The Right Stuff

May 14, 2024

By Ann Marie Aliotta | Photos by Marc-Grégor Campredon except where indicated

The Tony England Engineering Lab Building at UM-Dearborn was filled with nearly 200 students, faculty, staff, and supporters on April 19 to celebrate naming the building in honor of the former dean. England was recognized for his tremendous accomplishments and his role in championing the ELB construction project while he led CECS from 2012 to 2020.

England was visibly moved when he saw signage with the building’s name unveiled. He expressed gratitude and humility, remarking that many across campus were involved in the vision and creation of the ELB. “This was not a solo act,” he said. He shared stories about his missions and adventures, and stressed that the ELB will be key in the impactful research and careers of the next generation of engineering leaders. “That’s what this building was all about. To be a place for students to be proud of — proud of their careers, proud of the choice in their careers and to share that pride in the workplace,” he said. "I thank you for the reception you’ve given me. It’s a bit overwhelming, but very much appreciated."

Donor support of the ELB has ensured that this signature building would transform engineering education at UM-Dearborn, advancing academic programs and research capabilities and solidifying the campus as a regional leader in engineering. Lead gifts include a $1.25 million donation from University of Michigan Regent Ronald N. Weiser and Eileen L. Weiser, for which the Weiser Family Atrium was named, and a $1 million donation from automation leader Omron, which helped fund the Omron Robotics and Human Factor Lab. Additional gifts helped establish spaces such as The Brailean Family Project Research Lab, the MAHLE Advanced Powertrain and Combustion Lab and MAHLE Impact Processes Lab, a student collaboration space sponsored by Magna, and an informal study area named by former CECS professor Malayappan Shridhar. Other donors have been generous in their support of the research, teaching, and learning in the ELB by making gifts recognized in the naming of other areas as well.