MSU-Northern breaks ground on new Diesel Technology Center

L to R: MSU-Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel, Governor Steve Bullock, Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian,
Board of Regents Chair Paul Tuss, MSU-Bozeman President Waded Cruzado

Montana University System leaders and Governor Steve Bullock were on hand Friday, May 20, 2016, to celebrate the groundbreaking of MSU-Northern's new Diesel Technology Center. The $9.9 million project will provide state-of-the-art training facilities for one of Northern's most popular academic programs. The ceremony marks the final phase of a two-year capital campaign that has raised 94% of its goal through state funding and contributions by industry partners and individual supporters.

"I'm pleased to see this important project move forward," said Governor Bullock. "This facility will not only benefit the students by preparing them for the good-paying jobs that await them, but also the communities and businesses who will have access to a pipeline of highly-trained workers, increasing their ability to grow, expand, hire more workers and grow Montana's economy."

"This is a major success story for Northern and for Montana," said Clayton Christian, Montana's Commissioner of Higher Education. "Private industry and the state are investing in a nationally recognized Northern program that supplies great talent to employers across America."

"The support of MSU Northern's industry partners, alumni, and friends in the community is truly awe inspiring," said Dr. Waded Cruzado, President of Montana State University. "This was a big lift and the supporters of MSU Northern had the strength to do it. Generations of students will benefit from their generosity. We have a debt of gratitude with those who came together to make this project a reality."

"The current facility has served thousands of MSU-Northern students," said Chancellor Greg Kegel. "We added several additions over the years as our programs expanded, but there was never time to design what we really needed. This new building has 10 years of planning and design in it, and will allow us to expand our curriculum and offer things that we never have before."

The fundraising campaign for the new center kicked off in October of 2014 and has relied heavily on industry support. BNSF, GE, and the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation helped launch the campaign with commitments of $1 million each. To date, the project is $550,000 short of its goal. This April the Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Modern Machinery (a Washington Company), pledged to match any new donations to the campaign. An anonymous donor recently made the first matching donation with a contribution of $50,000.

The new Diesel Technology Center is designed in keeping with modern training techniques and will be furnished with the latest equipment and instrumentation. The proposed facility is 7,000 square feet larger than the existing structure, meets all code requirements, can incorporate future technological advances, and will attract and accommodate more students, allowing the University to grow one of its strongest and most vibrant programs.

MSU-Northern's Diesel Technology program is highly regarded throughout the diesel industry. Its diesel graduates will help meet the workplace shortage of qualified technicians nationwide. Business and industry employers welcome growth in the number of students who wish to prepare for well-paying careers in diesel technology, and the future facility will help Northern accommodate current and future needs for specialized classroom and laboratory space.

Dignitaries and Contributors at the ground breaking ceremony for the new MSU-Northern Diesel Technology Building