Continuing its commitment to providing diverse and innovative learning environments, the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology recently received software that enables students to conceptualize, design, analyze and test products in practical settings.
Siemens Corp., a powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering, generously donated $45.3 million for the purchase of this software.
The software donation comes at a critical time for the college, having recently been named a partner in the $320 million digital manufacturing laboratory being built on Goose Island in Chicago.
“Securing this software benefits the college and our students, but it also benefits our corporate and organizational partners. It provides a synergy between all of us,” says Promod Vohra, dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
The software will be used by all departments in the college, but will reside in the Operations Research Laboratory, which offers the latest in innovative design tools. The full software package provides the necessary tools for students to work through the complete life cycle of a product. Grasping the process of product development is a critical component of a successful engineer.
Siemens operates in many industries, including energy, health care and infrastructure. The partnership is an important connection for CEET.
“Partnerships like the one we are enjoying with Siemens keep us globally competitive and allow us to provide innovative learning environments to our students,” Vohra says.
Engineering and technology students will now work with the same equipment and software as professionals in industry, thus creating a seamless pipeline ensuring bold career success for our students.
This donation also creates a qualified and ready work force already in large demand by engineering companies across our region.
“The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology prepares students for career success by providing them with access to state-of-the-art tools and real-life work experience,” Interim Provost Lisa Freeman says. “Strong corporate partnerships are the foundation for such programs, as evidenced by the Siemens donation. Specifically, the software donated by Siemens will give NIU students, faculty and staff the opportunity to create new platforms for product life cycle management, and thereby advance the success of the college and its collaborators.”