West Hills College Golden Eagle Student Union unveiled in moving ceremony

Despite all the festivities and dignitaries on hand, that didn’t stop several students from taking advantage of the services as they completed homework, enjoyed a cup of coffee from the full-service snack bar, or simply browsed in the student store.

The approximately $13 million student center, several years in planning and paid for when local voters passed Measure E in 2008, officially opened when Chancellor Frank Gornick, along with trustees Jeff Levinson and Nina Oxborrow, WHC Lemoore President Kristen Clark and incoming Chancellor Stuart Van Horn, cut the ribbon with a pair of borrowed scissors from the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce.

A big surprise for most of the approximately 200 persons in attendance was the dedication of the center to former West Hills College Lemoore President Don Warkentin, who passed away last year shortly after retiring. A specially-designed plaque was unveiled with the help of his wife Betty and daughter Brooke, who were completely taken by surprised by the unexpected honor.

“When you think about Don,” said Gornick, “you can’t help but think of this college.”

Warkentin, who served 11 years as WHC Lemoore’s president, was heavily involved in the design and construction of the new student center.

Warkentin’s wife Betty, and daughter Brooke, were in attendance Tuesday morning and were completely surprised by the dedication.

“Our initial reaction was one of amazement and wonder,” said a teary-eyed Betty Warkentin. “It’s so moving and we’re so honored. Don always thought of the students first, and here’s the building that’s dedicated to them. It’s amazing.”

“It’s such an honor that the last building he worked on was dedicated to him because … he always put the students first,” said his daughter Brooke. “And it was all to benefit the kids. He just loved the students. They were like his adopted kids.”

The new Golden Eagle Student Union is the first new building since the dedication of the Golden Eagle Arena in 2011.

The new building was completed in December, 2016 and is home to the Associated Student Body, financial aid and advising services, a bookstore, cafeteria, and a Golden Eagle Help Desk, where students will have access to admission, records and registration services.

The Student Union is approximately 23,000 square feet and is located just west of the current administration building.