The Petrick Idea Center FAQs
What is The Petrick Idea Center?
The Petrick Idea Center exists because the world needs heroes. We’re creating an atmosphere where students power the virtuous solutions to vital problems.
We’re an innovative Idea Center chasing collaborative, cross-discipline creativity with a conscience…because heroic new worlds will be built by Titans.
- Programming will purposefully bring together students from across all of the university's disciplines to think broadly about people's needs and creative, ethical ways to fulfill them.
- Mentoring programs will allow students to leverage one another's expertise, and the expertise of faculty, alumni, and community members, to innovate boldly and with the greatest chances of success.
- Facilities will promote innovation, collaboration, and creativity
- Makerspaces and testing/prototyping facilities (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutter, CNC router, waterjet machining, sewing and embroidery machines, power tools, audio/video recording and editing equipment, piano, test kitchen).
- Amphitheater with learning stairs
- Offices for top student ventures
- Meeting spaces
- Teaching spaces
- Outdoor spaces
Why is Illinois Wesleyan University building this center?
A key premise of higher education is that the university contributes to the greater good of society by cultivating knowledgeable, wise, and capable graduates and by generating ideas that ultimately better the human condition. Young people enter the university eager to make their mark on the world, and Illinois Wesleyan graduates do so in large numbers because their immersive work in a scholarly, artistic, or professional discipline is coupled with the broad, humanistic perspectives of the liberal arts and an institutional commitment to experiential and individualized learning. The entrepreneurially-inclined generation Z is looking to invent their own purpose, and Illinois Wesleyan plans to meet their aspirations with a center focused on creativity and innovation.
Illinois Wesleyan's unique combination of liberal arts, professional, and pre-professional programs, and the engagement of our alumni and supporters, position us to approach challenges with a broad perspective and wealth of expertise.
For whom is the center named?
The center is named for Ellen (Reid) '68 and the late Dave Petrick ‘67, longtime University supporters and Dave served as a former trustee. Their company, Bretford Manufacturing, produces thousands of technology furniture products for schools and businesses.
How is this project being funded?
The goal is for 100% of this project to be funded by IWU donors and grants.
Who will have access to the makerspace and its amenities/services?
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Students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines who want to use their entrepreneurial spirit to innovate and make a difference in the world.
- Enthusiastic alumni and community partners who want to support the university and support students in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Did the original plans for The Petrick Idea Center include residential space?
A decision was made in spring 2024 to pivot our architectural plans to leverage existing resources, contain costs, increase community access, and accelerate the timing for the opening of this exciting new facility, while honoring the project's original goals set by our foundational donors. In collaboration with our generous donors and the Board of Trustees, a decision has been made to remove the residential component from the design of the building. We recognize that our students thrive in a variety of residential settings. We remain committed to investing in significant improvements to our residential areas on campus. As major renovations to Ferguson Hall follow Munsell renovations, we will continue to pursue future renovations to additional residential spaces.
Will there be a connection between course instruction and the center?
All faculty members will be encouraged to use the center and integrate its resources into their courses in creative and innovative ways.
Where will the center be located?
The center will be located in the former location of Beadles Hall adjoining the Ames School of Art & Design. Some spaces in the Ames School of Art & Design will be remodeled and shared with The Petrick Idea Center. This location at a creative hub of our campus highlights the project's interdisciplinary intentions, while allowing us to improve and take advantage of existing resources, and focus new investment on state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
Will Buck Memorial Library be impacted by this project?
No, it will not.
Will Gulick Hall be impacted by this project?
While original plans had the center partially located on the current site of Gulick Hall, an architectural design pivot in spring 2024 will no longer impact Gulick Hall. This pivot leverages existing resources, contains costs, increases community access, and accelerates the timing for the opening of this exciting new facility, while honoring the project's original goals set by our foundational donors.
Will there be costs associated with using the center?
With the possible exception of the cost of building and construction materials for students’ projects, we anticipate no additional charges or fees associated with using the resources provided by the center.
How big will the center be?
Plans are being developed for The Petrick Idea Center to occupy approximately 15,000 square feet of newly constructed space and 8,000 square feet of renovated space within the Ames School of Art & Design that will be multiuse.
How will The Petrick Idea Center support inclusion?
Like all new buildings on campus, the center will feature inclusive design throughout the facility. The building will have inclusive artwork, gender neutral bathrooms, and accessible entries and spaces throughout.
When will the center open?
Plans are to break ground for construction in spring 2025 with a target opening of fall 2026.