Pasadena City College marks opening of new Sarafian Building

A typical ribbon-cutting ceremony includes the typical ingredients: a large red ribbon, a pair of oversized scissors, laudatory remarks, applause, and cheers.  

But in a region that saw 9,400 structures reduced to rubble during the January wildfires, a ribbon-cutting ceremony carries added meaning, and comes with an added ingredient: hope.   

“Our community has suffered so much loss,” said José A. Gómez, president of Pasadena City College. “It’s good to be able to celebrate the addition of a new building, a new resource that will benefit our community. Our opening today is a hopeful reminder that no matter the cause of destruction, we can—and we will—build again.” 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at PCC on April 2, marked the official opening of the new Armen Sarafian Building, also known as the U Building. The previous building was determined to be seismically unfit, and in 2022 it was demolished.  

The opening was attended by former State Senator Anthony Portantino, former Assemblymember Chris Holden, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and community members and educators from throughout the region.   

“We are grateful to the California State Legislature, to our former State Senator Anthony Portantino, to our former Assemblymember Chris Holden, and to everyone who made this day possible,” Gómez said. “The fact that we are here, opening this building, is a testament to the tenacity and resilience of our PCC community and supporters. This building demonstrates true dedication to the future of our region and our state.”  

The new building is a state-of-the-art facility that houses STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and equipment labs, the building will provide students with a top-tier learning environment.   

“Our STEM students are going to be even more competitive when they get out there because the experiences that they are having here in the classroom are top notch,” said Laura Ramirez, assistant superintendent/vice president for instruction at PCC. “We are not just setting the standard for PCC—we are setting the standard for what STEM and health sciences education and facilities should be at community colleges.” 

The 104,000-square foot building is five stories high and includes 17 science labs, five flexible lecture halls, and five nursing labs. The building is also home to a radiological technology center with an X-Ray and observation room. 

In addition to the instructional spaces, the building will house a new, 2,670 square-foot Student Health Clinic.  

“This building represents an investment in our students, an investment in STEM, and an investment in a future where our region itself is a leader,” PCC Board of Trustees President Alton Wang said, “marching forward with the times, and leading the way.” 

The building is named for Armen Sarafian, a former president of the college who passed away in 1989. Sarafian was PCC’s fifth president and served from 1965 until 1976. 

The official opening of the new Sarafian Building is part of PCC’s Centennial, which began last year and continues through this academic year. The celebration has highlighted milestones and the college’s rich history of service over the last century.  

“In this building we prepare future nurses, dentists, radiological techs, so many professionals that our community needs,” Gómez said. “No one could predict that we would be opening in the aftermath of the worst wildfires in our state’s history, but the opening allows us a moment of hope and joy.”