Legacy in Learning: The Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building at Montgomery College
Montgomery College stands as a beacon of education in Montgomery County, Maryland, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1946. Over the decades, the college has evolved to meet the changing needs of its diverse student body and the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. A testament to this commitment is the Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, a state-of-the-art facility designed to revolutionize STEM education.
A Foundation of Education and Growth
Montgomery College's journey began in September 1946, when it opened its doors at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. The college offered evening and Saturday classes to 186 students. This humble beginning laid the groundwork for what would become a vital institution of higher learning in the county.
The college's early years were marked by significant milestones, including the purchase of the Spitz Co. Planetarium in 1960 and the abolition of segregation in 1955 following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. By 1986, Montgomery College had grown to serve 18,000 students with a faculty of over 900. Enrollment continued to climb, reaching over 22,300 students by 1994.
Isiah Leggett: A Legacy of Public Service
Isiah "Ike" Leggett's name is synonymous with dedication, leadership, and progress in Montgomery County. His career is marked by numerous historic achievements, including his election in 1986 as the first person of color to serve on the Montgomery County Council. He served four terms on the Council, holding the position of president four times. In 2006, Leggett became the first African American elected Montgomery County Executive, further solidifying his place in the county's history.
Leggett's commitment to public service extends beyond his time in elected office. He began his career in 1979 as a member of the Montgomery County Human Relations Committee, later serving as its chair. Throughout his career, Leggett has been recognized for his leadership and advocacy on key regional issues, including transportation and immigrant labor.
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On Monday, Feb. 24, Montgomery County honored Ike Leggett by renaming the Executive Office Building in his honor, paying tribute to his extraordinary legacy and dedication to serving the people of Montgomery County. County Executive Marc Elrich noted that Leggett shaped the County in profound ways through his leadership and unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity. County Council President Kate Stewart reinforced Leggett's legacy, emphasizing his commitment to public service and his belief that public officials work for every Montgomery County resident. Councilmember Andrew Friedson acknowledged Leggett's steady guidance during a devastating financial crisis, ensuring the County government lived up to its community's inclusive values.
The Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building: A Vision Realized
The Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building stands as a testament to the Leggetts' commitment to education and their enduring impact on Montgomery College. Construction began in November 2019, and the building officially opened its doors to students in the fall. The three-story, 108,000 square-foot facility replaces Falcon Hall and Science South and provides collaborative workspaces and learning facilities. These include the STEAM Innovation Hub, Cyber Lab, and the Math and Science Learning Center, where students engage directly with technology and STEM activities.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams emphasized that the Leggett Building would provide an unparalleled educational experience for students, preparing them for scientific roles in the knowledge economy. He also noted that the building's name reflects the Leggetts' philanthropy in supporting the college and its students.
Ike Leggett shared his vision for the building, expressing his hope that it would produce engineers and scientists who would contribute to the community. Catherine Leggett echoed this sentiment, expressing her gratitude for the naming and her belief in the importance of hard work and education.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for STEM Education
The Leggett Building boasts an array of advanced facilities designed to enhance STEM education at Montgomery College. These include:
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- 20 Advanced Labs: These labs provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in various scientific disciplines, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology, physics, and engineering.
- Eight Versatile Classrooms: These classrooms are designed to accommodate a variety of teaching styles and learning activities.
- Planetarium: Featuring 100 movable seats under a tilted 30-foot dome, the planetarium offers students an immersive learning experience, showcasing stars, nebulae, galaxies, Layered Earth simulation software, and 360-degree virtual reality video and sound.
- Math and Science Learning Center: This center provides students with resources and support to succeed in their math and science courses.
- Cybersecurity Center: This center prepares students for careers in the growing field of cybersecurity.
- Atrium: A central gathering space for students and faculty.
- Greenhouse: Provides a space for students to study plant science and environmental ecology.
- Networking lab
- LAN room
- Four computer labs
These facilities provide an unparalleled educational experience, preparing students for high-wage careers as Maryland’s future engineers, cyber technicians, nurses, and other vital STEM professionals.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Reflecting Montgomery College's commitment to environmental stewardship, the Leggett Building is designed for LEED Silver certification. Sustainable features include:
- Resilient green building design
- Energy-efficient operations
- Seven new stormwater facilities, including rain gardens and bio-swales
- The planting of 101 new trees across 23 species, alongside shrubs, flowers, and groundcover to enhance habitat value for insects and birds, primarily using Mid-Atlantic native species
A Collaborative Effort
The Leggett Building is the result of a collaborative effort involving Montgomery College faculty and staff, the Washington, DC-based integrated design firm SmithGroup, and the community. The College partnered with LINK Strategic Partners and hosted a series of planning meetings (charettes) to gather input from the community and ensure that the building met the needs of its students and faculty.
A Bright Future for STEM Education
The Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building represents a significant investment in STEM education at Montgomery College. The building will equip students with the essential skills for high-demand careers that will fuel the workforce and boost the economic vitality of Montgomery County.
Grace Kigo, a biology major at Montgomery College, testified to the building's impact, saying, "This facility will open doors for all students, as it has for me… 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."
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