The renovation of the Max W & Maileen Family Hall (BHEE) transforms the building into a modern and world-class ECE facility, equipped with the latest technology and resources to enhance teaching, learning, and research, and to accommodate and support the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s ever-increasing student enrollment and research needs. The updated space will include cutting-edge undergraduate instructional labs, collaborative graduate research spaces, an inviting student lounge, TA and student collaboration space, and renovated restrooms, as well as improved accessibility and energy efficiency.

This project is another giant leap for Purdue ECE, which was established in 1888 as the School of Electrical Engineering. The program moved into the Electrical Engineering Building in 1924. Thanks to the generosity of Thomas Duncan, owner of nearby Duncan Electric Co, the EE building received additions in 1932 and 1940. In 2022, the EE building was named the Max W & Maileen Brown Family Hall (BHEE) in recognition of a generous gift from alumnus Max W Brown, his wife Maileen, and their children Max G and Ash.

The updated BHEE opened to students for the Fall 2024 semester. A ceremonial ribbon cutting is set for Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 10 – 11:30 am in the courtyard between BHEE and MSEE. The event will feature remarks by officials from Purdue University, Purdue ECE, and the Purdue for Life Foundation, along with other important stakeholders of this project. Remarks will be followed by light appetizers and tours of the new space.