ANNA - The partnership between Southern Illinois University and the region's community colleges was evident during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Shawnee Community College Anna Extension Center Sunday.

SIU Carbondale Chancellor Sam Goldman joined college officials at the event, saying a number of efforts between the university and the college are of great importance.

"As you can read here, one of the top efforts in our partnership with Shawnee Community College is bringing the aviation technology program to the airport in Cairo," Goldman said, holding up a copy of Shawnee College's newsletter.

Dr. Larry Peterson, president of the college, praised Goldman and SIU for the strong relationship between the two institutions.

"For too long, people have thought that the community college and university were in competition with each other," Peterson said. "In no way is this true with our college. The university - and all that it has to offer - only makes us better. I am so proud of our partnership with SIU."

More than 650 people turned out Sunday for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Wesley Wright, chairman of the Shawnee Community College Board of Trustees.

"I am proud to join with all of you today to say that 'I am Shawnee Community College,'" Wright said. "And part of being Shawnee Community College is to work arm-in-arm with our great university, Southern Illinois University. As the ribbon we cut today is separated by the scissors we use to divide it, the new era of Shawnee Community College is one of working together with SIU and reach out to our university partners to bring greater opportunity to everyone we serve."

The college made a $1.5 million investment in Anna with the creation of the new extension center. The foyer of the 19,000 square foot facility was had standing room only as residents of the community turned out to support it and participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Guy Alongi, chairman of the Illinois Community College Board, said the Anna Extension Center is one of the nicest extension centers in the state.

"This community should be proud of the opportunities this new center offers," Alongi said. "It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility that any college in the state would be proud of. It is one of the nicest I have seen."

State Senator Gary Forby also spoke Sunday praising the board of trustees for their vision and leadership in making the facility possible.

"Everyone who had a hand in this beautiful center should be applauded," Forby said.

The new Anna Extension Center is located at 1150 E. Vienna St.