GADSDEN, AL – Gadsden State Community College, in partnership with the Etowah Chamber of Commerce, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Machining and Engineering Technology on March 19 at 1:30 p.m. The new lab, located in the Advanced Manufacturing and Workplace Skills Training Center on the college’s East Broad Campus, was made possible through a $1 million grant from the Gene Haas Foundation.
Announced in October, the grant has been instrumental in equipping the lab with state-of-the-art machining tools, enhancing educational signage, and providing scholarships and financial aid to students enrolled in Gadsden State’s Precision Machining Program. The initiative is designed to strengthen workforce development and support students pursuing careers in manufacturing and engineering technology.
The Gene Haas Foundation, established in 1999 by Haas Automation Inc. founder Gene Haas, aims to advance manufacturing education and workforce readiness. This recent investment is part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting technical training and educational opportunities for students nationwide. Gadsden State has previously received funding from the organization to assist with scholarships for students entering the manufacturing field.
Gadsden State President Dr. Kathy Murphy and Vice President of Capital Projects, Community Relations, and Workforce Development Alan Smith will be present at the ribbon cutting and available for interviews following the event.
Event Details:
- Who: Gadsden State Community College Workforce Development Division
- What: Ribbon cutting for the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Machining and Engineering Technology
- When: March 19 at 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Advanced Manufacturing and Workforce Skills Training Center, 101 Padenreich Ave., Gadsden – East Broad Campus
The new facility represents a significant advancement for Gadsden State’s Precision Machining Program, reinforcing the college’s commitment to workforce development and technical education in Alabama. The event is open to the public, and local industry representatives, students, and community members are encouraged to attend.