Rose-Hulman breaks ground on student center expansion

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has broken ground on a $25 million expansion and renovation of its student union.

Rose-Hulman President Jim Conwell said the expanded Hulman Memorial Student Union will serve as a centerpiece for student living and campus life.

The groundbreaking was held Friday but work beginning Wednesday will include the addition of 19,000 square feet and remodeled space within the existing 85,000-square-foot student center.

The renovated facility will include expanded student lounge spaces and several new features: an outdoor patio and gathering space, a main dining room, and a120-person dining/meeting space.

The project is being supported by a $9 million lead gift from Linda and Mike Mussallem. Mike Mussallem is a 1974 chemical engineering alumnus who is chairman and chief executive officer of California-based Edwards Lifesciences.