Ashok Midha

Dear Friends,

After years of planning the expansion and renovation of our Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering complex, a generous $5 million pledge from the John Toomey family moved the 'Toomey Hall' project from vision to reality. The Mechanical Engineering Annex has been razed and a new, 80,000 square foot Phase I building is nearing completion for use in summer 2008. Phase II of the project will see a comprehensive renovation of the existing Mechanical Engineering Building with completion targeted for fall of 2009.

The $29 million project was made possible by many generous investments by individual and corporations as well as support from the state of Missouri. Naming level gifts are continuing to be received to enhance laboratories, furnishings and department operations.

John and Mary (Kelly) Toomey

The completed Toomey Hall MAE complex project will provide a world-class facility where private and public partners can work together with Missouri S&T faculty, staff and students in modern learning centers, laboratories and research facilities; achieving excellence in cutting-edge education, research and leadership. For decades to come, the modernized facility will allow students and faculty to play a vital role in technological advancement in the state of Missouri and the nation.

At the heart of this extensive renovation is the Product Innovation and Creativity Center (PICC), where students will develop their leadership, teamwork and communication skills while tackling real-world, hands-on projects. It will house virtual reality and rapid prototyping laboratories, work cells, a design studio, multimedia conferencing and presentation rooms, among other improvements. It is central to a culture Missouri S&T aspires to create - an environment that fosters imagination, inspiration, and innovative and critical thinking. It will be a vital link in the educational process so graduates can take on projects with the confidence and skills necessary to get the job done.

The future is bright! We are grateful to the Toomey family and to our many alumni and corporate partners who have made generous investments in our students, and to many who reinforced the importance of the project to the state of Missouri over a number of years. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the staunch support from Chancellor Jack Carney and the late, former Chancellor Gary Thomas, as well as from Senator Frank Barnitz and Representative Bob May. Together, we are building upon proud and rich traditions of technological accomplishments and the development of great engineering leaders. Your help will ensure the continued success of future generations.

With warmest regards,

Ashok Midha
Professor and Chair