New Engineering Technology student lounge opens with ribbon cutting

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Manager, CEAT Marketing and Communications | 4057445831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu

On Nov. 8, the Division of Engineering Technology hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its lounge, located on the fifth floor of Engineering North. 

This lounge was made possible thanks to a donation from Human Mode, an Oklahoma City-based robotics company.

Associate Dean John Veenstra; DET faculty, staff and students; Human Mode CEO William Kerber and his wife, Chi Kerber; and Bob Nickles, a College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Hall of Fame inductee, attended the event.

"We very much value and appreciate Mr. Kerber and his company, Human Mode, for their interactions with the mechatronics program in DET," Dr. Veenstra said. "Their generosity has helped complete this student lounge that bears his company’s name as a place for students to relax and study. Mr. Kerber has also made a personal investment in DET by becoming a member of its industrial advisory board, where the program can greatly benefit from his experience and knowledge in developing robots.

Dr. Chulho Yang, interim head of DET, also shared his enthusiasm.

“This vibrant space is the perfect spot for students to study, collaborate, or simply unwind between classes," Yang said. "Even though the space is limited by the size of the room, our care and support for students, and their passion, potential, and dreams are not limited. We can’t wait to see how this new lounge will become a hub for innovation, community, and success.”

William Kerber said he was thrilled to help Oklahoma State University dedicate this new engineering lounge, where students will connect, collaborate and innovate.

"Collaboration is such an important part of success," he said. "As Oklahomans and roboticists, we're energized by all the positive momentum happening at OSU engineering and technology and how it will benefit students here in our state.”

Kaid Kinzie, OSU Foundation development associate, said OSU was grateful to Human Mode for the generous gift to create this new student lounge.

"Their support has made it possible to provide DET students with a welcoming space to collaborate and connect with one another," he said. "As we cut the ribbon for this lounge, we celebrated both a physical space and the lasting impact Human Mode’s generosity will have on generations of students. Their commitment to enhancing DET will be felt for years to come, and I look forward to seeing this space filled with the energy and creativity of our students here at OSU.”

Students will find comfortable seating and study areas in the lounge in addition to high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, microwave, refrigerator, collaborative workspaces for group projects, and a welcoming environment to connect with their peers.

The student lounge is located in room 503. It is open during the day and accessible using student ID cards.