By John Gagnon

New learning opportunities, new information initiatives, and the beginnings of an improved look along Townsend Drive: two new buildings will provide all of these benefits to Michigan Tech and its students.

Michigan Tech has dedicated the John and Ruanne Opie Library and Kanwal and Ann Rekhi Hall.

The projects, with a total cost of $35 million, double the size of the library and provide a new home for the computer science department.

The Opie Library features a soaring wall of glass that graces inspirational study space. It is a striking addition to the J.R. Van Pelt Library, which was completely renovated as part of the project.

The new facility features 22 small-group study rooms, which serve Michigan Tech's emphasis on team learning. It is equipped with the latest technologies, including an information wall that provides the latest on library and campus activities.

Rekhi Hall features distinctive copper architecture and centralized space for computer science facilities. Because of ever-changing technology, the facility's labs and research spaces are easily adaptable.

The facilities will support both education and research, and they encourage interaction among students and faculty.

The Opie Library and Rekhi Hall are connected by a second-story bridge that features exposed steelwork and glass walls. Together, the buildings put a new and handsome face on Michigan Tech. A future renovation of Fisher Hall will eventually complete the look.

The projects attracted the support and leadership of John and Ruanne Opie of Fairfield, Connecticut, and Kanwal and Ann Rekhi of Monte Sereno, California. The concept for the project grew out of Michigan Tech's strategic plan, which calls for facilities to support quality undergraduate and graduate programs, along with innovative scholarship and research.

The John and Ruanne Opie Library

The J.R. Van Pelt Library was built in 1966. The structure is named after Tech's fifth president. The Van Pelt Library contains 80,000 square feet.

The John and Ruanne Opie Library adds 54,000 square feet, of which 13,400 square feet comprises the imposing study space. The addition increases the facility's electronic services, including 27 public computers, wireless computer access, and a digital studio that allows students and faculty to integrate information from print, the Internet, sound recordings, or video into their work.

Kanwal and Ann Rekhi Hall

Rekhi Hall adds 51,000 square feet to Fisher Hall, which opened in 1964, originally housed the mathematics and physics programs, and is named after James Fisher, former head of the Department of Physics.

Facilities for computer science students, faculty, and staff have been inadequate, inefficient, and scattered among three buildings around the campus.

Rekhi Hall provides new classrooms-two equipped for high-tech instruction, and two equipped to support distance learning-and it houses several general purpose labs and nine specialty labs, as well as the Computer Science Learning Center.

About the Donors

John and Ruanne Opie

John and Ruanne Opie donated $5 million for the new library facility.

John graduated from Michigan Tech in 1961 with a bachelor's in metallurgical engineering. He is the retired vice chairman of the board and executive officer of General Electric. He was also president and chief executive officer of GE Lighting.

The Opies are long-standing supporters of Michigan Tech. John Opie was commencement speaker in 1987 and 2000. He holds an honorary Doctor of Engineering Degree and an honorary Doctor of Business Degree.

Kanwal and Ann Rekhi

Kanwal and Ann Rekhi donated $5 million for the new building adjacent to Fisher Hall that bears their names.

Kanwal, a native of India, earned a master's in electrical engineering from Michigan Tech in 1969.

A visionary in the technology industry, Kanwal is head of Ensim Corporation, a global leader in hosting automation software.

In 1994 he co-founded a nonprofit association that promotes wealth creation through entrepreneurship. The organization, based in California, has spread worldwide from its start with helping immigrants from India.

Kanwal has received an honorary Doctorate in Business from Michigan Tech. He is a member of the Electrical Engineering Academy.

It was at the prodding of Ann Rekhi, Kanwal's spouse, that the couple has supported Michigan Tech financially.

Ann Rekhi grew up in Easton, Connecticut, and studied and trained to be a licensed vocational nurse. She served in the Air Force from 1969-71 and was stationed in the medical corps at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. She and Kanwal were pen pals before they met.

After their two children, Ann Rekhi says that philanthropy is the most important part of her and Kanwal's life these days. She never envisioned that they would ever be in that position. Now that they are, she says, "I believe the same as Kanwal-do something that benefits a lot of people." Many students will pass through Rekhi Hall, she says, and it's "gratifying" to help them all.

ATDC Also Dedicated

Michigan Tech has also dedicated the Advanced Technology Design Center (ATDC). The ATDC provides an expanded home for the Enterprise Program and senior design programs. The Enterprise Program is a new approach to engineering education, allowing students to form and operate a quasi-business to solve real-world challenges. This year, more than 600 students were involved.

The new Ford Student Design Center, located in the ATDC, provides a flexible space for students to carry out their projects. The building is also affiliated with the Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone, an entity that provides business services and incubator space for start-up companies.

Funding was provided by the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and the Ford Motor Company Fund.