HANCEVILLE — Wallace State celebrated the completion of its north entrance Thursday with a ribbon cutting and flag raising. The U.S. Flag, flag of the State of Alabama and a new Wallace State flag greet visitors approaching campus from the north. The new entrance marks the northern gateway to the college and is located at the newest stop light in Hanceville, the intersection of Highway 31 and Francis Dodd Drive, leading to the college’s School of Nursing and Center for Science.

“This entrance represents the gateway not only to our campus, but a gateway to opportunity, to a career, and to new life for our students,” said Wallace State president Dr. Vicki Karolewics. Karolewics added that since the light was installed, accidents from students entering and exiting campus from the north so far had been all but eliminated.

The ribbon cutting for the new entrance was sponsored by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, and president Leah Bolin kicked off the event. “This entrance is so fantastic, it makes me want to come in this campus,” she said. “We are so glad to be part of the event today because it is another celebration of all the major achievements at the college. These things could not have been accomplished without Wallace State’s leader, Dr. Vicki Karolewics.”

Alabama Sen. Paul Bussman, Alabama Rep. Randall Shedd, Haneville Mayor Kenneth Nail and Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs also offered remarks.

“Congratulations on another stepping stone to greatness,” said Bussman. “You are a gem compared to colleges across the country, and our industries, business and citizens are better for it.”

“I commend you for the economic impact you have on our community and on one life, one individual at a time,” said Shedd. “What a difference you make.”

Jacobs praised the college’s impact on the area’s ability to recruit business. “You don’t recruit industry without a college like this,” said Jacobs.

Nail added that Wallace State means business for Hanceville store and restaurant owners.

Dr. Karolewics said the next ribbon cutting is expected to be for a new welding facility, with hopes to add an additional academic building and student housing in the future.

The U.S. and Alabama flags had been raised prior to the event. The event concluded with the raising of the Wallace State flag. These are up just in time for Wallace State’s largest ever commencement, which will take place at 6 p.m. Friday in Tom Drake Coliseum.