An evening to remember

Big Bend celebrates opening of ATEC at second annual Winter Serenade

MOSES LAKE — Fine wines, a three course meal and the sounds of the Central Washington University Jazz Band made for a memorable evening Saturday at the second annual Winter Serenade at Big Bend Community College.

The event has become an annual celebration for the community in commemoration of the Grant County Advanced Technologies and Education Center which opened last January.

The event raises money to fund facility needs inside ATEC such as technology updates.

Mike Riggs and wife Audrian Huff were one of the 119 guests who attended.

Riggs, who is also principal at Knolls Vista Elementary, recently joined as a member of the BBCC foundation and has taught classes inside ATEC for Heritage University.

As an educator Riggs commented on how the ATEC building has improved the quality of teaching as each room is set up with the latest in computer and web-based technology.

"It's a new facility for the whole community," Riggs said.

ATEC opened in January of 2005, a $15 million project which includes a state-of-the-art dining facility that features a full-service restaurant style kitchen, including catering options; conference center and training rooms which can be divided into smaller sections for separate events such as business meetings or catered events; and new library facility that is three times larger than the previous one and houses study and lab rooms as well as wireless network access. Also inside ATEC is the Paul Lauzier University Center which provides additional office and classroom space where local students can earn baccalaureate and graduate degrees from institutions such as Heritage University and Central Washington University; and the Eric and Catherine Peterson Gallery that serves as a display area for artwork.

Reflecting on ATEC's one year anniversary, guest LeAnne Parton thinks back to the work training sessions her husband has attended at ATEC and the wedding receptions she has gone to.

Before dinner was served a video was shown, further demonstrating the many uses community members like Parton have been able to attend at ATEC.

There have been live musical performances, BBCC's state of the college address, and even a visit by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

"It has been such a wonderful success and met with a warm reception from our community," said BBCC president Bill Bonaudi.

As the evening began, Winter Serenade was being held in the large conference center. Across the hallway students continued to study in the new research library, a testimony to the multiple functions ATEC offers its community.

"I think people in the community really know it's here," said guest Bette Lang.

If Lang had one wish for ATEC in the coming years it would be to see it used to its fullest capacity. Lang would also like to see more community lectures offered in the building.

"I think it's starting to happen," Lang said of ATEC becoming well known and well used in the community.