Tech’s new engineering building will be named after civil engineering alumnus, Ashraf Islam, for his donation to the project and his professional accomplishments.
Photo provided by Tennessee Tech
Islam aimed to show his support for Tech’s engineering students through a $3 million donation towards the new engineering building.
Islam is a graduate of Tech’s civil engineering program. He founded AIA Engineers in 1984. AIA Engineers went on to have offices in six states, and two international offices in Canada and Bangladesh. He is currently co-chairman of CONSOR Engineers, an engineering firm in transportation planning and design, structural assessment and construction services
In addition to his engineering work, Islam served on the TTU Foundation Board of Directors and the Advisory Board for Civil and Environmental Engineering. Tech named him Engineer of Distinction in 2002.
As a result of Islam’s achievements and donation, Tech’s Board of Trustees voted to name the new building after him. The trustees approved the name during a special meeting on Aug. 24.
“We are so excited about this opportunity and recognize that Ashraf has given both of his resources and his time and effort since he graduated,” Trustee Chairperson Trudy Harper said.
Construction on the $62 million, 100,000-square-foot Ashraf Islam Engineering Building will begin this fall. It will house classrooms, labs and a cross-disciplinary space.
Photo provided by Tennessee Tech
The building is set to be located on Sherlock Park. All student activity will be moved to Walton Park, located in front of the Walton House.
The university first included plans for the new building in the master plan in 2018. “A desire of the university for the Engineering Building is that it presents a progressive and engaging image at the forefront of the university,” according to the university’s master plan.
The building will be the first new engineering building on Tech’s campus in 50 years. Prescott Hall, the last engineering building constructed, was completed in 1971.
In addition to Islam, there were almost 40 major donors to the project. Tech plans to honor all of the donors with a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 10 at Sherlock Park at 1:30 p.m..
“As we celebrate Ashraf’s support, we also want to celebrate every donor who has committed to improving the classroom experience for students,” President Phil Oldham said.
