BGSU celebrates completion of state-of-the-art Engineering and Innovation Center renovation with ribbon-cutting dedication

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4. BGSU celebrates completion of state-of-the-art Engineering and Innovation Center renovation with ribbon-cutting dedication

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Almost exactly two years after construction began, Bowling Green State University celebrated the completed renovation of its new Engineering and Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to replicate the engineering environments students will encounter in the workplace.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held April 30, marked the beginning of a new era in engineering education at BGSU, combining hands-on learning, industry-leading technology and a workforce-aligned curriculum in the region's most modern university engineering lab.

"This state-of-the-art Engineering and Innovation Center is a stake in the ground that represents not only our commitment to the future of engineering programs at Bowling Green, but also to our commitment in ensuring our academic programs are meaningful and relevant for our students and the region and state we serve," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "We are especially grateful for the support from the state, industry leaders and partners, and our many donors and supporters, who collectively made this facility possible, providing hands-on experiences and opportunities for our students as they prepare for their careers in these in-demand areas, supporting our region and state's talent pipeline in driving our economic vitality."

In addition to classrooms and offices, the Engineering and Innovation Center features:

• Seven large-scale specialty labs
• Advanced robotics technology that enables students to design and build complete automated systems
• Mixed-reality AI/AR tools for designing, simulating and testing products
• Hands-on training in semiconductor fabrication, one of the nation's fastest-growing industries
• Access to 3D metal printing, typically reserved for research-level environments
• Collaborative spaces that support teaching, creativity and visible learning

Over the past two years, BGSU students and the campus community have not only watched the building take shape - they have been a part of its transformation. 

"Watching this facility take shape over the past two years and celebrating each milestone alongside our University community has been incredibly meaningful," said Wael Mokhtar, dean of the College of Engineering and Innovation. "This building represents far more than steel and glass. It's where Ohio's future engineers will develop their skills, tackle complex challenges and gain the hands-on experience that prepares them to lead in the workforce."

During a groundbreaking ceremony held at Homecoming 2024, just months after construction began, students, faculty, staff and alumni signed two orange steel beams, leaving a lasting mark on the building's history.

The beams were installed in January 2025 as the final structural pieces, a major milestone in the project's construction.

The project also provided hands-on experience for students. BGSU construction management student Ethan Schliesser interned with the general contractor managing the project, offering him a unique opportunity to make a tangible contribution to his university.

"I feel honored to have the chance to impact BGSU and its future construction management students," Schliesser said during his internship.

The Engineering and Innovation Center opened for classes in January, welcoming students for the start of the Spring 2026 semester. In April, the University announced the first named space in the building - the Donna M. '51 and Fredrik R. Barnes Study Lounge.

The generous estate gift will provide a spacious, inviting area for students to gather between classes and will honor the Barnes, pending BGSU Board of Trustees approval on May 1.

Underscoring the University's commitment to continuous innovation, the building's opening comes as BGSU continues to experience significant growth in its engineering programs.

Building on its longstanding ABET-accredited offerings in applied engineering, BGSU engineering programs provide students with a broad perspective on both technical skills and real-world applications, ensuring preparation for in-demand careers that support workforce needs in Ohio and beyond.