Ribbon cutting connects a century-old legacy of community support with new opportunities for students
THATCHER, Ariz. — Nearly 200 students, employees, community leaders and guests gathered Thursday as Eastern Arizona College celebrated the opening of its new Cosmetology Program building—a facility designed to expand access to one of the College’s most in-demand career programs.
The celebration included remarks from EA President Todd Haynie, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Susan Wood and cosmetology student Gracie Stearns, followed by an official ribbon-cutting and public tours of the facility.
During his keynote address, Haynie connected the new building to a remarkable chapter in EA’s history.
“Just as 856 children donated what they could to help build Old Main more than 120 years ago, we have the privilege—and the responsibility—to carry that legacy forward for the generations who will walk through these doors.”
When EA’s historic academy building, known as Old Main, was demolished following two devastating fires, workers discovered a time capsule placed inside one of the building’s pillars during its 1908 dedication. Among its contents were hundreds of receipts documenting donations that helped fund the historic building—including contributions from 856 children.
Standing a block from the former site of Old Main, Haynie displayed a pair of overalls worn by a worker and recovered from the time capsule, as well as a binder containing the original receipts. He described how children and hardworking families donated what they could—some giving five cents, others a dollar or two—to help build a college for future generations.
“Their vision became Eastern Arizona College,” Haynie said. “Their sacrifice lives on in every classroom, laboratory, lecture hall, performance space and athletic field on this campus.”
The story created an emotional connection between the families who helped build EA more than a century ago and those investing in its students today.
“This building represents far more than bricks, steel and concrete,” Haynie said. “It represents opportunity. It represents hope. It represents the enduring belief that when a community invests in education, it invests in its own future.”
The new facility is already transforming EA’s Cosmetology Program. For years, demand exceeded capacity, forcing the College to maintain a waiting list and turn away qualified students because the former location lacked sufficient space.
The program now serves 90 students—approximately 30 more than the previous facility could accommodate. As faculty and students continue to refine their use of the new space, EA anticipates serving approximately 120 students while maintaining high-quality instruction and client services.
“Our community continues to entrust Eastern Arizona College with an important responsibility—to prepare students for meaningful careers and strengthen the workforce that sustains our region,” Haynie said. “This building fulfills that responsibility.”
The facility provides modern instructional spaces and a professional environment where students can develop technical, creative and business skills through hands-on experience. It also allows students to serve clients under the supervision of EA’s cosmetology instructors, preparing graduates to become licensed professionals, entrepreneurs, salon owners and educators.
Stearns, who is earning her cosmetology certificate at EA, represented the students whose careers will be shaped inside the building. Born and raised in Safford, she began styling her own hair at age five and later became the family stylist for her mother and sisters. She hopes to combine her creativity and interest in business by opening her own salon.
The ceremony concluded with Haynie inviting all attendees to gather around EA Governing Board members and other honored guests for the official ribbon-cutting photo.
“Just as 856 children donated what they could to help build Old Main more than 120 years ago, we have the privilege—and the responsibility—to carry that legacy forward for the generations who will walk through these doors,” Haynie said.
Following the ceremony, guests toured the new classrooms, salon areas and specialized instructional spaces, met faculty, and learned how the expanded program will prepare more students for rewarding careers.
The building was designed by SPS+ Architects and constructed by CORE Construction. Eastern Arizona College expressed its appreciation to Arizona’s District 19 legislative delegation—Senator David Gowan and Representatives Gail Griffin and Lupe Diaz—for their continued support of the College and their work to help secure the state funding that made the project possible. EA also thanked its Governing Board, project partners, faculty, employees and community supporters whose planning, stewardship and commitment brought the facility to life.
