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PCC to Unveil $4 Million State-of-the-Art Hospitality Training Center

TUCSON, AZ – Pima Community College (PCC) is excited to announce the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Center of Excellence in Hospitality Leadership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Desert Vista Campus. After a short presentation, there will be the official ribbon-cutting and self-guided tours. The new Center adds nearly 10,000 sq ft. of new state-of-the-art space that will provide students with exceptional hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the hospitality industry.

With an investment of nearly $4 million, the new Center will include a wide range of newly developed and remodeled learning spaces. The student-run Aztec Grill will provide made-to-order hot and cold food options for students at the Desert Vista Campus. The new Hospitality Learning Lab, including a multi-purpose room layout with new virtual reality and custom 3D equipment, allows students to explore the hospitality industry in a new way. The Center has a remodeled Production Kitchen, a brand new Bakery and Pastry Kitchen, and a new International Bistro restaurant, all of which allows students to perfect their skills and abilities using new industry-leading technology.

Shelby McFarlan, a PCC Alumni, is the Head Pastry Chef at Canyon Ranch, an award-winning wellness ranch in Tucson. Shelby graduated from PCC with a Hospitality Leadership Associates Degree before achieving her Bachelor's in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Arizona. She became the Head Pastry Chef less than a year after being hired at Canyon Ranch.

“Through Pima’s Hospitality Leadership Program, I found my confidence in the kitchen,” said PCC Alumni, Shelby McFarlan. “Pima’s emphasis on the diverse fields within the hospitality industry encouraged me to follow my passion and create my own path. I’ve learned hospitality is more than meets the eye,”

More than 40 local, state, and national Industry leaders partnered with PCC to help bring the look of the Center and state-of-the-art equipment to reality. The partners which include hotels, restaurants, and resorts were also instrumental in the curriculum that helps to train PCC graduates and prepares them to advance quickly into supervisory and leadership roles.

Event Details

  • What: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Center of Excellence: Hospitality Leadership
  • Where: Pima Community College, Desert Vista Campus, 25901 S Calle Santa Cruz, Tucson, AZ 85709
  • When: Friday, April 25, 2025. Doors open: 3:00 p.m., Program begins: 3:30 p.m., Ribbon-cutting ceremony to follow. Self guided tours after the ceremony.
  • Speakers:
    • James Craig, Dean of Business, Information Technology and Hospitality Leadership
    • Greg Taylor, Chair, Pima Community College Governing Board
    • Jeffrey P. Nasse, Ph.D., Chancellor
    • Andrés Cano, Pima County District 5 Supervisor
    • Ian Roark, Ed.D., Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Acting
    • Felipe Garcia, President & CEO, Visit Tucson
    • Pablo Toscano, Academic Director, Hospitality Leadership
    • Shelby McFarlane, Hospitality Alum

Media Information

For media outlets unable to attend, PCC-TV will provide b-roll footage and soundbites by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the event. To request these materials, please email jkree@pima.edu.

Contact: 
Justin Kree
Director Media Relations
520-710-7170 (cell)
jkree@pima.edu 

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