Gerald Hatch Centre for Engineering Experiential Learning grand opening at McMaster University

On October 18, 2017, Chief Executive Officer John Bianchini and Hatch staff were on hand for a very special grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

A tribute to our founder, the Gerald Hatch Centre for Engineering Experiential Learning is now complete and open to students, thanks in large part to a C$3 million dollar donation from The Hatch Family, Kurt Strobele, Bert Wasmund, and Hatch. The contribution to the building's C$11 million cost demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers and helping them develop broader, more holistic problem-solving abilities.

With labs, design studios, meeting rooms, and ample shared work spaces, the facility is slated to become a hub for McMaster's 5,000 undergraduate engineering students. So it's fitting that these budding engineers were involved in the design process and will be active in managing the new 28,000 square-foot building. Students will use it to collaborate on projects, share ideas to foster experiential learning, and supplement work being done in the classroom. The Hatch Centre will also serve as a "living lab" to study integrated energy systems for urban use.

As John Bianchini remarked at the event,

The Hatch Centre is a fantastic example of innovation in education and the development of world-relevant future leaders.

To see a time lapse film of the Hatch Centre's two years of construction, click here.