AUBURN — Almost one year to the day after breaking ground, Central Maine Community College has formally opened The Learning Tower, a four-story, 25,000-square-foot academic building.

Prospective students and their families are invited to visit The Learning Tower at an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24.

The college hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday in front of what has become the new main entrance on campus. Connected to Jalbert Hall with an enclosed walkway, the tower has quickly become the signature building on campus, according to a statement from CMCC.

The first floor consists of the new admissions suite, a lounge and waiting area. A “Harvard-style” case study room, with tiered seating to allow for greater visibility and ease of movement, is on the second floor. Also on the second floor is the presentation room, designed for public speaking and related classes that require individual or group presentations.

The third floor has a smaller case study room and a business simulation classroom. The “Bull & Bear” student lounge is also on this floor.

The chemistry lab is on the fourth floor. The addition of the lab has enabled the college to offer organic chemistry, a required course in the new Life Sciences Associate Degree Program, according to a statement from Roger G. Philippon, dean of planning and public affairs for CMCC.

Students who earn this degree at CMCC will be able to transfer to the University of New England to complete their final two years in programs such as osteopathic medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

The tower was designed by Harriman Architects & Engineers of Auburn and the general contractor was Langford and Low of Portland.