Trine University details $120M in projects through new master plan
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Trine University in Angola this week detailed a new master plan that will serve as the basis for the school’s next capital campaign.
The “Something Greater” master plan is highlighted by a series of capital projects totaling more than $120 million that Trine President Earl Brooks says will support the growth that the university has seen over the last decade and provide additional support for new academic programs coming along in the future.
“We know that these investments will pay dividends as students graduate from Trine equipped to succeed in their careers and make a positive impact on our community and the world around them,” Brooks said.
Brooks told Inside INdiana Business he believes the effort will help Trine continue to provide the skilled workers that companies throughout Indiana need.
“One thing we’re really proud of is the demographic of these students that literally come from really all across the country—we’re maintaining those at a 65% clip in the state of Indiana,” he said. “So from that perspective, we’re seeing a very positive brain gain to the state, which is something I know we’re all very attuned and paying attention to.”
One main component of the master plan is a new, 200-bed residence hall that is currently under construction and set for completion this fall. It will replace the existing Cameron and Platt Halls, which will be demolished this spring to provide more green space on campus. Another new residence hall is also in the planning stages.
Trine will break ground in May on the new John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center, which will provide an expanded space for design and fabrication equipment for students.
“That center will help in engineering with senior design projects,” Brooks said. “As we work with local school districts and business and industry, it also includes laboratories and space for certification and training, provides additional space for our innovation center on campus…and gives us support also for lab space to be doing a lot of work we’ve been doing with the Crane naval base in artificial intelligence and maritime maneuvering area.”
Another key aspect of the master plan is a boost to the university’s athletics, including renovations to Zollner Football Stadium, which will begin as soon as possible.
Those upgrades include renovation of the existing football locker room and weight room, as well as construction on a new locker room and weight room. Plans also call for upgrades to Hersey Hall, including new practice, competition, and intermural spaces.
“We’ve become one of the top five NCAA Division III programs around the country,” Brooks said. “We have nearly 1,500 student athletes participating in about 35 or so varsity and club sports on our campus. So continuing to provide field and facility space for them is important.”
The master plan also calls for a new facility to house Trine’s growing Franks School of Education, a new dining venue and additional campus parking.
Brooks also mentioned a new capital campaign, which is currently in the silent phase, but has already raised about $80 million dollars. He did not provide a timeline for the public phase of the campaign to launch.
“A key part of our success at Trine has been staying ahead of the curve by continuing to add to and upgrade our facilities as well as enhancing and expanding our academic offerings,” said Brooks. “We’re grateful for the vision of our Board of Trustees and the many supporters who make it possible for us to offer an outstanding learning and living environment for our students.”