New innovation building coming to Illinois Wesleyan University

Posted on June 3, 2022
Groundbreaking for the project is expected to start in the next year. (Photo Courtesy of Illinois Wesleyan University)

By Jake Fogal

BLOOMINGTON – Three new programs and a new innovation building are making their way to Illinois Wesleyan University.

A multi-million dollar donation from Dave and Ellen Petrick allows construction to begin on the new Innovation building, dubbed the Petrick Idea Center.

IWU President Georgia Nugent says lots of excitement is taking place on campus.

“This is going to be a facility that includes residential space. Spaces for projects and collaborations. It’s really about innovation and creativity across all fields, not only business and sciences, but innovation in even music,” Nugent said.

Groundbreaking for the project is expected to start in the next year.

The Bloomington University is also adding three new programs. Two majors in Public Health and Data Science will be added, also a minor in Criminology.

Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…