West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) recently celebrated a milestone in the construction of its new Stanley H. Bressner Industrial Technology Building at the Murphy Campus with a beam signing ceremony. The event was attended by WGTC leadership, faculty and staff, elected officials, representatives from the Technical College System of Georgia, community leaders, project partners, board members, and community partners who gathered to leave their mark on the steel beam that will become a permanent part of the building’s structure.
A beam signing ceremony is a long-standing construction tradition symbolizing collaboration, progress, and shared purpose. It serves as a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of everyone involved—from the planners and builders to the educators and community members who helped bring the project to life.
During the event, WGTC President Dr. Julie Post reflected on the ceremony’s significance, saying, “Today we recognize a milestone in the construction of this important contribution to Haralson County and our surrounding communities. The beam ceremony symbolizes collaboration, honors the hard work and dedication of all project stakeholders, and marks the moment at which the structure of not just this building but the idea, the purpose, and the commitment is solidified by all that are involved. Everyone who walks through these doors in the future to change their life will see all those who were a part of this project.”
Derek Smith, Vice President of Construction Services at Caliber 1 Construction, shared his pride in the project and its connection to the local community.
“I’m such a proponent of trade programs—they are truly the heartbeat of our industry,” Smith said. “As a local West Georgia contractor, it really touches my heart to be part of something as special as this facility. Over the past 25 years, our industry has lost so many people who want to work with their hands, but this building is going to change that. It’s going to produce so much for West Georgia and for our state.”
The 25,000-square-foot facility will house programs in welding, electrical lineworker, and commercial truck driving, providing state-of-the-art training opportunities for students pursuing careers in these high-demand fields. Features will include a 40-booth welding lab, classrooms, community space, and a dedicated CDL driving range. Once complete, the Stanley H. Bressner Industrial Technology Building is expected to serve an additional 225 students each year.
The building is named in honor of the late Stanley H. Bressner following a $1 million donation from the Bressner Family. WGTC also extends its gratitude to the additional donors whose generosity is helping bring the facility to life: American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Systems & Methods, Inc., Wayne Davis Concrete, Jacob and Ashley Mullins, Southeastern Hose, the Warren and Ava Sewell Foundation, Inc., Lewis Fire Protection, and Cliff Harris.
