LBCC students and faculty show up to attend the TTC’s new MM building ribbon-cutting ceremony

LBCC students, faculty, local city and community members were in attendance on Feb. 25 with superintendent-president Mike Munoz and members of the LBCC board of trustees to celebrate the MM building ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Trade Technology and Community Learning campus.

The MM building is a project that was conceptualized in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. It features state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for students in LBCC’s automotive, horticulture, architecture, and carpentry programs.

Munoz was front and center at the podium and shared his gratitude for all those involved with the phases of the MM building project. 

Those in attendance included the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Utilities, and Harbor Freight, who all played an essential part in the MM buildings’ formation.

^{LBCC board of trustees, as well as students and faculty, can all be seen waiting for the MM building ribbing cutting ceremony to begin, which took place at the TTC campus on Feb 25. (Keith Lewis)}

The building opened with help from a $50 million dollar investment from the city of Long Beach and through Measure E (2008) and Measure LB (2016). Measure E was approved by voters to work on campus improvements, and Measure LB is a local tax measure that funds programs and courses.

LBCC Board of Trustees president Uduak- Joe Ntuk conveyed the importance of the MM building for both current and future students to be educated with state-of-the-art classrooms and equipment.

Construction on the building originally built in the 1950s was done in two phases. The first phase was during the height of the pandemic, and the second phase was completed in 2025. 

Touring the building, students got a sense of openness as they entered the courtyard’s east entrance. There are various areas to study in throughout the newly renovated area, as well as state-of-the-art equipment.

“It’s a beautiful space for our accredited and non-accredited students to be able to learn hands-on,” said Sherrina Barnes, LBCC assistant adult education. 

With the most up-to-date classrooms, equipment, and technology, the MM building offers a place for students involved in trade courses to get first-hand experience in their courses. There is an area big enough for those studying carpentry where students can actually frame a small structure.

^{LBCC students enrolled in the carpentry program are seen building a framed portion of a small structure. The area is available specifically for this hands-on style of learning (Keith Lewis)}

Automotive vocational technician Jose Espinoza was picking out the ideal succulent that the horticulture exhibit area was giving away.

“It’s a cool setup, there is such a big change compared to the old buildings. Definitely a lot more space here in the big open courtyard,” said Espinoza.

LBCC president ambassador Olivia McCary was seen passing out cookies to those touring the courtyard area.

McCary is responsible for conducting campus tours for students considering LBCC for their school of choice.

“I love it. I get to do campus tours to elementary students and anyone who may be considering LBCC in the future. They get to see things in real life,” said McCary.

Alongside the MM building available for students, the GG building, which will be named in honor of the late Jenni Rivera, will also have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Mar. 26.