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Image: CAFÉ CON UN PROFESOR
CAFÉ CON UN PROFESOR
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Authentic Pastry-Making Experience At Home Takes Valpo French Students Abroad
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A Beacon’s Reflection | Savannah Gostlin ’25
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Valparaiso University Launches Religious Studies Major
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Valpo Social Work Students LEAD The Way Toward A Brighter Tomorrow
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Valparaiso University Engineers Put Their Skills to the Test with Race Car Design and Construction
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Valparaiso University Student Combines Economics and Fire Safety in Effectiveness and Response Study
Image: Simeon Ehm’s ’24 Path from Environmental Passion to Purposeful Impact
Simeon Ehm’s ’24 Path from Environmental Passion to Purposeful Impact

Fites Innovation Center

State of the Art Facilities for Engineering Innovation

Located in the Gellersen Engineering and Mathematics Center, the Fites Innovation Center is a $13 million, 13,470-square-foot facility focused on undergraduate engineering education. Opened in 2011 and named after Donald V. Fites, this LEED Platinum-certified space houses labs for advanced student research and senior design. From materials science to energy systems and engine testing, the center is built to prepare students for professional careers with hands-on experience and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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College of Engineering

Legacy of Innovation

The $13 million, 13,470-square-foot addition to the Gellersen Engineering and Mathematics Center opened in 2011 and features LEED Platinum-certified labs and learning spaces for engineering students. Named in honor of Donald V. Fites ’56—retired CEO of Caterpillar Inc. and longtime Valpo supporter—the facility recognizes his lasting impact on the College of Engineering and the broader university community.

College of Engineering

Research & Professional Preparation

Supporting Advanced Undergraduate Research

The Fites Center includes two suites of labs – designed to support advanced student research. One suite has labs for materials science, materials engineering, and structural engineering. The second suite is the energy systems suite, which includes the engine test cell, mechanical measurements lab, fluid mechanics lab and small engines lab. Caterpillar Inc. has generously donated a high-tech engine for a hands-on educational experience.

Senior Design Space: Accelerating the Journey from Student to Professional

One of the College of Engineering’s primary goals is to guide students in their transition from high school students when they enter the program to professionals when they graduate. The Senior Design space is set up to mimic a professional office setting. Senior students share a work space and their daily routine is much closer to a professional workday than an academic schedule. This environment also fosters collaboration between all three disciplines in the engineering college.

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