Steel Dynamics Foundation awards $2M for Trine’s student design center
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Steel Dynamics Foundation Inc. has pledged $2 million toward Trine University’s new student design center, a hub of hands-on learning and innovation in the robotics, aeronautics and powertrain fields that is now under construction.
The project fabrication space within the Pellegrino Student Design Center will be named the Steel Dynamics Innovation Lab in appreciation of the financial support from the charitable arm of the Fort Wayne-based steel manufacturer, the university said.
“We’re excited to see the Pellegrino Student Design Center come to fruition,” Steel Dynamics CEO Mark Millett said in a news release. “This new facility will allow Trine University engineering students to gain hands-on experience with even more sophisticated design projects and will provide opportunities for local high school students and residents to enhance essential skills. We are proud to support the continued development of these skills within our community, strengthening the talent pool throughout the region.”
Trine University broke ground on the John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center in May, Inside INdiana Business reported. The $15 million, 22,000-square-foot facility will include a robotics lab, aeronautics lab and powertrain lab and more than 8,000 square feet of project fabrication space.
The building is expected to be complete in about 16 months.
“For many years, the SDI Foundation has generously supported Trine University, and we’re grateful for their continued investment in our efforts to equip students and members of the community with the skills to lead, succeed and serve,” Trine President Earl Brooks said. “Their partnership has been a win-win for both our organizations, as we proudly provide talented alumni to help SDI maintain its leadership in the steel industry.”
The foundation has provided major gifts toward the Steel Dynamics Inc. Center for Engineering and Computing, the Brooks College of Health Professions, the Steel Dynamics Inc./Keith E. Busse Athletic and Recreation Center and the Thunder Ice Arena. The foundation also has funded a scholarship program at Trine and supports the annual Scholarship Gala.
Trine is a private university noted for its engineering programs. It has a student enrollment of about 15,000.