News

A March 24 ceremonial groundbreaking for student housing being constructed on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus marked a milestone for the college, which is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year.

Members of the college’s Board of Trustees, Foundation Board and college leadership, as well as representatives of project partners Construction Simplified, Mathison/Mathison and Progressive Companies gathered for the occasion.

Before a representative group put on their hardhats and scooped a few shovels full of dirt, MCC President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick addressed the attendees.

“It’s truly a momentous occasion for all of us gathered here today as we break ground on our new student housing complex,” Dr. Barrick said. “This is more than just the start of a new construction project – it marks a significant step forward in enhancing the overall student experience here at MCC.

“Student housing plays a pivotal role in creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment. By providing students with on-campus housing options, we’re not only offering a convenient, affordable, and safe place to live but also fostering a true sense of community,” he said. “These village-style units will create a space where students can collaborate, share ideas, and form lifelong friendships. It’s a place where our students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.”

Brent Gibson, partner with Construction Simplified, which is managing the project, expressed his gratitude for working with MCC.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with Montcalm Community College on their first student housing project. From the very beginning, our teams have worked well together, aligning on a shared vision to create something truly impactful for the college,” Gibson said.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. We are excited about the future and the lasting positive impact this project will have on the MCC community,” he added.

MCC’s three-story student housing complex will accommodate up to 84 residents, providing an affordable, safe, and vibrant housing option with a high standard of care to support full-time students and student-athletes.

As part of the college’s 5-Year CORE Strategic Plan, student housing will address housing insecurity and affordability needs, increase enrollment, and enrich the student experience by promoting a positive on-campus culture that differentiates MCC from peer institutions.

Features include:

• Sustainable designed and positioning in an engaging natural landscape environment
• Double-occupancy bedrooms in a shared village-style housing unit
• Kitchenette, bedroom and living room
• Wireless internet
• Study and gathering spaces
• On-site laundry and trash removal
• Electric, water, heat/air
• Secured main entrance
• On-campus residence staff
• Secure access
• Free parking
• Student life activities

“It takes us all working together to build a better future for MCC and those in the communities we serve,” Dr. Barrick said. “The product that will rise on this site will be a direct result of the hard work put forth by the many people working together for the benefit of the entire community. This will be a dramatic addition to MCC’s mission of Creating Opportunity Through Education.”

Media inquiries, please contact:

Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833