People might not see the connection between math, psychology and computer science, but at Pierce College, the diversity and differences of these departments are celebrated in union with the beginning of construction of the Academic East Building.
Pierce faculty, students and invited speakers celebrated the groundbreaking of Academic East near Lot 8, where the building will soon be. The Academic East building, with a projected completion date of Spring 2027, will be built with green methods in mind. Its solar panels are expected to generate 23% of the building’s average daily electricity usage, according to buildlaccd.org.
Pierce President Ara Aguiar said the building will serve as a symbol of Pierce’s devotion to the future.
“It’s a symbol of our innovation and forward thinking,” Aguiar said. “It reflects LACCD’s commitment to sustainability that extends well beyond the classroom.”
The project is funded through taxpayer bond measures, which were approved in 2022.
Congressman Brad Sherman attended the groundbreaking and detailed how the opportunity was made possible by local voters and how it will positively impact students.
“The federal government has virtually nothing to do with the building. We’re here to celebrate,” Sherman said. “This is the local voters here in the district who have agreed to tax themselves so this building can be built. These students will be helping their country and employed as soon as they graduate.”
The 56,000-square-foot building will contribute to the modernization of campus spaces and aims to foster the collaboration of students from different disciplines, according to buildlaccd.org.
LACCD Board of Trustees President Nichelle Henderson was also at the groundbreaking.
She said the future building will be a landmark in the academic path of a student and will encourage student connection.
“This will be more than just a brick and mortar structure. It will represent the promise of a quality education in a future field with opportunity and possibility,” Henderson said. “It will be the backdrop to the journey of LACCD students as they learn in the classrooms, apply skills in laboratories and connect with their college peers.”
In addition to encouraging collaboration, the Academic East Building will feature state of the art technology to further support students in their studies.
Math Department Chair Eddie Tchertchian said the technological improvements will add to the atmosphere.
“Our department is very progressive, very forward looking. [As a student] you need the right technology in the right setting to feel successful and committed to the classroom,” Tchertchian said. “You want to be in the setting that’s conducive to learning. It makes you want to come to class, interact with your peers and your instructor.”
