San Juan College marked a milestone in the growth of its educational and community resources Wednesday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology at the School of Energy.
The San Juan College Foundation received a $4 million donation from the Dugan family for the expansion, said Gayle Dean, executive director of the foundation. The Dugan family also helped support the launch of the project.
“There are no words to express our heartfelt gratitude. Together, these contributions reflect a shared commitment to advancing education, preserving geological history and strengthening opportunities for hands-on learning,” Dean said.
The college is partnering with Dekker Design and Sabatini and Jaynes Corp. on the project, which will add 3,734 square feet of new interior space.
The existing museum lobby will be extended to create a space that integrates with the School of Energy. The design maintains continuity in floor and ceiling levels, creating a cohesive learning environment.
“This groundbreaking marks an exciting step forward for San Juan College and the communities we serve,” said San Juan College President Toni Hopper Pendergrass. “The expansion of the Sherman Dugan Museum of Geology will create new opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning while also welcoming the broader community to explore and connect with the region’s rich geological history.”
In addition to the indoor expansion, the project includes enhanced exterior exhibit areas, including a large terrace extending from the north and east sides of the building.
Movable window walls will allow the interior and exterior spaces to merge, providing flexibility for larger events and community gatherings.
“This expansion will transform how we experience geology,” said John Burris, a San Juan College professor of geology. “Having more space for interactive exhibits and real-world equipment allows the community to engage with science in a meaningful way.”
Sean Dugan, president of Dugan Production, said the most meaningful aspect of the museum is seeing how it resonates with young people and sparks curiosity.
Dugan said the museum began as a personal project for his family, inspired by his father’s curiosity about the earth and a desire to share that passion with others.
“It’s an honor for our family to support the expansion and help give more students across the Four Corners a chance to discover earth sciences and find something that sticks with them for life,” he said. “I think my dad would be really proud of what it’s become.”
The expanded museum will provide more opportunities for students, educators and the community to explore geology and energy. School field trips and student visits are welcome, offering hands-on experiences that bring classroom lessons to life.
Visitors can explore mineral and fossil displays along with energy industry equipment that supports learning and research. The space is designed to spark curiosity, build scientific understanding and encourage exploration.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Merrion family for providing vital startup funding that helped launch this project and to the Dugan family for their remarkable generosity and longstanding support of San Juan College,” Dean said.
