Vanguard University begins $7 million building renovation

Vanguard University broke ground this month on a $7 million building renovation at its Costa Mesa campus.

Instead of starting from scratch on a new building, the university decided to renovate the existing space, adding a new wing and a three-story structure to the Scott Academic Center, the building directly adjacent to City Hall, said Justin McIntee, associate vice president for development and campaign management.

The building is expected to be completed next fall.

The construction is in response to a growing student population, officials said. Other than the current school year, in which the college saw a small reduction in enrollment, Vanguard has seen a steady increase in student population over the past several years, McIntee said.

“We have an extreme need for additional classroom space,” he said. “We’ve been bursting at the seams for the last few years.”

The Scott Academic Center is currently the hub of admissions, financial aid, accounting, registrar offices and other student services. When the renovation is complete, the building will also house 10 new classrooms, a café, as well as space for the Veteran’s Resource Center, Global Center for Women and Justice and the school’s nursing program.

The university raised nearly all the funds for the project through donations from alumni, parents, college trustees and other supporters using the fundraising campaign “Through These Doors.”

“We are moving forward confidently with the understanding that our success will have a transformative impact on the lives of students, faculty and staff, as we better fulfill our mission to honor God and serve others by equipping each student for a spirit empowered life of Christ centered leadership and service,” McIntee said.

For more information about the Scott Academic Center, visithttps://www.throughthesedoors.com