On Sept. 30, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering hosted tours of the renovated Steidle Building and held a dedication ceremony that featured remarks from Penn State President Eric Barron; Ira Lubert, chairman of Penn State’s Board of Trustees; William Easterling, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences; and Susan Sinnott, head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
The completely renovated building, one of the most iconic structures on Penn State’s University Park campus, is helping researchers advance the field of materials science and engineering and is providing enhanced learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students.
Below are excerpts from the dedication ceremony.
“Today we have the privilege of dedicating a building that provides the resources to enable advances in the field. Everyone here has contributed to that process, and all deserve our sincerest appreciation,” said Barron.
Easterling said, “With these new facilities, we are launching into a new era of scientific discovery that will transform the way we train scientists and make scientific discoveries. This renovated building, with its modern, efficient, and technologically-advanced facilities, will serve us well into the 21st century.”
Lubert said, “When I was a Penn State student in the early 1970s, this building was the anchor for this side of campus. All of those years ago, this building was distinguished by its stately architecture and the complex research being conducted inside. Today, thanks to an outstanding renovation and expansion, it remains a powerful presence on this prominent campus walkway. This magnificent building can now provide much needed facilities and space, while fostering the kind of collaboration that will serve the greater good.”
Sinnott said, “Materials science and engineering is one of the prominent internationally acclaimed programs at Penn State. The department’s undergraduate, graduate and research programs consistently rank in the top 10 of materials programs. We believe that having these wonderful new facilities will allow us to maintain and exceed our rankings and will ensure that Penn State maintains its status as a leader.”