Randolph Community College opened its $1,750,000 Richard Petty Education Center today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guests including Richard Petty; his wife Lynda; one of his daughters, Sharon; members of the RCC Board of Trustees; Randolph County and Asheboro City officials; and other dignitaries. The building houses the College's Automotive Systems Technology and Autobody Repair programs. It more than doubles the space the programs had in the old buildings. Platform speakers included Dr. Bob Shackleford, RCC president; Jim Campbell, chair of the RCC Board of Trustees; Harold Holmes, chair of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners; North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco; Bonnie Renfro, president of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, Jon Steindorf, project architect with SchenkelSchultz Architecture; and Brandin Wrisley, president of the Sterling Building Group, the building contractor.
Over 100 community members, student, faculty, and staff gathered for the 9:30 a.m. ceremony held in the automotive shop in the heart of the new building. In introducing the guest of honor, Dr. Shackleford said, "We are pleased to honor our friend, Randolph County's favorite son, with this facility named after him. We pledge to offer in this building an education that is marked by the same drive for excellence and commitment to quality that made Richard Petty 'The King' of his sport."
Petty was given a standing ovation by the crowd and made a few remarks, noting how the automotive industry has grown and the real need for training for automotive and autobody technicians. He downplayed his role in the new building saying, "It took the community to do it… I'm real honored to be able to stand here, not only for me, but to give these students this opportunity."
After the short ceremony, the crowd was invited to tour the facility, and when Petty made himself available for autographs in the lobby, a line quickly formed.
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