News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
The two-story building in Monterey, Calif. brings student services and gathering spaces under one roof
On Oct. 28, Monterey Peninsula College, a public community college on California’s Central Coast, held a ribbon-cutting and dedication for its new Welcome Center, Building 10, on the college’s flagship Monterey campus. College leaders, students, and guests attended.
At the ceremony, the college announced Building 10’s new name: The Walker Center, in honor of Laurence E. “Larry” Walker Sr. An MPC alumnus and first-generation college student, Walker began at the college as a student-athlete and went on to serve as vice president of Student Services. He spent nearly four decades at MPC, working to support students and expand educational opportunities.
The two-story, 14,000-square-foot building replaces an older structure on the site, bringing together offices, work areas and multi-use rooms, as well as spaces for students to gather and collaborate. The center also has a meditation and prayer room, a lactation room, food pantry and vending options.
The Walker Center connects prospective and current students with help on applications, financial aid, campus tours, and basic needs. The ceremony included remarks from college leaders and the Walker family, followed by the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the building’s interior signage.
The Walker Center is part of MPC’s Measure V bond program, approved by voters in 2020. B&D has led program management for the bond program since 2021. B&D Director Cody Carpino, AIA, attended the ceremony as bond manager.
Photo credit: Monterey Peninsula College
