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Following hot on the heels of MacEwan University's recent grand opening of their latest building, NorQuest College this week celebrated the grand opening of their latest expansion, the Singhmar Centre for Learning.
The new building, designed by DIALOG, marks NorQuest's first expansion in nearly 50 years, adding over 240,000 square feet of space to the college's downtown campus. The building is named for Drs. Prem and Saroj Singhmar, who contributed $2.5-million to the project.
The sound of musical instruments from cultures around the world flooded the centre's large atrium, much like the natural light entering from the clerestory above. Climbing the central spiral staircase, guests and dignitaries were treated to multicultural activities and international cuisine at each level of the four-story building.
The official ceremony was kicked off with a "musical fusion" by Booming Tree Taiko, who were joined by Sangea African drumming, a sitar and tabla, an accordion, and a guitar.
Following an introduction by Board Chair Alan Skoreyko and a prayer by Resident Elder Delores Cardinal, and speeches by Mayor Don Iveson and Alberta Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt, the building was officially opened with a ribbon cutting by the Singhmar family.
The ceremony closed with Indigenous dancers and drum group Nehiyawak, followed by cutting of a cake-likeness of the Singhmar Centre.
A story on a full tour of the new building will be coming next week. In the meantime, see the Forum Thread for more photos, and let us know what you think by leaving a comment there or below.
