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Montgomery College Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Leggett Math and Science Building

The students already started classes, but Thursday was a day for ribbon cutting at the Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus of Montgomery College.

Officials hope the school will graduate more students in the STEM fields.

“We are privileged to be here today and appreciative of the leadership of so many thoughtful leaders,” Isiah Leggett said. “This is a collective effort; you don’t create buildings like this overnight… And our former First Lady, she was the first volunteer, the first leader, the first giver. Most importantly, she is the first in my heart.”

During the ribbon cutting Catherine Leggett said, “Ike and I are incredibly elated and thankful for the naming. It is incredibly humbling to be a part of this, a building that will have thousands of students in it… Ike and I try to espouse hard work. We try to embody the values we were taught [as children]. This is humbling and we are incredibly grateful. To [former MC president] Dr. Pollard and everyone who helped bring this building to fruition, this is a day we will remember forever.”

The new learning hub on Takoma Avenue in Takoma Park spans 108,000 square feet and is three stories. it has 20 advanced labs, eight versatile classrooms, a planetarium, a math and science learning center, a cybersecurity center, an atrium and a greenhouse.

“This facility will open doors for all students, as it has for me,” said Grace Kigo, a biology major at Montgomery College and an aspiring cardiologist. “MC has had a profound impact on my life and the opportunities align with my passion. I am currently taking classes in the Leggett Building. The modern labs provide us with hands-on learning opportunities, and I know the Leggett Building is a place to dream, to innovate, and to create a better future.”

County Executive Marc Elrich, who also spoke Thursday afternoon, said, “This college is part of an ecosystem, along with the Universities at Shady Grove, to have a pipeline from community college to four-year universities.”

Councilmember Sidney Katz wrote on social media, “Catherine & Isiah Leggett are more than pillars of our community! ..With their passionate & purposeful advocacy, the Leggetts have helped clear the pathway to education for our diverse community.”

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