Texas A&M’s largest academic building is now open.
Friday morning was the dedication of the Zachry Engineering Education Complex. Texas A&M faculty, staff, students, and donors gathered in front of the building to hear from speakers.
“It’s a stunning feat of engineering. 525,000 square feet, you could lay two 747’s north to sound, end to end and they would fit inside the building,” said A&M President Michael Young.
The complex modernized the original Zachry Engineering Center, which was dedicated in 1972. John B. Zachry, class of ’84 and grandson of the original namesake, says this building is a visible part of recognizing the obligation to future generations.
“As proud as I am to be part of a long-standing, multi-generational association with the College of Engineering, most meaningful to me is the fact that my sons are here now and will be part of the amazing future awaiting our current students, which will no doubt be the best days this university has ever seen,” said Zachry.
The complex took four years to complete and cost a grand total of $228 million.
At the time of the groundbreaking in 2014, the estimated cost was $168 million. But that was prior to the decision to complete part of the fourth floor and the entire fifth floor. The project expanded due to the success of private donor fundraising for the building ($75 million). That made it possible to complete both the fourth and fifth floors for a total of 525,000 sq. ft, as well as the Engineering Quadrant, or E-Quad for $228 million.
Click below to hear the entire dedication ceremony.
Listen to “Zachry Engineering Education Complex Dedication” on Spreaker.