DOUGLAS, Wyo. – Community leaders, donors, trustees, students and staff gathered Tuesday, April 14 to celebrate a major milestone in the expansion of Eastern Wyoming College’s Douglas Campus with a ceremonial beam signing for the new Construction Technology Center.

The 9,000-square-foot facility, currently under construction at the campus, broke ground in November. Richardson Construction is serving as the project’s general contractor.

The beam signing ceremony, a longstanding construction tradition symbolizing progress and community investment, allowed attendees to leave their mark on the structure before it is placed as part of the building’s framework.

The total cost of the project is $6.1 million, funded primarily through local government support and a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. In addition, the Eastern Wyoming College Foundation is working to raise an additional $1.5 million to complete the project, fund equipment and support long-term programming for the new construction technology program.

Generous donors, along with state matching funds, have helped the foundation reach approximately 40 percent of its fundraising goal.

“This project represents an investment in the future of our students and our workforce,” said Lisa Johnson, director of the EWC Foundation. “We’re grateful for the strong support from our communities and donors, and we’re excited to see this facility take shape as a place where students can gain hands-on skills that lead directly to meaningful careers.”

When completed, the facility will offer both credit and noncredit courses designed to meet the needs of local industry and the broader community.

For more information about the capital campaign, visit: https://friendsofewcf.org/construction.html

A group of people stands outdoors near a metal structure; two men kneel and write on the structure while others watch. One woman stands in the background with her coat draped over her arm.

Ten adults stand in a row inside a spacious, well-lit room with gray carpet and white walls. Most wear business casual or western attire, and they are smiling at the camera.