Missouri S&T celebrated a milestone on April 18 when alumni, students and university leaders broke ground on James E. Bertelsmeyer Hall, a new home for chemical and biochemical engineering.

Named in honor of Missouri S&T graduate James E. Bertelsmeyer, ChE’66, who donated $5 million toward the project, the 68,500-square-foot teaching and research facility will be located on the northwest corner of State and 11^th streets. It is scheduled for completion in summer 2014.

“Whether he is supporting his grandchildren’s science projects or Miner Alumni Association scholarships, Jim Bertelsmeyer is committed to making a difference,” said Chancellor Cheryl B. Schrader during the ceremony. “Giving back fills the foreground of everything Jim does, both in his community and for Missouri S&T.”

The retired founder, chair and chief executive officer of Heritage Propane Partners in Tulsa, Bertelsmeyer is a member of the Missouri S&T Board of Trustees, a past president of the Miner Alumni Association, a member and past chair of the Academy of Chemical Engineers and a member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh.

“This building gives a shot in the arm not only to the chemical and biochemical engineering department, but also to the chemistry and biological sciences departments,” said Bertelsmeyer. “I’m proud that my family and I could play a part. I’m grateful to the many, many department alumni and faculty who participated in this project. The support came from alumni of all ages and also from our current students.”

Bertelsmeyer’s gift inspired a campaign to raise additional private funds for the project. In a matter of weeks, more than 60 alumni contributed an additional $3 million to the effort, bringing the total private support to $8 million. Joining Bertelsmeyer as a major donor was Bipin Doshi, ChE’62, and his wife, Linda. Doshi is the president and CEO of Schafer Gear Works in South Bend, Ind.

“On behalf of the student body, I would like to thank Jim Bertelsmeyer, Bipin and Linda Doshi, and the many other donors who have made this dream a reality,” said Brian Peterson, a graduate student in chemical engineering. “What you have given to Missouri S&T is more than a gift; it’s an investment in the faculty and students who will change the world through education, research and innovation.” View and download photos from the Bertelsmeyer Hall Groundbreaking Ceremony and other MinerFest activities here.