Events
Renovated Math and Sciences Building Reopens on Southern Wake Campus
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 5, 2026) — Wake Tech celebrated the reopening of Building C on the Southern Wake Campus, marking a major milestone in expanding innovative, STEM‑focused learning spaces for students.
The 40,000-square foot two-story building, which first opened in 1982, is home to programs in math and sciences, communication and theater, and academic foundations, and has undergone renovations aimed at enhancing learning environments and increasing student capacity. The$13.5 million project was completed by Balfour Beatty Construction and designed by Lord Aeck Sargent.
Students, college leaders, faculty, staff and Talon, the college’s mascot, celebrated at a reopening celebration that featured a brief program, ribbon cutting, and guided student-led tours of the renovated spaces. The event highlighted Wake Tech’s STEM-focused initiatives, including student speakers from the college’s unique START undergraduate research program, BOOST university transfer program for STEM majors and the N.C. State Goodnight Scholars transfer program. The building welcomed its first students for classes following the ceremony.
“Today, as we stand in this newly revitalized space, we are not just celebrating bricks and mortar, but the boundless opportunities, innovative programs, and the inspiring journeys of our students,” said Dr. Jackie Swanik, Dean of Mathematics and Sciences. “As we cut the ribbon today, let us celebrate not just the reopening of a building but the reaffirmation of our shared mission – to foster discovery, nurture talent, and transform lives.”
STEM careers are essential to North Carolina’s workforce and economic growth. With nearly 4,500 students enrolled in Associate in Science and Associate in Engineering programs at Wake Tech, the renovated Building C expands modern lab and learning space to support growing demand and pathways into high‑skill, high‑wage careers.
Key building updates include improvements to the chemistry lab, auditorium, and office suite, along with an expanded and relocated START Lab designed to be more visible and accessible to students. The renovation also increased natural light throughout the building, created new student gathering spaces, and added an outdoor biology study space developed in collaboration with faculty.
Sophia Reyes, a START ambassador who is studying pre-nursing, said the undergraduate research program has opened new opportunities that have boosted her confidence and enhanced her leadership skills.
“Through START I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities even when I am struggling,” Reyes said. “I have learned to trust myself and stick with it because the purpose of the research is not to be perfect but to learn and grow.”
Dom Woodbridge, an Associate in Science student, is excited about pursuing a career in forensics thanks to support from advisors and success coaches in the BOOST STEM program, noting they helped build connections and expand their knowledge about the field.
“BOOST showed me just how many doors are open for me, how many opportunities I have, and how easy it is to ask for help,” Woodbridge said.
Aryanah Smith, a Wake Tech graduate who is now a Goodnight Scholar at NC State with goals of attending medical school, credited her STEM education and support at Wake Tech for maximizing her potential.
“Wake Tech has truly transformed me into a different person for the better,” Smith said. My time at Wake Tech has given me the skills to not only transfer to NC State but skills that got me through the application and interview process to get to where I am today as a Goodnight Scholar, and I am so grateful.”
Thanks to the renovation Wake Tech is now able to serve approximately 500 more students in high-demand mathematics and sciences courses on the Southern Wake Campus.
