Construction of New Academic Building Underway at Stanislaus State Stockton Campus

The first shovel of dirt was not lifted on May 14. Otto Construction is already at work on the new $54 million academic building that will open at the Stanislaus State Stockton Campus in fall 2025.

Rather, the gathering in front of the existing Acacia Building was a celebration.

It was a day of joy for those who pushed for a modern building to accommodate more students and double the Stockton Campus's capacity. It was the realization of a dream for those who have worked tirelessly for more higher education opportunities in Stockton.

That work was celebrated on a sun dappled morning as Stockton Campus Dean Sarah Sweitzer and Stockton Campus Dean of Students Amy McKinney presided over a celebratory ceremony, which included remarks from campus leadership, elected officials, faculty and alumni.

The common message was community partnership. It took the work of many entities to bring about the project, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, state legislators and the California State University Board of Trustees.

All were committed to realizing the dream of a modern two-story classroom building on Stan State's branch campus.

"Today we are celebrating a building, but not 'just' a building," said Interim President Sue Borrego. "We are celebrating a step into the future for Stockton, San Joaquin County and the Central Valley.

"Stan State has a unique opportunity to create a vibrant branch campus with a revolutionary impact. Anchor institutions are vital parts of a community's vitality, energy and growth. Historically, there have been limited opportunities for place-bound scholars in Stockton. With our expansion, college-ready students don't have to make the difficult choice to leave the area to obtain an undergraduate degree."

Highlighting the importance of education for the region's future, Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln emphasized the long-term benefits of investing in youth.

"This is a young community and with a young community, this is a community of hope," Lincoln said. "This is a community of opportunity. Every investment that we make now in this space of education is an investment where we're going to see a return on those investments for the next 10 to 20 years.

"I can't thank you enough, Stanislaus State and the Stockton Campus, for the work you do."

It was also a day of pride for Stockon Campus students in attendance.

"I think it's great," said Sammy Dajani, a third-year psychology major. "It shows students the University is strategic and caring."

Fellow third-year psychology student Renee Velasquez said she'd never been to an event with so many dignitaries.

"Today we are celebrating a building, but not 'just' a building. We are celebrating a step into the future for Stockton, San Joaquin County and the Central Valley. Stan State has a unique opportunity to create a vibrant branch campus with a revolutionary impact."

Sue Borrego, Stanislaus State Interim President

"It's like a new beginning for incoming students," said Velasquez, who is active at the Stockton Campus as a student events coordinator. She commuted from her Stockton home to Turlock for nearly two years to complete her lower division courses before being able to take her psychology classes in Stockton.

"I want everyone to know it's a welcoming campus," she said.

Velasquez's sentiments reflect the spirit and mission of Stanislaus State.

"A regional comprehensive campus exists to be in partnership with the area," Borrego said. "We serve the students. We serve the community. From the time I walked on campus here, I met students who were excited to be here, who wanted us to offer more, who wanted us to do more."

The University plans to expand course offerings, eventually allowing students to spend all four years on the Stockton Campus, rather than having to commute to Turlock, as Velasquez and others have done.

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