The world of robotics just took a quantum leap for the St. Joseph Public School system with word tonight of a major new 7,000 square foot robotics facility to be built on the system’s campus alongside St. Joseph High School on the Lakeview Avenue side of the house.
To be named the Edward J. Todd Innovation Center, the new robotics facility will be constructed by Pearson Construction Company of Benton Harbor adjacent to the school’s existing Career Technical Center with access from Lakeview Avenue.
School officials announced tonight that the new building will be utilized primarily as a training facility for the district’s robust robotics program, which sponsors 12 teams comprised of students from grades 2-12 and continues to grow each year.
The new robotics facility is possible due to generous donations from long time community donors who have a passion for K-12 education, especially in the field of Technology. Lead donor, Edward J. Todd, from the SJHS Class of ’54, is a strong supporter of improvements for St. Joseph Public Schools and its students. The Hanson Family Foundation will also provide substantial funding, and has a keen interest in the advancement of engineering careers in the area.
St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation President Bill Marohn says, “Without the generous support of Mr. Ed Todd and the Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Family Foundation, this project would not be possible. They understand the importance of the robotics program to the development of a high-tech workforce in our community.”
Superintendent Ann Cardon says, “The district is honored to be the recipient of these substantial donations. We are thrilled to provide dedicated space for our students to learn, grow and collaborate. We are proud to provide multiple opportunities for our students and these generous donations allow us to better meet the needs of our technology-minded students.” Cardon points out, “The goal of SJPS robotics is to support student growth and development. While robotics teaches engineering and business skills, students also regularly utilize problem-solving, project management and collaboration when working with real life applications.” She adds, “The skills students gain by participating in the FIRST Robotics program are a key component of their future success and meet the goals of the district’s emphasis on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). The district also realizes the economic impact this program can have on the area workforce and employers. ”
Board President Amy Porritt-Peirce says, “The SJPS Board of Education is very grateful to our Foundation Board for spearheading this tremendous opportunity. This facility will greatly enhance the success and opportunities of our FIRST Robotics program and also strengthen our district’s emphasis on STEAM. This is a legacy that will touch the lives of current and future students as we strive to prepare them to be future innovators and leaders.”
Vic Vroegop is High School Industrial Arts teacher and Robotics instructor. He has continued to build and improve the robotics program in St. Joe since its inception in 2010. He tells us, “The forward thinking of our district will result in an amazing space for all of our FIRST Robotics programs. This building will greatly increase each team’s ability to design, test and practice with competition robots and ‘off season’ projects. It will also provide training space that will be used for the robotics community in the region.”
Student Heather Leany is among those excited to learn of the new facility coming this year, saying, “By having a practice facility, the Average Joes will be able to work more efficiently to optimize design testing, programming and driver practice for our robot projects with the end goal being to win competitions and spreading the ideals of FIRST Robotics.”
Construction of the new facility will get underway in the spring even as robotics teams crank up the competition in FIRST Robotics events across the region, state and nation.
The architectural rendering from Pearson Construction shows the new projected innovation center above, while below Congressman Fred Upton poses with The Average Joes Robotics Teams at SJ High.
