WSU hauls out the shovels for Schweitzer Engineering Hall
University hails upcoming construction of $80M engineering building that will serve as a hub for thousands of students
Crimson shovels lined a plot of dirt at Washington State University’s groundbreaking ceremony Friday — heaved by university and state officials celebrating the launch of the Schweitzer Engineering Hall.
The institution took its first steps to revamp the Voiland College’s engineering and design district, beginning with the construction of the hall.
The event garnered quite a crowd. Many stood in the rain while others watched the ceremony under umbrellas and pitched tents. The celebration attracted donors, WSU faculty, community members, Cougar alumni and even Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson and Washington state Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville.
“Today we embark on a journey not only that modernizes our campus here in Pullman, but also provides a new home for our incredible students,” Elizabeth Chilton, provost, executive vice president and WSU Pullman chancellor, said. “Schweitzer Engineering Hall is not going to be just a physical structure, but it is an extension of our cougar community, a place where the values of inclusivity, diversity and innovation are nurtured and celebrated.”
The hall is planned to be completed by 2026 and will be located on the corner of Spokane and College streets. It will serve as a student success building, meeting the needs of around 4,600 students in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture.
When finished, the facility will house multi-purpose classrooms and student collaboration and club activity zones, as well as provide a space for first-year student engagement studios, senior capstone project design spaces and centers for academic advising, tutoring and career counseling.
“(We’re) making a difference for the lives of many, many thousands of students to come,” Mary Rezac, dean of the Voiland College, said. “(This has) enabled us to improve the education experience of tens of thousands of students who will use this facility.”
Plans for the building were made possible by more than 70 individuals, corporations and a partnership with the state of Washington. WSU raised nearly $80 million for the project, including almost $40 million in donated funds and $40 million provided by the Washington State Legislature.
“This group and many others took a risk and believed in this dream that we have painted,” Rezac said. “For that, I cannot express my gratitude enough.”
WSU President Kirk Schulz said over the years the university has underinvested in its engineering programs, particularly in facilities. He added it was clear if the university wanted to advance engineering at WSU, it would need to construct spaces to support its programs.
“This is such a momentous day today when we think about taking steps forward,” Schulz said.
He added the hall is not just a single building, but a vision for transforming the area into a state-of-the-art engineering complex for state-of-the-art research.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, I invite all of you to join us as we move forward,” Rezac said. “Your support can help extend this vision, helping us to create cutting edge spaces, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and ultimately leaving a lasting impact that goes well beyond the boundaries of our classroom.”
To learn more about the Schweitzer Engineering Hall, visit the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture’s website at vcea.wsu.edu.
Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com
