A foundation of community support

We celebrate the close of a successful donor fundraising campaign for the IEB.

Exterior of the IEB

Exterior of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building in September 2024.

When the new Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB) opens next spring, it will be built on a foundation that extends beyond the physical footprint. Support from numerous alumni, individuals, corporations and organizations throughout the region and across the nation played a critical role in bringing the vision for a new student-focused learning facility to fruition.

The strong outpouring of donor support — which totaled $46 million — made up 45% of the total project funding for the IEB, which will advance engineering education by providing an academic home for all undergraduate engineering students. This funding, combined with $50 million from the state and $6 million from the UW, collectively financed the $102 million project.

Nancy Allbritton, Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering

“We are thrilled to have met our fundraising goal and are grateful for gifts from donors, as well as the state and the UW’s investment. The success of the project truly relied on both public and private support.”
— Nancy Allbritton, Frank & Julie Jungers Dean of Engineering

The building itself will serve as a tribute to many people and corporations that made significant contributions to the facility. In addition to a donor recognition wall, spaces throughout the building will be named after families and businesses.

The 75,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art learning facility is designed to maximize innovation and collaboration. It will feature a makerspace, space for clubs and student groups, lab space, an engineering academic center, an AI teaching institute and dedicated space for industry capstone projects. The IEB is scheduled for substantial completion in December 2024, and classes are anticipated to be held in the five-story building starting next spring.

Major milestones

A glance at major milestones that contributed to the success of the soon-to-open IEB.

Construction site with a red crane and a partially built structure, surrounded by trees.

2017-2019

The state initiates the project with $4.6 million in pre-design and design funding.

Architectural rendering of a modern multi-story building with labeled sections

Spring 2020

The UW Board of Regents approves moving forward with the design phase of the IEB. Fundraising begins.

Modern brick building with large windows and tree shadows.

Summer 2020

A college-wide building planning committee is formed, to ensure that the interests of all engineering departments are represented.

Construction workers in hard hats and safety vests at a worksite meeting, with one person gesturing.

Spring 2021

The state approves $45.4 million in the capital budget to fund the construction. The UW selects a contractor, Hensel Phelps, as well as a project architect, KieranTimberlake.