Bowling Green, Ky. - Faculty in Western Kentucky University's Ogden College of Science and Engineering said "thank you" to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell on Thursday afternoon.

WKU named the Integrated Applications Laboratory the "McConnell Integrated Applications Laboratory" to express appreciation for Sen. McConnell's support in obtaining $2,365,000 in federal earmarks for state-of-the-art equipment for the engineering and biology laboratories in the new Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences.

"Our faculty initiated this effort for the support he has given us," said Dr. Blaine Ferrell, dean of Ogden College.

McConnell joked that it might be the first time university faculty members have ever voted to name something for a Republican.

"The reason I try to respond to Western is the outstanding leadership of President Gary Ransdell, the administration and the faculty," McConnell said.

Since 1997, McConnell has directed more than $40 million for WKU programs and projects, much of that to the life science programs that have regional and statewide impact.

The $20 million, 72,000-square-foot Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences, which opened in January, houses the engineering department (civil, mechanical and electrical programs) on the first and second floors with the biotechnology and biodiversity centers on the third floor.

The three-story facility is designed for education and for economic development, Dr. Ferrell said.

And the McConnell Integrated Applications Laboratory is where Western students are working with faculty and regional industries to solve real-world problems, said Dr. John Reis, engineering department head. "This is the room where design takes place," he said. "This is where the students make it happen. This is the room where true engineering takes place."

The state-of-art equipment not only benefits engineering students but those in biotechnology and biodiversity. In biology, WKU students are engaged in research with faculty to "do biology," said Dr. Richard Bowker, department head. "To do that requires state-of-the-art facilities and equipment."

Dr. Ransdell said the work under way in the McConnell lab and in the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences is one example of the engaged, applied and relevant curriculum at Western.

"We are grateful for the confidence Sen. McConnell has placed in us," Dr. Ransdell said.

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For information, contact Governmental Relations at (270) 745-4586.