An Historic Fundraising Campaign
The University of Utah John and Marcia Price College of Engineering is launching a $35M fundraising campaign toward construction of the $187M John and Marcia Price Computing and Engineering Building.
This 253,000-square-foot structure is urgently needed to accommodate student demand for engineering and computer science degrees where enrollment has more than doubled in the past 20 years. The John and Marcia Price Family Foundation provided a $15M lead gift for the campaign.
The six story building will be constructed to the east of the John and Marva Warnock Engineering Building, and enable the college to increase its output of computing graduates by an additional 300/yr. The world renowned computer science program at the University of Utah was recently designated as The Kahlert School of Computing, recognizing a $15M donation from The Kahlert Foundation.
The Kahlert School of Computing produces 46% of the state system’s BS, MS and PhD computer science graduates, with nearly 2,000 enrolled majors. Utah relies on these highly qualified graduates to fuel the economy.
With more than 38,000 current job postings for technology-related professionals, the future of Utah’s number one ranked economy hinges on the department’s capacity to enroll and graduate more students.
The Flagship Computer Science Environment
The new John and Marcia Price Computing and Engineering Building will be a 253,000-square-foot, $187M structure located to the east of the John and Marva Warnock Building. In addition to the Kahlert School of Computing, the building will allow for expanded offerings in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI and potentially others.
The new six-story building will include:
- 100 Faculty and Staff Offices
- 70,000 sq. ft. of Research Space
- 400-seat Auditorium
- 12 Classrooms
- Open Collaboration Space
- 15 Conference Rooms
- Event Space
There will also be room for an industry partner, or partners. An office suite or shared collaborative space would provide a more direct relationship with students and faculty.
The Learning Environment
Employers consider flexibility/adaptability, problem solving, and the ability to work in a team, communication, and interpersonal skills as highly important. The Price Computing and Engineering Building will provide an environment where students can develop the interpersonal skills that employers expect.
The Campaign
A committee of visionary individuals, led by John Warnock, Ed Catmull and Shane Robison, joined Dean of Engineering Richard Brown and the university in establishing the $35M campaign. Significant naming opportunities are available for gifts beginning at $20,000.
Estimated Building Cost:
$187 Million
“At a time of rapid technological change, and when others are competing for talent, the University of Utah can continue to make major contributions in many fields by investing in the expansion of our facilities. We can and will continue to make the U a foundational school for the advancement of technology, its applications, and impact on local businesses.”
Ed Catmull, PhD (1974)
Retired – President
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios