IT launches campaign to raise funds for Lind Hall renovation

The Institute of Technology launched a fundraising campaign in fall 2007 to fund a renovation of the first floor of Lind Hall to become the academic home for the college’s undergraduate students.

Known for many years as the Main Engineering Building, Lind Hall was built in 1912. The building was renamed in 1975 after Samuel Colville Lind, the first dean of the Institute of Technology in 1935. The first floor of the building currently houses the Institute of Technology Student Services programs as well as the main office of the world-renowned Institute for Mathematics and its Applications.

Every Institute of Technology alumnus passed through the doors of this historic building many times during their college days. A visit to today’s Lind Hall clearly shows that the building does not meet the technology-driven demands of Millennial Generation students. The facilities are in disrepair and offices are configured in isolation from one another preventing seamless services for students. Students have no gathering place and display space is disjointed and old-fashioned.

“Our goal is to enhance the educational experience and opportunities for undergraduate students in the Institute of Technology by improving facilities for academic advising, tutoring, study-abroad planning, diversity and outreach programming, and career services,” said Paul Strykowski, Institute of Technology associate dean for undergraduate programs.

Renovation plans would enable staff with similar job functions to be grouped together creating an environment where they can share best practices and meet the increasing needs of future students.

In addition, the newly renovated Lind Hall will serve as a welcome center for alumni and prospective students visiting campus and a central gathering location for alumni, faculty, and students at campus events.

It will also create one convenient location on campus where industry partners can interact with Institute of Technology administrative leaders and with students to talk about jobs, internships, and other partnership opportunities.

Total projected renovation costs are expected to be about $7 million. The estimate includes important infrastructure improvements such as upgrading the building to meet fire codes, accessibility requirements, asbestos abatement and historical preservation.

The funds needed for the renovation will come entirely from private donations as there is no state money for this project.

Renovation is expected to begin in fall 2008 and be completed by fall 2009.