So many leaders in business, industry, and government have passed through the halls and climbed the stairs of McCain. The old engineering building is the heart of the College of Engineering.

It is also fitting that McCain will once again become integral to the experience of every MSU engineering student. For many of our alumni, it is hard to believe that the college now has more than 2,600 students in 11 buildings on the MSU campus. As part of Leadership 21, the five enhancements to the engineering undergraduate experience will be based in McCain. Every undergraduate student will participate in programs to:

1. improve communications skills,
2. expand computer capabilities,
3. develop cross-discipline teamwork skills,
4. improve entrepreneurial thinking, and
5. expand global awareness.

Special facilities will be incorporated into the renovation of McCain to support these important programs.

McCain was built in 1909 and featured a gabled roof. In 1920, the state appropriated funds for a renovation that included the third floor and a flat roof. Since that time, little has been done to the building. The north end of the first floor, the old machine shop, was remodeled to provide additional offices. Through the years, several coats of paint have been added, some of the ceilings have been lowered, and the badly worn stairs improved. The renovation to begin in 2000 will be the first significant change since the major modifications in 1921-22.

In 1997, the state approved $4 million for the renovation of McCain. Unfortunately, the architect/engineering firm estimates that $6.25 million will be required for a full renovation. Since it is unlikely that additional renovation will be done in the near future (75 years have passed since the last renovation), the College of Engineering has committed to pay off $2.25 million in bonds sold by the university. Funds to retire the bonds will be sought from alumni, friends of the college, and corporations that have benefited from the leadership of MSU graduates. Donors or their designee will be recognized via plaques on classrooms, laboratories, conference rooms, and offices. The costs of the memorials are based on the size and location of the space being named.