MU to break ground for engineering facility on March 5

The building, which is being designed and built by Opus North Corp., is expected to be complete by August of 2011. It will have several laboratories, common areas for students and office space.
The $35 million building is the first phase of a $100 million, 250,000-square-foot Discovery Learning Complex.
“This new facility will foster the development of the skills we need in the 21st century – innovative thinking, creative problem solving of real world issues, and experience in team dynamics,” said Rev. Robert A. Wild, S.J., president of Marquette University.
MU has raised $70 million in cash and long-term pledges for the project and is fundraising for an additional $50 million in cash so the entire Discovery Learning Complex can be completed as soon as possible, said Dean of Engineering Stan Jaskolski. “The time is now to innovate,” he said. “This facility, a gift to the Milwaukee community, will focus on building an enhanced workforce for Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the United States — graduates who know and understand engineering innovation and how to quickly embed the appropriate innovation in products the marketplace desires. Our students and faculty will work with local industries and businesses in the development and design of innovative, real-world products, processes and services. In addition, this showcase facility will inspire elementary, middle and high school students to consider engineering careers as they participate in hands-on, exciting projects and innovative discoveries.”