Constructed in 1905, the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory at the University of Illinois is one of the oldest facilities on the engineering campus.  Although the building is still structurally sound, its interior layout had ceased to meet the needs of faculty and students.

"Over the last 25 years, things have changed in research," said Richard Buckius, head of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (M&IE). "Open space has become something of a liability," as research has moved away from large, heavy machinery toward computer-driven equipment and focused experimentation.

During the last decade, the M&IE department has carried out an ambitious remodeling of the ME Lab, from extensive interior remodeling to an addition on the west side of the building.  The ME Lab Addition is a new face to the Bardeen Quadrangle, which was formed in 1994 with the construction of the Grainger Engineering Library.

Generous support for the project came from the John Deere Foundation, the Ford Motor Company, Gerald McGinnis (BSME '58) and his wife, Audrey, and the late Ben J. Rosenthal (BSIE '63) and his wife, Lorelei.  All contributors to the project were present at the rededication of the building on April 5, 2002.

The John Deere Pavilion, on the second floor of the ME Lab addition, is designed for group meetings, seminars, workshops, and presentations.  Made possible by support from the John Deere Foundation, the Deere Pavilion is equipped with the latest audiovisual projection and video teleconferencing equipment. 

"The University of Illinois has had a long partnership with Deere," said Mike Seneff, division engineer for John Deere Company. "This building is representative of the students coming out of Illinois.  They are a bright, well-equipped, intelligent, and energetic bunch of young men and women."

The Ford Design and Manufacturing Lab, located on the first floor of ME Lab, gives students access to the most up-to-date rapid prototyping and machine equipment available.  Calling the lab "a work of art," John Koszewnik, chief engineer of V-Engine Engineering at Ford, said, "This was not a donation, it was an investment. I'm a customer for the engineers coming out of this institution.  There is something different about U of I grads.  They hit the ground running.  Very few schools can match that preparation."

Gerald McGinnis agreed, commenting, "If you're going to get anything done, people are everything." Mr. McGinnis is the founder and CEO of Respironics, Inc., which develops innovative medical devices and programs for health care providers.  He and his wife, Audrey, created the McGinnis Endowment, which has supported a number of projects in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering over the years.  The McGinnis Studios, flanking the Deere Pavilion on the second floor, house student project areas.  Students gain a variety of benefits from the open-ended problem-solving experiences that take place in the McGinnis Studios.

Flanking ME Lab's west entrance, the Rosenthal Galleries are heavily used by students throughout the day.  The galleries are the location for the department's computer lab and a workstation laboratory used for high-end engineering analysis.  They also house the beautifully restored works of the university's original tower clock, designed and built in 1878 by the first professor of engineering, Stillman Robinson, and his students.  The late Ben Rosenthal, who with his wife, Lorelei, funded the Rosenthal Galleries, was an avid horologist.

"He knew that the clock and the building were being painstakingly restored," said Mrs. Rosenthal.  "It was the embodiment of his philosophy.  The past becomes the link to the future. We are grateful to be partners."

The Rosenthal family and the College of Engineering are funding a scholarship in the college in memory of Mr. Rosenthal, who passed away in January 2002.

Now presenting a striking yet harmonious new façade to the Bardeen Engineering Quadrangle, ME Lab continues the department’s record of innovation and achievement.

"Over the next 200 years about 30,000 students will pass through this building," said Engineering Dean David E. Daniel.  "This is the place where dreams will be fulfilled.  We have a lot to celebrate."