As demand for talent in STEM fields continues to grow, there is an opportunity to attract students to pursue a STEM education and career in Indiana – which would help strengthen the state’s economy.  

That is why, in 2010, Butler University established the Sciences Expansion and Renovation Project, a three-phase expansion and renovation of the university’s sciences complex to support 21セント century student learning and innovation. With high-tech classrooms, new lab spaces, and collaborative work areas, the university aims to increase enrollment, create new science programs, and meet the growing demand for STEM talent.  

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has awarded $13 million to Butler University to support the project since 2013. This work aligns with the Foundation’s focus on bolstering the vitality of Indianapolis through increased STEM talent and honors Dick Fairbanks’ legacy as a trustee at Butler University.

Additional Posts

School Closure and Student Outcomes: What Does the Research Say?

Alex Cohen is the Director of Learning and Evaluation for the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. School closure is among the most controversial interventions in education, and the issue is back in the spotlight with Indianapolis Public Schools’ recent vote to close or transition four high schools. The impetus for the high school restructuring at IPS is the low enrollment at these schools, which led to the district operating mostly empty buildings. This has imposed a financial burden on the district and spread limited resources even thinner. The hope is that closing or restructuring high schools into middle schools and concentrating resources at only four high schools will lead to higher-quality […]

IMS Takes Bold Leadership Stance to Help Curb Indiana’s Tobacco Addiction Crisis

Claire Fiddian-Green is the President & CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Yesterday the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced its plan to make its grandstands completely smoke-free starting this fall. We applaud IMS President Doug Boles and Hulman & Company President and CEO Mark D. Miles for their bold leadership when it comes to protecting the health of Hoosiers and IMS fans from across the globe. A study released by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation last September showed that Indiana’s tobacco epidemic – an often-overlooked issue – costs our state more than 12,000 lives and $6.8 billion annually. And a report we released earlier this month found that Hoosier smokers […]