Fargo, N.D. — The North Dakota State University College of Engineering is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new, state-of-the-art engineering facility, marking a pivotal moment in the College’s history. On Friday afternoon, Sept. 20, faculty, staff, students, legislators, benefactors, industry leaders, alumni and friends gathered at the future site to celebrate the future of the Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex.
Speakers at the groundbreaking event included Sen. Ron Sorvaag, Rep. Steve Swiontek, NDSU President David Cook, NDSU College of Engineering Interim Dean Alan Kallmeyer, Richard Offerdahl, NDSU Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Jessica Vold and NDSU environmental engineering student Zachary Quirk.
“Since our beginnings, NDSU has been the engineering school for North Dakota,” said Cook. “The Richard Offerdahl ’65 Engineering Complex will allow us advance teaching and research in engineering, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, computational sciences, entrepreneurship, analytics and data sciences through new collaborative design studios and flexible teaching and research laboratories. The trajectory of NDSU has been transformed for generations to come thanks to incredibly generous donors including Richard and Linda Offerdahl, Doosan Bobcat, Mortenson, Marvin and others.”
The new facility, projected to be completed in time for classes to begin in the fall of 2026, is designed to foster innovation, collaboration and hands-on learning. The complex will be built in the heart of campus, replacing some of the outdated facilities that currently exist. It is designed to propel the College of Engineering into the future and elevate the student experience by providing state-of-the-art spaces that emphasize teamwork, communication and interdisciplinary learning.
The project is part of a larger initiative to advance the university’s science, technology, engineering and math education and research capabilities.
“This facility will not only elevate the educational experience but also give NDSU a critical edge in attracting and retaining students who are driven by a passion for problem-solving and a desire to shape the future,” Kallmeyer said. “The benefits of Offerdahl Hall and the memories, discoveries and innovations made there will be felt for generations to come.”
The NDSU College of Engineering is the largest contributor to the engineering and computer science workforce in North Dakota, and its graduates are making a difference around the state, region and world.
“Today, engineering is accomplished using a team approach. A lot of projects require multiple disciplines,” said Richard Offerdahl, the benefactor for whom this project is named. “This facility will be designed to offer a more modern, collaborative arrangement of facilities.”
Offerdahl Hall also will become the new 7,000-square-foot home for the department of agricultural and biosystems engineering, including the cutting-edge precision agriculture program. A state-of-the-art high-bay research laboratory large enough to accommodate full-size agricultural machinery and other technologies will be constructed. Students, faculty and staff will be able to design, develop, implement and test new technologies for precision agriculture on farm implements, autonomous drones and agricultural processing equipment to improve the efficiency of tomorrow’s farming operations. It will also include bioprocessing labs dedicated to environmental soil and water teaching and research.
ABOUT THE NDSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
The College of Engineering at NDSU is a leader in engineering education and research, with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. It prepares the next generation of engineers to address the complex challenges of today’s world and shape a brighter future through cutting-edge research and education.
ABOUT NDSU FOUNDATION
The NDSU Foundation builds enduring relationships that maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support North Dakota State University.
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CONTACT
Bethany Hardwig
Vice President of Alumni and Donor Connections
NDSU Foundation
412-477-9202
bethany.hardwig@ndsufoundation.com