PULLMAN, Wash. – Today Washington State University is celebrating the opening of Schweitzer Engineering Hall, a landmark new facility on the Pullman campus representing a major public and private investment in the future of engineering education, innovation and research.
As the new central hub for the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, Schweitzer Engineering Hall was created to foster innovation, collaboration, and student success while supporting the next generation of engineers, architects, designers, and technology leaders. The 66,288-square-foot facility serves as the first major milestone in WSU’s broader engineering and design district modernization effort and includes spaces dedicated to student support, collaboration, engagement, and hands-on learning.
“Schweitzer Engineering Hall represents the very best of what can happen when public investment, private philanthropy, and a shared belief in student success come together,” said WSU President Betsy Cantwell. “This building will serve generations of Cougars by providing inspiring spaces where students can discover, create, collaborate, and prepare to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges.”
Construction of the $80 million facility was made possible through a partnership among WSU, the State of Washington, Ed and Beatriz Schweitzer, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, and nearly 100 additional individual, corporations, and foundations whose collective support helped bring the vision to life. The building reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening Washington’s innovation economy.
“This facility is much more than a building,” said Partha Pande, dean of WSU’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. “It is a place where students will find community, receive support, pursue bold ideas, and gain the knowledge and experience needed to shape the future. We are grateful to the many partners who invested in this vision and helped make it a reality.
To celebrate the formal dedication, WSU has organized a community open house set for 3 p.m. today. It will be followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. and a gathering of key stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, industry partners, donors and elected officials to recognize the significance of the investment being made. Both gatherings are open to the public.
More information about the ribbon cutting ceremony and Schweitzer Engineering Hall and WSU’s engineering and design district modernization efforts can be found online.
Media Contacts
- Trevor Durham, WSU Foundation, 509-339-3945, tdurham@wsu.edu
- Bridget Flynn Pilcher, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, 509-335-0144, pilcher@wsu.edu
