Civil engineering receives $1.5 million

Department takes donors' names

The generosity of a Tri-State College alumnus and his wife will enhance education for generations of Trine University civil engineering students.

The university has announced the receipt of a $1.5 million gift from Larry and Judy Reiners of Tulsa, Okla., to the Trine University Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Larry Reiners completed a bachelor of science in civil engineering at TSC in 1965. The department will be known as the Reiners Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering in recognition of the couple’s dedication to the institution.

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.

Fawick Hall, which houses the Allen School of Engineering, underwent renovation in 1972, a project which connected three separate buildings and eventually created the university’s Foundry Education Foundation-acclaimed cast metals program, among other leading national engineering initiatives.

Strengthening the department excites chair Dr. Tim Tyler. Enhancing the dual five-year bachelor of science and master of engineering degrees for civil engineers is the goal. New advances in technology will be acquired, and additional personnel will join the program to assist with teaching and laboratory work, Tyler said.

“We’re trying to throw the biggest net to help as many kids as possible,” Dr. Tyler said. “Among the creative ways to do that is to deliver online courses, which will aid graduate students who are already working.”

The department’s growth will remain flexible enough to adjust to civil engineering career changes dictated by the market. “We’re very excited,” Dr. Tyler said.

“We are pleased at the opportunity to strengthen civil engineering programs for Trine University students,” Larry Reiners said. “I am grateful for the preparation Tri-State College provided for my professional success, and hope to pave the way for Trine engineers to reach even greater heights as they employ their skills in the betterment of the world.”