(ANGOLA) – Trine University has received two pledges towards the new John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center.

The school has received a $2 million pledge from Steel Dynamics Foundation, Inc. In honor of the foundation’s support, the project fabrication space within the facility will be named the Steel Dynamics Innovation Lab.

In addition, Trine had received a $100,000 contribution from Honda.

Trine University President Dr. Earl Brooks II says the school is very pleased to receive both of these gifts. He says for many years the Steel Dynamics Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Trine, and has provided major gifts towards many facilities on campus. That includes 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.

Brooks says the investment by Honda will pay dividends for many years to come. The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment that will support advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 training in the new building, including robotics, programmable logic controllers, industrial automation controls, uid power systems and additive manufacturing equipment.

Construction is underway on the $20 million, 22,000 square feet John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center, which will include a new state-of-the-art robotics lab, an aeronautics lab and a powertrain lab, among others. In addition to the building cost, the Pellegrino Center will include $1.5 million worth of design and fabrication equipment that will allow the university to meet the needs of industry partners as well as student teams.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2026.