Amid praises, CSC dedicates Rangeland Complex

This weekend’s dedication of the new Rangeland Complex had a large turnout which included students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni including former track athlete John Sides who is a part of a three generation CSC legacy and members of the Coffee family who financially supported a large amount of the complex.

The Coffee Agricultural Pavilion houses an arena that upon entering Senator Al Davis said “was a pretty different classroom with dirt, animals, and whatever comes out of animals.” There is also a small herd of cattle housed in the complex that are just another one of the many educational opportunities provided by the new complex.

The other building is a classroom and laboratory facility that will begin hosting classes in the fall 2016. There are two unique labs in the building that allow students to learn more about animals, soils, and grass. There are also plans to move the Cabela’s Taxidermy collection that is currently housed in Burkhiser to the new facility.   

CSC President Randy Rhine said it was, “A founding achievement, and there was not a better location for the project.” Because the complex is located “in the middle of a living lab.” He was one of a few people who remarked at the geographical support due to the three different types of ranges located in this part of the state. He also called the complex a “landmark to the college.”

“This is a very unique opportunity,” Board of Trustee member John Chaney said. “I toured the facility when it was

halfway finished and although this is not my area of expertise I know there is nothing like it anywhere. It is going to help the state progress.” He was also “impressed with how everyone came together including the state and the donors.”

Student Trustee Mikayla Gallagher commented on the complex’s ability to “attract people from all over to Chadron to have an opportunity to use the unique facility.”

All of the speakers noted that the facilities will provide a unique and advanced learning opportunity for students. The lab and classroom facility is not yet completely finished but Physical Facilities Project Coordinator Blair Brennan said, “All that is left are small details.”