The Engineering Innovation Hub, a nearly 19,500-square-foot academic building located near Resnick Engineering Hall that will help support SUNY New Paltz’s rapidly growing engineering programs and will collaborate with local industry, opened today.
The new $13.5-million structure designed by Urbahn Architects of New York City will house the popular bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering and the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC), home of the College’s 3D design and printing program.
SUNY New Paltz received a $10-million state economic development grant plus an additional million dollars in state money for the building. It also secured private support for 3D equipment from individuals and organizations recognized at the opening.
“Today’s opening of the Engineering Innovation Hub at SUNY New Paltz is another great example of the growth of our high-tech sector in the Mid-Hudson Valley that will result in jobs and economic expansions throughout the region,” said Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “We will continue to partner with higher education institutions and industry leaders to bring these types of visions into reality to inspire New York’s newest generation of innovators.”
“The Engineering Innovation Hub houses industry-leading equipment to support our students and faculty as well as the work of companies partnering with the College through 3D design and printing,” said SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian. “This investment is projected to yield a regional economic impact of more than $75 million, and about 195 jobs, over ten years. On behalf of the College, I extend our deepest thanks to the Governor and his team for recognizing the value of this project.”
“This new space has provided a creative learning environment for engineering students and faculty alike to further their research,” said Rachel Eisgruber ’20 (Mechanical Engineering) of Highland. “I was fortunate enough to get an internship with HVAMC that ignited my interest and passion for additive manufacturing. Today I’m working toward a minor in Digital Design and Fabrication, and my goal after graduation is to continue working in this field.”
New Paltz welcomed several distinguished guests for the ceremonial opening, including SUNY Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Tod A. Laursen; New York State assemblymember of the 103rd District and 1977 alumnus Kevin A. Cahill; Max Cordella, deputy chief of staff for the Office of New York State Senator of the 42nd District Jen Metzger; Tom Scaglione, Hudson Valley region representative for New York State Department of Labor; and Dylan Miyoshi, Hudson Valley regional representative for Governor Andrew Cuomo; Meghan Taylor, vice president and regional director of Empire State Development.
“As a student of mechanical engineering, I take a personal interest in this project,” said Tod Laursen, SUNY provost and senior vice chancellor. “I know the value of an engineering degree. I know how engineering can drive the economy. I know that engineering can transform communities and lives.”
A number of HVAMC partner companies and individuals contributed to this project via private support through the SUNY New Paltz Foundation. Founding supporters include Stratasys, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, the Dyson Foundation and Hudson River Ventures.
“What we have built over the last eight years has provided opportunities to many students, supported economic growth in the region and is truly innovative,” said Dan Freedman, dean of the School of Science & Engineering and director of the HVAMC. “There is a poster we all signed when we first formed our collaboration. We have accomplished a lot, but what I wrote on that poster, I still feel is true today: We’re just getting started.”
The Engineering Innovation Hub’s interior spaces include multiple teaching labs, a computer lab, conference rooms, faculty offices, open collaborative spaces and lounge areas equipped with comfortable furniture and device charging stations.
The main lobby is wrapped in a glass storefront that allows substantial natural light into the area, and a cubic form perched over the entrance plaza opens to views overlooking Old Main Quad.
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