Dulles Building Ribbon Cutting, Home for Mechatronics and Cybersecurity Workforce Training

On Friday, October 23, 2026, Jefferson Community College (JCC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newly renovated John F. Foster Dulles Building, which houses state-of-the-art mechatronics labs, a cybersecurity classroom and lab being equipped with servers and other equipment for hands-on learning, as well as traditional classrooms. Nearly 75 College officials, faculty/staff, representatives from Next Move NY, Jefferson County, Empire State Development, Micron, and New York State assembly members, along with Fort Drum officials turned out for the event.  

Speakers in the ceremony included Dr. Daniel J. Dupee, II, President, Cindy Intschert, Chair, Jefferson Board of Trustees, Mari Cecil, Principal/Architect, BCA Architects and Engineers, Ryan Piche, County Administrator, Jefferson County, Michael Guttman, Staff Program Manager, Micron, Stephen Hunt, Regional Director, Empire State Development, and the Honorable Scott Gray, Assemblyman, 116^th District, New York State Assembly.

President Dupee, II, said, “As the North Country continues to grow and evolve, Jefferson Community College must continue to lead. New industries, new technologies, and new opportunities are emerging all around us. This facility strengthens our ability to respond to those opportunities by preparing students for high-demand careers, expanding workforce development initiatives, and supporting economic growth across the region.”

Governor Kathy Hochul said, “The transformation of the John F. Foster Dulles Building marks a monumental step forward for innovation, technical education, and workforce development in Watertown. Through our Next Move NY grant and strategic state investments, we are ensuring that Jefferson Community College has the world-class facilities it needs to train the next generation of workers in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, and cybersecurity. By connecting these high-tech training programs with our incredible military families at Fort Drum and major economic drivers like Micron, we are fueling regional growth, creating solid career pathways, and securing New York's economic future.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY is at the forefront of academic excellence, setting our students on a path to be New York's skilled workforce of the future. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued support and investment in SUNY community colleges, particularly for Jefferson Community College for this opportunity, as well as companies like Micron for their partnership. We look forward to seeing how this investment will transform Jefferson Community College and meet the needs of our students and New York State's economy."

Jefferson Board of Trustees Chair Cindy Intschert said, “The Dulles Building reconstruction reflects Jefferson’s commitment to investing in the future of our students and the North Country. By modernizing our facilities and expanding opportunities for hands-on technical training, we are strengthening the college’s ability to serve its students and the community, support regional employers, and help drive economic growth for years to come.”

The Dulles Building renovation was initiated as part of the college’s 2025 Capital Improvement Program to create a new hub for technical education and workforce development. Empire State Development provided $4 million for this project to support the Next Move NY Vocational Training and Job Readiness Facility at Jefferson. This endeavor positions JCC to respond directly to regional workforce needs by providing accessible, industry-aligned education close to home. Students will gain hands-on experience in automation, electronics, hydraulics and mechanical systems, developing the technical skills needed to succeed in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor operations.

Jefferson is holding two free semiconductor bootcamps in spring 2027. The first semiconductor bootcamp will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 25, 2027, through March 16, 2027, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The second semiconductor bootcamp will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 22, 2027, through May 14, 2027, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. All classes meet in the Dulles Building mechatronics labs. Upon successful completion, students will earn two SnapOn® industry-recognized certifications and three JCC college credits. To sign up for Jefferson’s semiconductor bootcamps, email dsnow@sunyjefferson.edu or call (315) 786-2297. Learn more by visiting www.sunyjefferson.edu/mechatronics. The semiconductor bootcamps are made possible through a SUNY Transformation Fund, with support from Onondaga Community College.

Jefferson anticipates launching two new academic programs in fall 2027: mechatronics and cybersecurity following approvals from SUNY and the New York State Education Department. These degree programs will prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor operations, and other technology-driven industries. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive their diploma and industry recognized certifications.

This project was supported in part by Jefferson County, New York State, Micron, Empire State Development through the Next Move New York Grant, and the SUNY 2020 Grant.