BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois Wesleyan University celebrated a milestone moment on Tuesday during a groundbreaking ceremony for The Petrick Idea Center, marking the transition from planning to physical construction.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees and community members gathered at the future site of the facility, west of the Joyce Eichhorn Ames School of Art and Design. Shovels, hardhats and an excavator proved the location will soon be buzzing with construction as the collaborative maker space is raised, with an expected opening date in fall of 2026.
IWU Board of Trustees Chair Tim Szerlong ‘74 likened the eager energy of the groundbreaking event to that of the first day of classes or commencement.
“Today represents far more than the construction of a new building — it represents a tremendous investment in our University. It symbolizes the University’s commitment to expand support for our students and to ensure they have every chance to realize their dreams,” he said.
The 14,850-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for imagination, creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, featuring prototyping tools, an amphitheater, collaborative meeting and teaching spaces, a test kitchen, 3D printers, sewing machines, power tools, audio/video equipment and more.
Szerlong voiced appreciation for foundational donors that made The Petrick Idea Center possible — the late David Petrick ‘67 and his wife Ellen (Reid) Petrick ‘68, Marc Talluto ‘94 and his wife Noel, and Ann (Marquis) Fisher ‘82 and her husband Alan Fisher.
He recalled Dave Petrick’s comment to architects in the early planning stages: “The most important thing is to make sure students from all disciplines are involved and feel welcome here. If they have an idea, they can create it at The Petrick Idea Center.”
“We all wish Dave could be here today to see his dream take shape,” said Szerlong. “This new space reflects an investment in our students and provides an avenue for a wide array of learning experiences that are available to every student, enhancing the value of the liberal arts education.”
President Sheahon Zenger shared examples of collaboration that might take place throughout the building, such as a music major connecting with business faculty about launching a business, or a finance student interacting with English and philosophy majors to think differently about a project.
“Seventy percent of high school students are currently involved in something entrepreneurial or want to be (while) in college or after college,” said Zenger. “Why reinvent the wheel? Meet them where they’re at. We believe we are becoming the nation’s leader in entrepreneurial liberal arts education.”
Several faculty members spoke at the ceremony, including Gabe Spalding, the B. Charles and Joyce Eichhorn Ames Professor of Physics. Spalding noted the Ames name in his title, recognizing the deep impact the Ames family has had throughout campus. He said the generosity and legacy of the Petrick family is following a similar path in supporting Titans.
Spalding spoke of the connection he is able to foster with physics students at a university the size of IWU, and how The Petrick Idea Center will only elevate those connections and student successes.
“You will see an amazing legacy come from this center and I want to thank you,” he said to the donors.
Director of the School of Business and Economics and Robert S. Eckley Endowed Professor of Economics Bryan McCannon said he believes entrepreneurship is the pinnacle of what a liberal arts education can provide.
“Entrepreneurship means you have to identify a problem, critically evaluate that problem, creatively come up with solutions, communicate your solution, and take action. In any program, you have to solve problems and think creatively. That’s what we should be striving for, and that’s what this center will allow us to do,” he said.
Associate Professor of Art and Gallery Director Carmen Lozar, who specializes in glass art, explained how glass making has evolved over 4,000 years to become an integral part of everyday life.
“That innovation does not come without people who believe in the future, who energetically support and imagine a more creative, sustainable place where humans evolve for the betterment of our world,” she said. “Because of the generous donors here today, the students at Illinois Wesleyan will have all the best tools [to do this] and they will have the most beautiful tool box.”
Elementary Education major Marissa Hagler ‘25 also gave remarks, referring to the Hurdling Through Hard Times mental health podcast she was able to create as a student using alumni-funded grants and entrepreneurial resources at IWU.
“Because of you, this center is not just a building; it’s a launch pad,” said Hagler. “This is the beginning for so many people and I can’t wait to come back as an alum to see all the amazing things students are building here. Thank you for believing in us, investing in our futures and giving us a space where our ideas can truly take flight.”
Following the groundbreaking, the University honored Dave Petrick posthumously as the 2025 IWU Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit and desire to support students and their ventures.