New lab dedicated at the Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center

Presidents of North Central College and HARTING Americas cut the ceremonial ribbon today to officially open the HARTING Electronics Lab in the College’s newly dedicated Dr. Myron Wentz Science Center. The ribbon-cutting took place in the center’s Tradition of Excellence Gallery in the 125,000-square-foot facility.

Addressing a crowd of more than 100 people from the College and HARTING communities, President Troy D. Hammond said North Central was founded 156 years ago by German immigrants who had “a vision for progressive, transformative education.”

“Our first president stated: ‘A college that is not responsive to the changing needs of students cannot long survive.’ We have not only survived but thrived,” said Hammond. “The building we’re standing in today is designed for the 21st century, with the latest technology to be responsive to our students’ needs.”

Hammond also noted HARTING’s global success and its ability to be responsive to the changing needs of its customers. “We intend to support HARTING’s success by generating talented graduates,” he said. “We’re proud to partner with HARTING to ensure we both have a brilliant future.”

The Wentz Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to accommodate the most sophisticated hardware, software and cutting-edge technology. The HARTING Electronics Lab will provide an environment where students will be introduced to sophisticated electronic methods and applications. As part of the partnership, HARTING is donating equipment that will help students work with the latest real-world technology.

“This is a very special occasion for us,” said Jon DeSouza, president and CEO of HARTING Americas. An alumnus of North Central, DeSouza earned a bachelor of arts degree in international business in 1998.

“North Central College is known to be a great liberal arts school,” said DeSouza. The College’s science, technology, physics, math and other academic programming “goes hand-in-hand with what HARTING does” and “it is an honor and privilege to be back here for this occasion.”

HARTING Americas develops, manufactures and sells products and solutions for use in mechanical and plant engineering, broadcast and entertainment, factory automation, power generation and distribution, as well as industrial electronics and telecommunications. It is the American subsidiary of HARTING, a German-based global leader in technology connectivity.

HARTING’s chairman of the board, Philip Harting, was on hand to help cut the ribbon. He called the ceremony a “milestone” and expressed his enthusiasm for furthering the partnership and connecting with students who may be “possible employees for our future.”

“At North Central, we seek to build mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners such as HARTING,” said Megan Lynch, the College’s director of corporate relations. “Academic-industry collaboration exposes our students to real-world technology and case studies, connects companies with future employees, and helps foster an environment where innovation can thrive.”

The ribbon-cutting took place less than one week from the formal dedication of the Wentz Science Center. The Center’s generous benefactor, Dr. Myron Wentz, attended the Oct. 20 dedication that marked a historic moment in the life of North Central College.