Three years. 70,000 square feet. Unlimited opportunities.
On March 25, 2021, Indiana Tech unveiled a plan to invest $21.5 million to expand and renovate its Zollner Engineering Center. Today, the university’s new Zollner Engineering Center is the preeminent destination for engineering and computer science education in the region.
After nearly doubling in size, the Zollner Engineering Center provides an all-new home for current and future programs in engineering, computer sciences, cybersecurity, life sciences and technology. This imaginative learning environment was structured with students in mind—equipped with state-of-the-art labs and equipment and collaborative learning spaces where they have unlimited opportunities to explore and master their fields of study.
By the Numbers
The Zollner Engineering Center expansion and renovation project was executed in three phases of construction.
$21.4M
Project Cost
30K
Square Feet Added
40K
Square Feet Renovated
12
Labs Added
$125K+
in Program-related Art
10+
New Collaboration Spaces
State-of-the-art equipment facilitates the hands-on learning environment Indiana Tech students have come to expect.
$4M+
in New Equipment
3
State-of-the-Art Metal 3D Printers
1
Powdered Metal 3D Printer
112
New Machines and Precision Equipment
26
New Pieces of Software
From safety to simple functionality, so much goes into the construction of a new facility.
340
Hours of Training
47
Cameras
4
First Aid Cabinets
52
Card Readers
45
Fire Extinguishers
300
Computers
450
Monitors
11
Signage Screens
An Immediate Student Impact
With the new technology added in the Zollner expansion, we are now able to have more hands-on learning with our peers. The collaborative study spaces allow us to spend more time outside of class focusing on, not just memorizing, but understanding the topics taught. The modern labs give us a valuable insight into how the devices we are learning about function and help us brainstorm solutions on how to improve them. The Zollner additions, as well as our professors, have given me a more comprehensive understanding of the concepts taught in class.
Noelle VanOort
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Class of 2025
As an engineering student, the new revamp of the building has improved my ability to focus. With the architecture including more windows in the laboratories, it allows more natural light to flow into the basement of the building. In addition, the new building offers more classrooms that are bigger and better equipped to grasp engineering concepts, better technology (such as lab equipment) has solidified my knowledge in material science, mechanics, and fluids.
Karl A. Hackenbracht
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Class of 2025
History of the Zollner Engineering Center
Indiana Tech’s home of engineering education began as the Dana Science Building, which was dedicated in 1958.
In 2002, thanks to a $1 million gift from the Fred Zollner Foundation, Dana was renovated and expanded and became known as the Zollner Engineering Center.
Fred Zollner (1901-1982) was president of the Zollner Corporation, a global manufacturer of pistons for cars, trucks and locomotives, and a significant employer in Fort Wayne during the mid-1900s. At its peak, the Zollner Corporation employed 1,200.
Mr. Zollner was also founder of the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons basketball team, which became the National Basketball Association’s Detroit Pistons in 1957.
In 1949, Mr. Zollner played a key role in the formation of the NBA by bringing together leaders of the nation’s two premier leagues of the day. The result was a merger and the creation of what has become one of the world’s most popular and successful sports leagues. In 1999, Mr. Zollner was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.