Jerome, Rebecca and Sarah Broussard-Kelly and John Chaney helped Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas and others break ground Tuesday for the new $5 million Rebecca Chaney Broussard Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.

“This is the first privately funded building that we have ever built at the college ... privately funded thanks to the Broussard family and all the community members that are helping us do that,” Karas said. “It will really strengthen health care in Northwest Montana and provide opportunities for all of our students to have good jobs.”

Gusting winds and dark clouds threatening rain did not dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered to celebrate the start of construction. The project is next to the tennis courts on the south end of the campus.

It was made possible by a $4 million gift from the Broussards and a community fundraising campaign for an additional $1 million.

According to Karas, the college has raised $880,000. She said that she likes to say “it takes a community to build a college” and put in a pitch for a little more to meet the goal.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and for those of us who haven’t given, or maybe have given but would like to give a little more, it’s never too late,” Karas said, triggering laughter in the crowd. “We still need $120,000.”

This effort began after the college announced last June the $4 million donated by the Broussard family as a tribute to the late Rebecca Chaney Broussard. She was a nurse, philanthropist and major figure in the world of equestrian eventing with the annual Event at Rebecca Farm.

Karas credited Rebecca Chaney Broussard with making many changes and doing many wonderful things for people in the community.

“This gift will continue to do that,” she said. “It will change many lives and many of our students’ lives and our community will be improved.”

Sarah Broussard spoke briefly, thanking everyone who has given to the project.

Robert Nystuen, chair of the college’s board of trustees, noted that Karas had an easier task with a shovel than the backhoe she used to initiate the last major expansion of the campus.

He added his thanks for the Broussard gift and called it a strong vote of confidence in what the college can do for its students, the community and hospital partners.

“We’ll honor that confidence with our unwavering commitment to see that Rebecca’s legacy will live for generations to come here in northwestern Montana,” Nystuen said. “We’re just so proud that we can deliver this today. It’s onward and upward from here.”

After the remarks, the Broussards and Chaney wielded shovels, followed by a contingent from the college including Karas, Nystuen, instructors and allied health students.

On Monday, Swank Enterprises was awarded the contract for the 32,000 square-foot building with a bid of $4,129,000. The firm submitted the lowest of four bids received by the college.

Karas wrapped up the late-morning ceremony by announcing the date of the building dedication.

“I want to invite all of you back in March of 2013 when we dedicate the building that will be built on this location,” she said. “It’s going to be a wonderfully exciting day.”

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at cchase@dailyinterlake.com