learning and pioneering research partnerships with industry, and will allow for expanded K-12 and community outreach efforts. “This new space is designed to encourage creativity. It will open the minds of our students and our faculty. It will also be an excellent opportunity for industries that want to partner with us,” England said. Not only is this project important to keep up with scientific advances, it is also essential to grow with increased demand. UM-Dearborn’s engineering program enrollment has more than doubled since 2010. The new ELB will allow UM-Dearborn to double the number of engineering students it graduates over time. With more than 90 percent of CECS undergraduates remaining in the region after graduation, UM-Dearborn will continue to be a premier pipeline of talent to southeast Michigan and accommodate additional applied research opportunities for industry. “You have engineering students learning to become skilled engineers, with not just theoretical principles, but the application of those principles,” said MAHLE Engineering Manager John Mammarella. “These hands-on skills are going to make them effective engineers and propel them to very successful careers.” For the project, one-third of the $90 million cost will come through the state of Michigan’s capital outlay budget and one-third from bond financing, with the remainder coming from corporate, university and individual support. Donors like University of Michigan Regent Ronald N. Weiser and his wife Eileen L. Weiser are investing in the project to ensure a 21st-century education for tomorrow’s students. The Weisers are gifting $1 million in support of the university’s commitment to outstanding engineering research and a learning environment that will benefit students, communities and industries throughout the region. In recognition of their gift, UM-Dearborn will name the Weiser Family Atrium, a space for student and faculty collaboration, project work, presentations and industry showcases. “This school, this project, is going to be a catalyst for helping industry to continue to develop its capabilities in southeast Michigan,” Weiser said. “This is a source of pride not only for this campus, but for the entire University of Michigan.” “This new space is designed to encourage creativity. It will open the minds of our students and our faculty.” | 3