Butte College Celebrates Grand Opening of Science Building and Planetarium

New facility ushers in a new era of student-centered STEM instruction

Butte College celebrated the grand opening of its new Science Building and Planetarium on Friday, August 15. The 77,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building is the latest construction project funded by Measure J, a $190 million bond approved by voters in Butte and Glenn counties.

Designed with student success at its core, the new science building supports instruction in chemistry, biology, physics, geology, anatomy, and more. It features 21 labs, two classrooms, a cadaver room, collaborative "sticky" spaces, and a 2,400-square-foot planetarium with 360-degree celestial views.

"This building represents a $73 million investment in academic excellence, opportunity, and student success," said Butte College President Virginia Guleff. "With your investment, we have created a facility that reflects who we are - inclusive, forward-thinking, and driven to prepare our students for careers that shape our world."

A standout feature of the new facility is its planetarium, which offers students and community members an interactive experience with astronomy and atmospheric science. The 60-seat, domed theater will allow students to explore the cosmos in vivid detail as part of their coursework and will serve as an outreach and educational tool for local schools and the community. The addition of the planetarium was made possible through funding from California's Physical Plant and Instructional Support Block Grant, which supports critical infrastructure and instructional improvements at community colleges statewide.

The building was designed around a studio teaching model that blends lecture and lab, replacing traditional, passive instruction with hands-on, active learning. Students will engage with course material, instructors, and peers in an environment that mirrors real-world, team-based STEM professions.

"This building's innovation extends far beyond its impressive architecture and laboratories - it's about the innovative pedagogy that will take place within those spaces," Guleff added. "Students are not only listening to lectures but actively engaging with the material. This creates meaningful opportunities for learning and better prepares students for transfer or a career in the sciences."

Kam Bull, dean of STEM, emphasized the building's impact on instruction and community. "Our students, not just in STEM but also in nursing, allied health, and general education, now have access to a premier environment for hands-on learning and industry-standard laboratory equipment," he said. "The building's collaborative learning spaces promote community building among students. It's not just about labs and lectures; it's about learning together."

Biology student Justina Brown echoed that sentiment. "The world-class labs, cutting-edge equipment, and exciting new planetarium open more opportunities for the next generation of scientists to explore the world of STEM," she said during the ceremony.

The building also advances the college's goals for sustainability. Solar panels above the adjacent parking lot generate 486 kilowatts of power to support the college's energy needs.

With design by JK Architecture Engineering and construction led by Modern Building-Clark/Sullivan Construction Joint Venture, the project was completed on time and on budget. Faculty, students, trustees, and local leaders joined the ceremony and toured the new facility following a ribbon-cutting and special recognitions from local, state, and federal representatives.

"This impressive, 77,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was constructed not just for the students of today, but for students in decades to come," said Kim Jones, Director of Facilities. "Every detail was chosen to reflect and celebrate the sciences taught here."

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