Ariel Foundation, a local nonprofit focused on improving the quality of life in Mount Vernon, gifted the property located at 104 S. Main St. to Mount Vernon Nazarene University. This space will house the university’s engineering program and a community makerspace, in partnership with Knox Labs. The MVNU Board of Trustees accepted the gift at its 17 March board meeting.

“The presence of MVNU in downtown Mount Vernon is a source of pride for us," said Henry W. Spaulding II, MVNU president. "We are invested in the greater community and proud to call this city our home. Our Art and Graphic Design Department and School of Nursing and Health Sciences are happy to be part of the downtown community. The decision to move our engineering program to Main Street is a good moment for the university.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support of Ariel Foundation and their investment in MVNU and the generosity of the local community. We look forward to a cooperative effort to create a thriving site for our Engineering program. This move will further enhance this city for decades.”

MVNU’s engineering program began in the fall of 2014 under Dean Richard Sutherland within the School of Natural and Social Sciences. MVNU offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs in electrical and mechanical engineering,. Engineering faculty members include David Winyard, associate professor of engineering; David Che, professor of engineering, and Gary Koester, professor of engineering.

“MVNU’s engineering program requires shops and labs for several courses and many student projects," Winyard said. "The donation of the downtown space goes a long way toward meeting these requirements. It also opens up possibilities through collaboration with Knox Labs, a makerspace startup that develops working relationships between MVNU engineering faculty and students and area entrepreneurs, possibly leading to internships and research projects. The partnership will benefit the local community, and MVNU engineers will be prepared to serve wherever their careers may lead them."

The 10,824-square foot property located at 104 S. Main St. was most recently home to Farley and Moore Antiques before it closed its doors in late 2016. Before then it was home to department store J.C. Penney Co.

For more information on the MVNU Engineering program visit gotomvnu.com/engineering.

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University