RMU Breaks Ground For New Engineering School Building, Announces $100M Fundraising Campaign
MOON TOWNSHIP (KDKA)-- There are were a few announcements made today at Robert Morris University.
The university broke ground for the expansion of John Jay School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science today.
Renovations for the new building are being funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, university president Chris Howard also formally revealed a new fundraising campaign.
RMU 100: Ready to Rise is a $100 million campaign effort to raise funds for learning facilities, university scholarships, faculty research, and athletics.
"With this campaign, we will ensure that a Robert Morris University education remains affordable for the next generation of RMU students, and the next generation of business and community leaders in Pittsburgh," President Chris Howard said in a recent statement.
Maria Kalevitch, dean of the School of Engineering told our partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, "This project will position Robert Morris as a leader in STEM education and workforce development, and allow us to offer more opportunities for research and outreach to students and faculty."
The fundraising campaign is expected to run through September of 2021.
Robert Morris has already received donations that went towards the production of the new UPMC Events Center.
The men's basketball team is preparing for their home opener against cross-town rival Pitt in the new center.
The more than 4,000-seat, $50 million arena will be the home of the men's and women's basketball and volleyball teams.
"As you can see below us it's got a student section dedicated to about 500 students with their own Colonial Crazy dedication and a VIP location through the Eat N Park Club," said Scott Zimmerman.
University president Dr. Chris Howard says it's a chance for Robert Morris to shine before the nation.
"Being able to open again to an opponent like Pitt does a great deal for the university. It continues to put us on the map and shines a spotlight on not only the sports but the academics," said Robert Morris president Dr. Chris Howard.
The new event center is already considered the jewel of the Moon Township campus. The center is staging more than sporting events, the facility is already bringing national entertainment to the campus.
Students are enjoying the new exposure.
"We love it, it's really bringing more of a focus to our school and all it has to offer," said Jarod Check, a student at the university.
"I think it's really good for the school. Hopefully, they win the game so they can get more publicity from the game in general," said Nick Hedderick, another student.
