Alumni Gift Paves Way for Kremer Innovation Center at Rose-Hulman Insitute

By Aziza Jackson

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology recently opened a new engineering design and laboratory building named after alumnus Richard J. Kremer and his wife, Shirley, in recognition of their generous financial gift to the college.

The Richard J. and Shirley J. Kremer Innovation Center is a 13,800-square-foot building that will provide design space, laboratories and classrooms to enhance hands-on, collaborative educational experiences for students. It is located on the east side of campus adjacent to the Branam Innovation Center that has been operating at capacity each year with students working on competition entries and other projects.

The Kremers requested the amount of their gift not be disclosed.

“We’re grateful that Richard and Shirley support Rose-Hulman in providing the pathways of success for scientists, engineers and mathematicians,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. “The Kremer Innovation Center will give our students the skills, experiences and mindset to play a key role in developing future advances benefiting all areas of our lives. Richard and his career success are excellent examples of the core values of this institution at work; values which continue to consistently provide a rock-solid foundation for the current and future success of Rose-Hulman and our students.”

The Kremer Innovation Center, also known as “the KIC,” will be fully operational later in winter 2019 and features classrooms and a design studio for the new major in engineering design, as well as expanded laboratories, equipment and spaces for students to work on competition teams and design projects and create products in a maker space area.

Equipment for rapid prototyping, along with digital and traditional fabrication, a fluids laboratory, wind and water tunnels, and engine testing areas will become part of the new facility and Branam Innovation Center.

“The KIC is helping us separate larger, messier projects from smaller, ‘cleaner’ ones,” said Rose-Hulman Provost Anne Houtman. “I’m particularly excited that the co-location of classrooms and project space will support faculty in incorporating hands-on activities in their instruction.”

Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is dedicated to preparing its students with the world’s best undergraduate science, engineering and mathematics education in an environment infused with innovation, intellectual rigor and individualized attention. The institute is consistently recognized nationally as an elite STEM school for distinctions that include faculty excellence, return on investment, value added and career services.