Reiners Department dedicated

Department name honors alumnus

 

Trine University board members, administration, faculty and staff members gathered in Fawick Hall Friday, May 8 for the dedication of the Reiners Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

 

Larry Reiners, left, earned a civil engineering degree at Trine, formerly Tri-State College, in 1965. When he and his wife, Judy, center, made a $1.5 million contribution to the university’s civil engineering department in October 2008, the university named the department in their honor. A new sign and portrait of the couple were unveiled during the department's dedication.

Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II said the gift punctuates a long history of generosity shown the university by the Reiners. They are 20-year annual university supporters and have donated to the Fawick Hall master plan and the New Horizons and Vision for the Future capital campaigns. They have advocated for the institution and for higher education for 45 years.

“The Reiners’ support, dedication, and generosity will ensure a rich repository of new resources for Trine civil engineers setting out to create solutions to the world’s complex environmental and infrastructure issues,” said Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II. He said the university will reach more students and create more opportunities through program enhancements such as online courses for the master’s degree program.

Larry Reiners said the couple decided to donate to his alma mater now rather than through their estate in order to witness and enjoy its benefits to others. He expressed pleasure in Trine’s preservation of the education style he experienced. “I am grateful class sizes are still low and provide a hands-on environment like I was in 44 years ago,” he said.

He praised Tri-State alumnus Larry Dresser for hiring him in 1965, launching his career. “He provided inspiration and mentoring, and challenged me to grow and develop. I owe much to him and the department, and will work to upgrade the equipment and technology,” he said.

The Reiners gift is already strengthening the department. The first Reiners Assistantship has been awarded to Trine senior Thomas McNicholas for use in the master of engineering program in civil engineering this summer. The assistantship provides $18,200 in tuition and a lab technician/research stipend.