October 06, 2026
The John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center is the latest reflection of Trine University’s ongoing commitment to prepare students to succeed, lead and serve, university President Tony Kline, Ph.D., said.
“Everything we do at Trine University keeps the student experience in focus,” he stated at the building’s dedication on Friday, Oct. 2.
“With this new cutting-edge, hands-on learning facility, students will gain real-world experience through expert, caring faculty, which has been our recipe for success.”
The 22,000-square-foot facility opened this fall and provides more space for student design projects, with resources including a new state-of-the-art robotics lab, aeronautics lab and powertrain lab, and reaction floor.
More than 8,000 square feet of project fabrication space allows Trine University to accommodate more and larger projects completed by senior teams in the Allen School of Engineering and Computing.
The dedication kicked off Homecoming festivities at Trine.
Government officials — including Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-3rd), whom Dr. Kline thanked for his support of the university’s Artificial Intelligence Maritime Maneuver (AIMM) effort, and Angola Mayor Dave Martin — were in attendance, as well as donors, Trine alumni and members of the Board of Trustees, and students, employees and friends of the university.
Generous support
The new facility is named after John Pellegrino, a 1960 Trine civil engineering alumnus, and his wife Mary, who generously donated $3 million toward the project.
Dr. Kline presented a plaque to the Pellegrinos and other major donors in honor of their support.
After working as a registered professional engineer at Strayer Manufacturing as Manager of Engineering for 14 years, John Pellegrino was hired by Ridg-U-Rak, Inc., as its vice president of engineering.
Eventually he purchased the small company and today the Pellegrinos’ family-owned, Pennsylvania-based company is one of the largest pallet rack manufacturers in North America and is widely recognized for its innovative, quality rack products. The company boasts three state-of-the-art locations, including two production facilities covering 160,000 square feet and a 5 1/2-acre warehouse and distribution center, which was added in 2018.
John Pellegrino received Trine University’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2002. The award is given each year to an alumnus or alumna who has attained a high level of achievement in his or her profession, is well thought of in his or her community, and who upholds the ideals of Trine University.
Other supporters who were recognized during the dedication included the Don Wood Foundation, Steel Dynamics Foundation, Trine alumnus William Warner Jr. and John B. Pellegrino Jr., vice president of manufacturing and co-owner of Ridg-U-Rak and a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.
Angie Logan, president and CEO of Cameron Health, was honored with Trine University’s annual Woman of Distinction award during the annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 2.
Trine University honored two distinguished graduates with alumni awards during its annual Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Friday, Oct. 2.
Trine University honored Board of Trustees member and alumnus Ken Ehinger and his wife Kathy, who support the university’s Ehinger Fellows along with many other programs, with its Pillar of Success during the university’s Touchstone and Homecoming Celebration Dinner on Oct. 2.