Walking down Centralia College Boulevard on a recent Saturday evening, through the floats lined up ahead of the Centralia Lighted Tractor Parade, I had an amazing moment.
To the left, I could see Bob Peters Field, and down ahead of me, between the rows of flashing lights and inflatable snowmen, I could see the lights from the new student apartments on Ash Street.
If anything sums up 2023, it’s that moment.
Centralia College has accomplished so much in just one year. The two most visible are, of course, Bob Peters Field on the east end of campus and the CHI Student Apartments on the west end.
The field was completed in February and dedicated to longtime athletic director and basketball coach Bob Peters in May. The baseball, softball and both soccer teams used the field for their seasons, and we welcomed a lot of non-college teams to use the field for special events and practices. In fact, the City of Centralia used the field for its Fourth of July festivities this year, and it was a great time.
At the other end of campus, students moved into the CHI Student Housing on Ash Street in November. It’s a modern, fully equipped facility that eases some of the burden on housing in Lewis County, and allows students to be close to campus and downtown.
The third major accomplishment of 2023 is one that is not quite as visible as a sports field or apartment building. After months of community forums, surveys and meetings with employees, students, alumni and community members, the Centralia College Board of Trustees in June adopted a new strategic plan.
This new plan sets priorities for Centralia College’s future in three theme areas: supporting students, retaining and developing employees, and revitalizing campus and community engagement.
Each of these theme areas have specific goals and work groups are circling around those goals developing objectives for each.
It is very rewarding to see staff, students and community members working together for the future of Centralia College. There are great conversations happening every day about learning, technology, economy, sustainability and community.
There’s a great energy around this work and the long-term impact it will have on campus and beyond.
As we end 2023 and look forward to a bright 2024, I want to thank all of our students who made a life-changing choice to attend Centralia College, and our faculty, staff and trustees, who dedicate their time and energy to helping students achieve their dreams.
I’d also like to thank the Centralia College Foundation, its board and all the donors, who allow this small college to do such big things. I would also like to thank everyone who attended a concert, play or other campus event, or cheered on a Blazer sports team in 2023. Your support is appreciated.
Happy holidays, Blazers! Thank you.
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Bob Mohrbacher is president of Centralia College.
