The winds of change are sweeping across the Santa Ana College campus, from the parking lots to the Central Mall to the football field and beyond. More than just a facelift, the renovations are part of a $26 million facilities improvement project that will modernize the campus, improve safety and accessibility and create spaces students feel proud of and want to share.
The investment is part of the college’s broader mission to support student success and inclusion.
“Even though Santa Ana College has been part of this community for over 100 years, we continue to evolve, meeting the needs of our students and growing community,” Annebelle Nery, president of the college, said at the recent ribbon cutting for the Campus Entrance Improvement Project. “We stand committed to this vibrant city, from its rich history to our diverse neighborhoods and, especially, to the students we serve.”
Fostering pride
Some of the major upgrades currently in process include:
New synthetic turf and safety railings on the football field Campus-wide shading initiative, including Dunlap Amphitheater and the Central Mall areas Multiphase redevelopment of the School of Continuing Education, including replacing Building B with a new permanent modular structure to include offices and meeting spaces; a new courtyard and exterior spaces, and modernization of the culinary kitchen in Building E Campus entry improvements to include front entry renovations, softscape/hardscape improvements, new “hairpin” vehicular turn, shade structure, front entry plaza enhancements; parking lot renovations, additional parking stalls, expanded drop-off areas and dedicated ride-sharing zones. Santa Ana CollegeThe football field at Santa Ana College is getting new synthetic turf and safety railings. Santa Ana CollegeThe project kicked off last year, and students already are noticing a difference.
“I think it just adds more pride that we are a part of the campus,” said Cecilia Lopez, a student at SAC and the 2025-2026 student trustee for Rancho Santiago Community College District.
‘When we had that grand opening of the new entrance, a lot of students were talking about it and saying how great it looks,” Lopez continued. “And someone had actually mentioned that they take a night class, and it just looks very beautiful at night, and it’s bright and they’re not afraid that they’re walking in darkness.”
Santa Ana CollegeWarm lights illuminate the new entrance at Santa Ana College. Santa Ana CollegeStudent input essential
As student trustee, Lopez serves as the official student representative on the district’s Board of Trustees and acts as a bridge between students and district governance. As such, she keeps her finger on the pulse of students’ priorities, which she noted are demonstrated by the thoughtful approach to campus improvements.
“I think it really shows that Santa Ana College cares and listens to its students. A lot of student leaders do get invited into these spaces where these decisions are made, and I feel like Santa Ana College embraces the student voice,” Lopez said.
“The college makes sure that they provide context regarding any internal lingo they might be using so the students don’t feel lost and they understand what is being talked about in the meetings. And there are follow-up questions, so I think that’s very important.”
One of the priorities Lopez pointed to is the redevelopment of the Centennial Education Center, which houses the School of Continuing Education.
“They have their own student government, and I was able to speak with the president, and she let me know that they’re all really excited that they’re starting this renovation project,” Lopez said. “It made them feel really proud that they’re going to be upgrading their facilities so they will have state-of-the-art equipment and a modernized space where they can learn.”
Santa Ana CollegeAn entrance to the football field at Santa Ana College where a variety of improvements are under way. Santa Ana CollegeBuilding community, increasing engagement
Lopez noted that as students see the ongoing campus renovations, they feel a sense of pride that they are part of a campus community rather than just individuals on a campus. Student Astrid Gauran agreed.
“Having a great space to be with friends is maybe not something students think about on a daily basis,” she said. “But I’ve noticed that a lot of students like to hang out on campus, and they like to use it to study. Giving them space to just sit there and then decide to explore gives them an opportunity to find more resources, as well. The longer you’re on campus, the more likely you’ll be curious about what else is there. That helps build student engagement, and that’s cool to see.”
To learn more about Santa Ana College, please visit www.sac.edu.
The news and editorial staffs of the Orange County Register had no role in this post’s preparation.
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