(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Feb. 6, 2015) - - - Columbia State Community College will celebrate the construction progress of the new Williamson Campus with a traditional "Topping Out" ceremony scheduled for Feb. 20 at 11:15 a.m. when the final beam will be hoisted and placed atop the new student services and administration building, marking the highest point of the new campus.

"This is another exciting milestone for the new Williamson Campus," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. "Though there are still several months of construction that remain, this event marks significant progress toward the completion of the new campus."

Scandinavian in origin, the "topping out" of a new building is an ancient construction tradition that is associated with the raising of a building's highest structural element. The tradition is typically celebrated by placing a tree and a flag on the beam before it is raised.

The public is invited to attend the celebration at 1228 Liberty Pike in Franklin. Some parking will be available on site, with overflow parking available just up the road at Liberty Park, located at 1669 McEwen Dr. Shuttle service will begin at 10:30 a.m. for those in overflow parking.

Appropriate clothing and shoes for a construction site and cold weather are recommended. If weather is prohibitive, the event will be rescheduled for Feb. 24. Please check www.ColumbiaState.edu for updates.

The 36-acre property for the new Williamson Campus was purchased in 2011. Phase I of the new campus will accommodate approximately 2,200 students and will consist of an arts and humanities building; a science and technology building; and a student services and administration building.

J. Edward and Brenda Campbell of Synergy Realty Network signed the beam after Franklin Tomorrow's Breakfast with the Mayors event held Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Andy Marshall of Puckett's Grocery added his signature to the beam that will mark the highest point of the new Williamson Campus.

Monty McInturff of Thompson's Station Equine Hospital signs the "topping out" beam during the final stop on its tour before it lands at the new Williamson Campus.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.