Construction Project Transforms Phoenix College Campus; Completion Set for December 2012

(PHOENIX, June 25, 2012) – The Phoenix College campus is transforming into a more modern campus with greater amenities for students and employees even as it retains its historical look and legacy as the flagship institution of Maricopa Community Colleges. Phase II of the campus renovation project is in full swing and entire construction project will be completed in December.

Various stages of the project will be completed along with the way. First on the list to be completed will be the West Parking Lot, which will be ready in time for the crush of students attending in the fall semester. The improvements will allow a smoother flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and shore up some drainage deficiencies. Drop off points will be better marked and landscaping will provide a more visually attractive parking area.

Next up for completion will be Sophomore Square. The Square makes up the central campus thoroughfare and traditionally has served as a major area for school and club functions as well as a social gathering point for students. The end results will be a more efficient square that fits coherently with the surrounding buildings. It will also be landscaped with mature trees to provide shade and cooling along with other upgrades such as electrical outlets and fiber optic improvements.

Students and others will notice the original PC fountain was dismantled to make way for a more open, pedestrian friendly Sophomore Square. A new zero-edge fountain which incorporates some of the original bricks from the old fountain will be built on the northern part of the Square.

The centerpiece of Phase II will be the new cafeteria, and a glass atrium connecting the old Hannelly Center with the new Enrollment Center, which was completed in January 2012. The plans call for that area to house Counseling, REACH/TRIO, which provides services to first-generation and low-income college students, and the Cafeteria. The latter will feature a wraparound patio that will overlook Sophomore Square and give diners an outdoor seating option.

The glass atrium and a skylight will provide ample natural light into those areas and give the building a bright airy feel, all the way down to the lower level. The atrium area will still leave a small area for outdoor seating and plants, and allow a mural completed by students more than 30 years ago to remain intact.

Finally, the project includes renovating the entrance to the John Paul Theatre, with the goal of allowing it to serve as a bookend to the renovated Sophomore Square. The new entrance will be complimented by a small outdoor theater.

Funding for both improvements came from a 2004 bond election passed by Maricopa County voters.

Direct media inquiries to Jonathan Higuera, jonathan.higuera@phoenixcollege.edu, 602.285.7849.

About Phoenix College – PC is a premier institution of higher education that has been serving the community since 1920. As the flagship college of the Maricopa Community Colleges–the largest community college system in America–Phoenix College offers programs for university transfer, career training, and personal development. The 52-acre campus includes state-of-the-art instructional classrooms, a modern library and computer lab, the Eric Fischl Art Gallery, a performing arts theater, a culinary café, a gymnasium and fitness center, and premium athletic fields. Phoenix College students speak more than 50 languages and represent more than 100 countries, reflecting the diverse, multicultural central city that Phoenix College serves.

About D. L. Withers Construction – An Arizona-based contractor, D.L. Withers Construction provides construction manager at risk, design/build, design-bid-build, construction management and tenant improvements services. Founded in 1981, the company builds a broad scope of quality public and private sector projects throughout the southwest, with a primary focus on Arizona.

About RNL – RNL is a global, full-service design firm specializing in sustainable, integrated design. Founded in 1956, RNL offers a continuum of design services, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and planning. RNL has offices in Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For more information, please visit www.rnldesign.com.

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/June 11 - June17, 2012

June 8; 8:40 am: The Public Safety Office was notified by a visitor on campus that her
vehicle was broken into and items taken while she was exercising. The passenger window
had been broken out by unknown means and a purse and its contents had been removed.
A review of CCTV was done and provided no evidentiary value.

June 7; 3:10 pm: A report was made to the Public Safety Office that a cell phone had
been taken from a backpack in the north gym during open court. This investigation is
ongoing with leads.

Other Activities

One injury was reported to the Safety Office that did not require medical transport.
No motor vehicle accidents were reported during this time.

Property Safety: A reminder to all regarding personal property awareness. People want
to be trusting, but unfortunately the “good old days” of leaving your home unlocked and
property unsecured is not safe. Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity. Please
be watchful of your property. Leaving it lay in a public/semi-public area is providing the
opportunity for a would- be thief to take your property. Yes, even if you “only left it for a
couple minutes” while you go to the restroom. Everyone is usually busy going about their
business and may not be paying attention to your “stuff”. You should not rely on others
around you to keep track of your items unless you know them and specifically ask them
to watch it for you. Just remember your best opportunity to keeping your property is you.

Safety: Safety on our PC Campus is all of our concern and responsibility as involved
community partners. If you see activity that appears suspicious and/or destructive, call
Public Safety to report it: give the location, type of activity and descriptions of those
involved if possible. The Safety Office phone is staffed 24/7. The number is 602-285-
7254.

NOTE: Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/June 4-June10, 2012
June 5; 9:00 pm: A report was made after a campus visitor (mother of a minor child)
called Public Safety to report her daughter as a victim to an indecent exposure that
occurred a few minutes earlier while in the 15 Ave. overflow parking lot. The Phoenix
Police Department was contacted and given the description: male approximately 5’4”,
wearing a red t-shirt, red ball cap and light colored pants. A search of the campus by
Safety Staff was negative.
June 7; 3:10 pm: A report was made to the Public Safety Office by staff that a silky black
jacket had been taken from a locked room in the “Dalby” building. The incident occurred
approximately 7 days earlier; the report was made when the jacket had not been returned.
Other Activities
No injuries or motor vehicle accidents were reported during this period.
Safety: Safety on our PC Campus is all of our concern and responsibility as involved
community partners. If you see activity that appears suspicious and/or destructive, call
Public Safety to report it: give the location, type of activity and descriptions of those
involved if possible. The Safety Office phone is staffed 24/7. The number is 602-285-
7254.
NOTE: Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.
End of update.

Public Safety Update/Summary of Incidents/May 28-April 3, 2012

One incident was reported to Public Safety during this time period.

May 29; 10:25 am: Library staff advised Public Safety staff of a subject looking at
inappropriate material on a library computer. The incident was documented and the
individual left the premises.

Other Activities

No injuries or motor vehicle accidents were reported during this period.

Safety Concern: A reminder to all regarding awareness and safety. The local news
has had several stories recently regarding flashlight improvised explosive devices left
in various public areas in the valley. If you observe what appears to be a suspicious
package, whether it is a flashlight or other suspicious package, DO NOT TOUCH
IT. You can’t tell by looking at the suspicious package what it contains; if it appears
suspicious you should not risk moving or touching it. Your local law enforcement agency
will be happy to respond and evaluate the item. If you are on campus, DO NOT TOUCH
the item and immediately contact the campus Public Safety Office.

Safety: Safety on our PC Campus is all of our concern and responsibility as involved
community partners. If you see activity that appears suspicious and/or destructive, call
Public Safety to report it: give the location, type of activity and descriptions of those
involved if possible. The Safety Office phone is staffed 24/7. The number is 602-285-
7254.

NOTE: Faculty members are encouraged to share the safety updates with their students.

End of update.