investment in STEM, and an investment in a future where our region itself is a leader.”

The building is named in honor of Armen Sarafian, PCC’s fifth president, who served from 1965 to 1976 and passed away in 1989. Its opening is part of PCC’s ongoing Centennial celebration, which commemorates the college’s 100 years of service and education.

“In this building we prepare future nurses, dentists, radiological techs, so many professionals that our community needs,” Gómez said. “No one could predict that we would be opening in the aftermath of the worst wildfires in our state’s history, but the opening allows us a moment of hope and joy.”

Armen Sarafian Building (Photo – PCC)