INDIANAPOLIS — Marian University is getting its own engineering school.
So far, the university, on the Indianapolis northwest side, has received $25 million in donations for the school which will bear the name of Eugene S. Witchger. The fundraising goal is $50 million.
The Witchger family owns and operates Indianapolis-based Marian, Inc., a global provider of custom, die-cut, flexible component parts for the medical, electronics, and automotive industries.
Starting in the fall of 2022, The E.S. Witchger School of Engineering will offer undergraduate degrees in various areas of engineering. “The Marian University community sees the creation of an innovative engineering school as essential to our unflagging commitment to building a great Catholic university in this great American city, important to the future of Indianapolis, and critical to the dedication we have to our students’ best interests,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said.
Currently, Marian has a dual-degree engineering program with Purdue University. The new school, which will have its own building on campus, will offer degrees in electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering. Marian will continue the dual-degree option with Purdue for students who are interested in specialty engineering programs.
“As president, I have worked closely with our provost, Dr. Alan Silva, and other university leadership to complete a thorough needs assessment in our community and beyond, and it is clear there is a need for more engineering leaders who possess strong liberal art competencies,” Elsener said. “To meet the changing needs of the economy, leaders in the engineering field must understand the technical side of the practice and be able to communicate, problem solve, and collaborate. A top priority is to attract a diverse student population of talented people who are interested in a well-rounded educational experience. Our Indianapolis location provides students with exceptional opportunities to participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities while receiving high-quality instruction.”
The current Marian student population is 63% women and is comprised 30% of students from underrepresented backgrounds. A top priority in the launch of the new school is to offer competitive scholarships to attract the diverse population needed for future engineers and graduate these students into high-need positions.
“In the Witchger family we found the ideal partners with the work ethic, dedication to excellence, and commitment to innovation that we teach our students. The Witchger family’s commitment to responsible stewardship and generous sharing of resources makes it a distinct honor and blessing to name the Marian University Engineering School in honor of Eugene S. Witchger," said Elsener.
