FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 13, 2026 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Lisa Slappy, Chief Communications and Public Relations Officer  

410-386-8184 | lslappy@carrollcc.edu 

Carroll Community College to Host Ribbon-Cutting for Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center

Media invited to ribbon-cutting, ceremonial photos, interviews, and hard hat tours of new skilled trades facility 

WHAT: 

Carroll Community College will host a ribbon-cutting for the new Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center. The 10,000-square-foot facility will expand hands-on training in welding, automotive technology, electrical, plumbing, and other high-demand skilled trades. The center will help the College serve more students, address program waitlists, and build a stronger pipeline of job-ready talent for regional employers.  Following the ceremony, members of the media will have an opportunity to tour the building while wearing hard hats, view the spaces, capture photos and video, and interview College leaders, students, partners, and invited officials. 

WHEN: 

Monday, October 19, 2026 

3 p.m. 

Media arrival recommendation: 2:30 p.m. 

There will be limited parking, and media will be able to drop off equipment. Parking will be available across the street at 125 Airport Drive 

WHERE: 

Ratcliffe Applied Technology and Trades Center 

110 Airport Drive, Westminster, Maryland 

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: 

• Official ribbon-cutting
• Exterior and interior images of the new center
• Hard hat tours of the building
• Views of specialized instructional and training spaces
• Interviews with College leadership, students, workforce leaders, employers, donors, and elected officials
• Ceremonial photos with speakers, partners, and project stakeholders 

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:

• Dr. Rose Mince, President, Carroll Community College
• Dr. Kelly Koermer, Vice President of Workforce, Business and Community Education
• Sherri-Le Bream, Carroll Community College Board of Trustees
• Carlene Cassidy, President, Ratcliffe Foundation
• Robin Summerfield, Regional Director for Western Maryland, delivering remarks on behalf of U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
• Portia Wu, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor
• Congressman Johnny Olszewski
• Wyatt Runciman, Automotive Technology student
• The official ribbon-cutting and facility tours will follow the speaking program. 

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• Remarks from College leadership, elected officials, and a student speaker
• On-site interview opportunities
• Tour of Facility

For more information, please call Lisa Slappy at 410.386.8184, or email lslappy@carrollcc.edu.

About Carroll Community College: Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.