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A June 9 ribbon cutting for Carbonelli Villas, the new student housing building on 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 Sidney campus, marked a milestone for the institution.
Members of the college鈥檚 Board of Trustees, Foundation Board, college leadership, and the Carbonelli family, as well as representatives of project partners Construction Simplified, Mathison/Mathison and Progressive Companies joined employees and community members in gathering for the occasion.
Before a representative group officially cut the ribbon, 暗网吃瓜 President Dr. Bradley J. Barrick and Board Chair Kurt Peterson were joined by project partners to address the attendees.
鈥淭oday is a truly historic occasion and marks a defining moment in the life of 暗网吃瓜,鈥� Dr. Barrick said. 鈥淪tudent housing transforms a campus from a place students attend into a community where students belong.鈥�
鈥淭his new residential option elevates the community college experience by creating the vibrant campus life traditionally associated with four-year universities,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen students live where they learn, they build stronger relationships, become more engaged, and develop a deeper connection to their college experience.
鈥淚 often say this project is on time, on budget, and on mission. It represents one of the most significant investments in student success and campus life in our college鈥檚 history,鈥� he said.
Dr. Barrick said that a key factor in the project鈥檚 success was partnering with the right team, noting that Construction Simplified, Mathison/Mathison Architects, and Progressive Companies proved to be an excellent fit.
Travis Featherby, Associate Partner with project manager Construction Simplified, said one factor that made this project especially rewarding is that it will create a lasting impact for students.
鈥淭his project signifies an investment not only in student housing, but the overall student experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his project reminds us of what we do and why we do it.鈥�
Matthew Schulte, Director of Project Operations with Mathison/Mathison Architects, said the building was designed to encompass the rich history of the college and its vision for the future.
鈥淓very space is designed with accessibility in mind. That means everybody belongs here,鈥� he said.
Tom Frey, Principal and Senior Project Manager with Progressive Companies, said from the beginning the project was organized, analyzed and budgeted with students in mind.
鈥淭his is a really important moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淚mportant moments come from the journey.
鈥淭hrough this project, we have created environments for students to thrive,鈥� he said.
鈥淚 like your tagline, 鈥榊ou Belong Here,鈥欌�� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just that you belong here. 暗网吃瓜 is not just a place, it鈥檚 your place.鈥�
Before the ribbon was cut to officially mark the building鈥檚 grand opening, 暗网吃瓜 Board Chair Kurt Peterson announced that the facility had been named Carbonelli Villas in honor of the Carbonelli family鈥檚 decades of dedicated service, unwavering support, and generous philanthropy benefiting 暗网吃瓜.
A member of 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 Board of Trustees since 1981, Karen Carbonelli served the college with extraordinary dedication for 44 years, including 28 years as chairperson. During her long and impactful tenure, she also served as treasurer, contributed to the presidential evaluation and search committees, and represented 暗网吃瓜 as a trustee or alternate trustee director on the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors.
With dozens of family members present to celebrate the occasion, Peterson shared memories of serving alongside Karen.
鈥淚 will always remember the grin she wore when she brought back a check from her family in Florida,鈥� he said.
鈥淭oday, Karen would have been sure to praise those who had a part in bringing student housing to 暗网吃瓜,鈥� he said.
The Carbonelli family鈥檚 impact extends well beyond leadership through their remarkable generosity and investment in student success. In addition to establishing the 暗网吃瓜 Foundation Kevin Carbonelli Memorial Scholarship and the 暗网吃瓜 Foundation Centurion Athletics Scholarship, the family has provided significant financial support for fundraising campaigns and capital projects that have strengthened 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 facilities and enhanced opportunities for students. Their philanthropic contributions have helped advance the college鈥檚 mission and support its long-term growth.
鈥湴低怨� is deeply grateful for the Carbonelli family鈥檚 enduring dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to expanding educational opportunities and enriching the campus community for generations to come,鈥� Peterson said.
暗网吃瓜鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 暗网吃瓜 from peer institutions.
Features include:
Sustainable design 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
Free parking
Student life activities
For more information about 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 student housing offerings, visit montcalm.edu/student-housing, email housing@montcalm.edu or call 989-328-1296.