June 24, 2025
Trine University has received a $2 million pledge from the Steel Dynamics Foundation, Inc. toward its new John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center.
In honor of the foundation’s support, the project fabrication space within the facility will be named the Steel Dynamics Innovation Lab.
“We’re excited to see the Pellegrino Student Design Center come to fruition,” said Mark D. Millett, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Dynamics, Inc. “This new facility will allow Trine University engineering students to gain hands-on experience with even more sophisticated design projects and will provide opportunities for local high school students and residents to enhance essential skills. We are proud to support the continued development of these skills within our community, strengthening the talent pool throughout the region.”
“For many years, the SDI Foundation has generously supported Trine University, and we’re grateful for their continued investment in our efforts to equip students and members of the community with the skills to lead, succeed and serve,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. “Their partnership has been a win-win for both our organizations, as we proudly provide talented alumni to help SDI maintain its leadership in the steel industry.”
A longtime supporter of Trine University, the Steel Dynamics Foundation, Inc. has provided major gifts toward the Steel Dynamics, Inc. Center for Engineering and Computing, the Brooks College of Health Professions, the Steel Dynamics, Inc./Keith E. Busse Athletic and Recreation Center and the Thunder Ice Arena. The foundation also has funded a scholarship program at Trine and supports the annual Scholarship Gala.
In addition, Steel Dynamics, Inc. provides internships, co-op and employment opportunities to Trine students.
Robotics, aeronautics, powertrain
Located west of Best Hall, the $15 million, 22,000-square-feet Pellegrino Student Design Center will include a new state-of-the-art robotics lab, an aeronautics lab and a powertrain lab, among others.
More than 8,000 square feet of project fabrication space will allow the university to accommodate more and larger projects completed by senior teams in the Allen School of Engineering and Computing.
In addition to the building cost, the Pellegrino SDC will include $1.5 million worth of design and fabrication equipment that will allow the university to meet the needs of industry partners as well as student teams. Trine University also will be able to expand workforce training opportunities for area high schools and businesses.
The building is expected to be complete in about 16 months.
Matthew Liberatore, Ph.D., chair of Trine University’s McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, received a national award and gave several presentations during the annual meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), held Nov. 1-4 in Boston.
The Trine Sales and Marketing Association held its third annual KSB Collegiate Sales Cup on Nov. 12. The event gives students from all majors the chance to showcase their sales skills.
Trine University chemical engineering graduate Parker Reichhart has earned national recognition, receiving two awards in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Student Design Competition. The awards were presented during the 2025 Annual Student Conference, held Nov. 1–4 in Boston, Massachusetts.