NDSU celebrates ribbon cutting and dedication of Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex

North Dakota State University celebrated the dedication of the Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex on Friday, Oct. 2, during a public ceremony attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, industry partners, elected officials and community members.

The nearly $100 million facility provides modern teaching, research and collaboration space for the College of Engineering. The project was made possible through a partnership among the State of North Dakota, Richard and Linda Offerdahl, industry partners and numerous donors.

“Projects like this demonstrate what can happen when people come together around a shared commitment to students and the future of North Dakota,” said Marshall Stewart, president of NDSU. “As North Dakota’s land-grant university, NDSU has a responsibility to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges ahead. This facility strengthens our ability to serve students, advance innovation and support workforce needs across the region.”

The facility includes more than 286,000 square feet of learning, research and student collaboration space designed to support hands-on education and industry-connected learning.

"Through our engineering on display design concept, innovation isn't hidden behind closed doors. Students, faculty, and visitors alike can see learning in action as they walk through the hallways," said Alan Kallmeyer, dean of engineering. "From the moment our students step through these doors, they don't just attend class, they experience engineering."

Student speakers Ethan Blesie and Ella Mork, both industrial engineering and management majors, spoke about the impact the building is already having on the student experience.

"No matter our major, department, or year in school, we now have a common place that was built specifically for us to collaborate, connect, and make a positive difference in the lives of others, and that is what engineering is all about! “said Blesie.

"The Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex is creating opportunities for current and future students to take on bigger projects, work across disciplines, connect with industry, and turn our ideas into something real," said Mork. “We get the opportunity to be some of the first students to experience it, but we know we won't be the last."

Richard Offerdahl, whose leadership philanthropic gift helped make the project possible, reflected on the opportunities the facility will create for future generations.

“Today, as we cut the ribbon on this new engineering complex, we are doing more than opening a building. We are opening doors for students, faculty, researchers, and industry partners who will design, build, and solve the challenges of tomorrow.”

Following the ceremony, Richard and Linda led the ceremonial ribbon cutting before guests toured the facility.