The new Schweitzer Engineering Hall was dedicated Friday, Sept. 18, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and a chorus of gratitude from Washington State University leadership and others for the broad public-private support that enabled the vision to take shape.
“It is transformational for WSU’s future,” said university President Betsy Cantwell. “It does give us an enormous new capacity to educate students, advance research, and we will demonstrate this to so many others. It brings people and ideas together, and it expands what the art of the possible is for us.”
The 66,288-square-foot building serves as the central hub for WSU’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. It is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and student success while supporting the next generation of engineers, architects, designers, and technology leaders.
The building’s name honors the longstanding partnership between WSU, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and SEL founder and former WSU faculty member Ed Schweitzer. Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer contributed $10 million to the project, while SEL contributed another $10 million, drawing $20 million in matching support from nearly 100 more individual and corporate donors. That private support was then matched by the state of Washington.
“Engineers endeavor to take their knowledge and experience of science, math, technology, and try to make the world a little better place,” Ed Schweitzer said during the dedication ceremony. “Dedicated students, faculty, and staff will join hands and minds here.”
The building reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening Washington’s innovation economy.
“Years from now, the true legacy of Schweitzer Engineering Hall will not be measured by size or structure,” said Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Partha Pande. “It will be measured by the students who discover their potential here, the innovations that begin here, and the communities that will be strengthened by the Cougs who study here.”
Washington state Sen. Mark Schoesler, SEL President Dave Whitehead and WSU Vice President for Advancement and CEO of WSU Foundation Mike Connell also delivered opening remarks.
