LSCPA cuts ribbon on new Motiva Petrochemical Training Facility
Lamar State College Port Arthur President Dr. Betty Reynard cuts the ribbon on the new Motiva Petrochemical Training Facility. She was joined in the ceremony by LSCPA administrators, Motiva officials, and other community and industry representatives during a ceremony on Thursday, November 7, 2019.
Lamar State College Port Arthur President Dr. Betty Reynard is joined by Motiva Port Arthur General Manager Greg Lucchesi, left, and Motiva Executive Vice President of Human Resources Ed Haloulos at the recently-opened Motiva Petrochemical Training Facility at LSCPA.
To serve the world class petrochemical companies that call Southeast Texas home, Lamar State College Port Arthur is now offering a world class education never before seen in the state.
The college celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 7, 2019 as part of the grand opening of the Motiva Petrochemical Training Facility. The two units that make up the facility offer hands-on training with equipment that makes up what one official referred to as “a complete refinery operation right here at the college.”
“We possess the unique opportunity to offer an education no other institution can offer in this area, even in this state,” said Dr. Melissa Armentor, Dean of Technical Programs at LSCPA.
The units are indeed rare in the world of higher education, especially at the two-year college level. The Hands-On Training (HOT) No. 3 Glycol Distillation Trainer is one of just four in the United States and the only one in Texas. The HOT 1 Process Trainer is one of only 23 in the country. LSCPA is the only two-year college to possess both training units.
“We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to see this project come to fruition,” said Dr. Betty Reynard, President of LSCPA. “This was a dream project and today, our dream is coming true.”
The two units, which are located just outside the recently-completed Umphrey Industrial Technology Center, are designed to teach the fundamentals of process operations in a safe but realistic manner. Engineered and manufactured in the United States, each unit is constructed using industrial components and to industry standards.
The naming rights were presented to Motiva after the company donated $250,000 toward the project in its earliest stages in January 2019.
“Education and workforce development are important issues to Motiva and we are honored to contribute in meaningful ways to this institution,” said Ed Haloulos, Executive Vice President of Human Resources. “It’s important to invest in the people of Port Arthur, as they are the future workers and leaders of the community, and they could even be our future employees.”
Motiva’s relationship with Lamar State College Port Arthur extends many years, in which time the organizations have partnered to provide mentoring and learning experiences for students and professors alike. Lamar State College Port Arthur will generously dedicate their new processing unit to Motiva.
“This community is important to us,” said Greg Lucchesi, Port Arthur General Manager. “It’s not just a place we work – it’s home to many employees who work at Motiva. We’re honored to help provide a safe and engaging learning environment for students with these donations.”
The Motiva Petrochemical Training Facility bolsters already first-class Process Technology and Instrumentation programs at Lamar State College Port Arthur. Among the guests for the ribbon cutting ceremony were former students, many wearing Motiva uniforms.
“I recognize many of your faces and it’s exciting to know that the education you are receiving here is benefitting you and our company in such a positive way,” Lucchesi said.
