Valparaiso University Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center – Gellersen Addition

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Valparaiso University's goal was to create an Engineering Innovation Center to reinforce collaboration and knowledge sharing among students and faculty, demonstrate the School of Engineering's commitment to sustainable design and creates a new visual entry to the University.

Reinforcing the strength of the engineering academic and research programs at Valparaiso University, the design promotes a high level of faculty and student interaction, by providing flexible and collaborative social, instructional, and laboratory spaces. The Fites Center is also a "sustainable living laboratory" wherein educational experiences result from an interaction with the building, systems and subsystems. Emerging and alternative technologies are showcased, reflecting integration with innovation into the academic curricula and putting "engineering on display." The building's design created a new entrance experience for both campus and the engineering school.

This USGBC LEED Platinum facility not only demonstrates the commitment to sustainability, but is an educational tool for students, faculty, visitors and the entire community. At the same time, it is providing advanced opportunities in innovative research to engineering students and faculty. The new facility is named for 1956 engineering graduate Donald V. Fites, former chairman and CEO of Caterpillar.