It was truly a historic morning at Irvine Valley College last week as we broke ground on the Student Services Center and Student Union buildings—two ambitious and transformative projects that will reshape our campus for generations to come. The gold shovels used to formalize the groundbreaking ceremony carried special significance by providing a visual representation of the bold step we are taking into our future, as we celebrate 40 years since IVC became an accredited institution.
At just over $70 million, this marks the largest and most ambitious construction projects ever undertaken by IVC. Spanning more than 77,000 square feet, the development was thoughtfully designed to support student success and enrich the campus experience.
Once complete, the new Student Services Center and Student Union will serve as both the front doors and the heart of IVC. The Student Services Center will house essential student support programs, including a new home for DSPS, EOPS, Veterans Services Center, Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, expanded counseling offices, and welcoming spaces for international students, outreach, and other student services programs.
Located directly behind our current Student Services Center (SSC) building, the new Student Union is envisioned as a vibrant hub of student life. While the existing SSC building—completed in 1991—has served us well, the new space is designed to reflect the evolving needs of our campus community and the students of tomorrow. It will feature a modern bookstore, a spacious cafeteria with two-story high ceilings, a multi-purpose room, along with the Office of Student Life and Equity, Associated Students of IVC, and the Office of Student Rights and Grievances.
These projects also reimagine the heart of our campus with a redesigned central quad, capable of hosting more than 3,000 guests for future commencement ceremonies and other special events. In alignment with our institutional values, the entire development is being built to LEED Gold equivalency—reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
In addition to these new facilities, we will be upgrading vital infrastructure—modernizing heating, cooling, and electrical systems—to support these new spaces as well as future campus developments.
Over the next 33 months, we will watch this bold vision take shape. By Fall 2027, the new Student Services Center and Student Union buildings are expected to open, with the central quad scheduled for completion in Spring 2028. These spaces will stand as a lasting testament to IVC’s unwavering commitment to student success, equity, and community.
Thank you to everyone whose dedication helped bring these projects to life. Your efforts ensured that IVC continues to thrive as a premier institution of learning, leadership, and innovation.
Best,
John