Former Wichita State President Don Beggs and his wife, Shirley, attended the dedication of Donald L. Beggs Hall on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Beggs Hall was constructed in 2007 as the Engineering Research Laboratory Building. The facility houses laboratories for Wichita State's four engineering departments – aerospace; electrical and computer; industrial and manufacturing; and mechanical.

Beggs Hall also houses the Applied Technology Acceleration Institute, which works with organizations including NetApp, Spirit AeroSystems and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Remarks at the dedication were made by Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation; WSU President John Bardo; former WSU President Don Beggs; and Jim Johnson, son-in-law of the late Velma Wallace. College of Engineering Dean Royce Bowden emceed the ceremony.

The building was designed to be open and flexible, allowing for changes in the kind of research that can be conducted as the needs of potential clients change.

The Kansas Board of Regents unanimously approved renaming the building in honor of retiring WSU President Don Beggs on July 1, 2012. The building was named thanks to a $3 million commitment from Velma Wallace, widow of Dwane Wallace, who built Cessna Aircraft into a powerful aerospace company. Her gift helps pay for the bonds, which were used to construct the building.

“Dr. Beggs is most deserving for the tremendous impact he and Shirley have had, not only on our university, but also on our community,” said Velma Wallace at the time she made the gift. “Naming the engineering research building after Dr. Beggs is a testimony to his many contributions.”