Cypress College Celebrates Largest Veteran’s Resource Center in SoCal

Cypress College recently celebrated the grand opening of two buildings. The LPA-designed Veteran’s Resource Center (VRC) is the largest VRC in Southern California. And, a three-story 106,000-square-foot Science, Engineering and Math (SEM) building, will serve as a campus collaboration hub.

The facilities for the Orange County-based college were developed through extensive engagement with students, faculty and staff of the various programs as well as veterans.

“We started our journey together five years ago, and the last year and a half has been a testament to the working relationship we built on trust, communication and our shared goals,” said Silke Frank, LPA design director.

The projects are the first new construction completed under Measure J, a $574 million bond approved by voters in 2014. The SEM and VRC are the largest projects in North Orange County Community College District’s history and the SEM is the first new instructional space built on campus since 1976.

The new VRC helps support veterans in the transition from active military duty to civilian and student life. Current student veterans played an active role in guiding LPA’s design, providing extensive feedback about challenges in civilian life, and resources needed for personal growth and academic success.