The Mark Engineering Center at Wilkes University was awarded the 2019 Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania. The award was granted in the building and technology systems category. Borton-Lawson Engineering, Inc. was the engineering firm for the renovation. A formal ceremony was held Feb. 28 in Lancaster, Pa. where both organizations were recognized.
More than 20,000 square feet of space was renovated to create the Mark Engineering Center, designed to ensure that engineering students are prepared to meet the latest industry challenges and needs. It was designed with flexibility and collaboration in mind, while emphasizing real-world industry application. The bulk of the renovation occurred on the first floor of Stark Learning Center and consisted of engineering flex-labs, an additive manufacturing lab, new handicapped accessible lobbies and faculty office suites. Updates also included changes to the microfabrication suite and a multi-purpose wet lab. New entrances from the center of campus were also constructed. Energy efficiency propelled the renovation, with LED lighting and variable refrigerant flow system for heating and air conditioning.
The Mark Engineering Center is named in honor of Randy and Robin Mark. Randy Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Wilkes in 1981. He is the owner and president of Pulverman, a global manufacturer of precision metal components located in Dallas, Pa. He has served on the university’s board of trustees since 2013. Wilkes offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering fields.
