Michigan State University’s School of Packaging held a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of renovations to the school’s main building.
Hosting the event was School of Packaging Director Matthew Daum, who was appointed in 2020. During that time Daum has pushed for change throughout the school, with the renovations being the first of three phases to initiate that change.
“This first strategic initiative is all about investing in a facility that represents the thought leadership of our students and alumni, creates a gathering place for the best and brightest and packaging and inspires students, faculty and staff toward a brighter future,” Daum said.
Planned improvements to the building, which hasn’t been renovated since 1986, include a new office wing, sustainability lab, atrium and classroom.
The project was funded primarily through donors, with donations equaling more than $10 million.
As for the next phases of the school’s strategic plan, Daum said the second phase will focus on making the “program the most diverse pool of talented faculty and students ready for industry”, and the third will create “new financial partnerships between industry and university”.
