The Brown Family poses for a photo in front of the MSEE building during a visit to campus. (Purdue University photo/Dave Mason)

A vision for a modern, collaborative and innovative ECE facility

In September 2022, Purdue University celebrated the naming of the Electrical Engineering Building on campus as the Max W & Maileen Brown Family Hall (BHEE). The naming is in recognition of a generous gift from alumnus Max W Brown (BSEE ’70), his wife, Maileen, and their children, Max G and Ash. 

Rendering of the proposed TA and student collaboration space that will be located at the north end of the instructional labs.

In April 2023, the School launched a fundraising campaign to renovate the building. The project will transform BHEE into a modern and world-class ECE facility, equipped with the latest technology and resources to enhance teaching, learning, and research, and accommodate and support Purdue ECE’s ever-increasing student enrollment and research needs. 

Rendering of a newly renovated ECE Electronics Shop which provides students with free parts and support on their projects.

“Our vision is to transform the EE building into a best-in-class facility that inspires the next generation of leaders in ECE,” says Dan Jiao, Associate Head of Resource Planning and Management and Synopsys Professor of ECE. “We envision a space that is innovative, collaborative, and welcoming, where ECE’s proud history meets modern technology, and students engage in experiential learning, collaborative research, and discovery.”

Rendering of a new instructional lab that will support the growing ECE student population for years to come.

The renovated space will include cutting-edge undergraduate instructional labs, collaborative graduate research spaces, inviting student lounge, TA and student collaboration space, renovated restrooms, as well as improved accessibility and energy efficiency. The fundraising campaign includes naming opportunities for many of these spaces.

Work is expected to be complete by August 2024.