Construction is scheduled to start in late 2002, with occupancy in fall 2004.

The facility, where engineering students will experience a "culture of design," will include classrooms, shops, design studios, meeting areas and work rooms especially designed for team learning, collaborative projects and computer-assisted learning.

Ford earlier this year made a $3 million gift to Northwestern to establish the Ford Motor Company Center for Global Citizenship at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. That new center will bring together the academic disciplines of management and organizations, accounting, strategic change and leadership to focus on environmental, ethics and social responsibility issues.

The Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center will also support:

* A Scholars program for selected incoming freshmen.

* An undergraduate research awards program for sophomore engineering students and their faculty mentors.

* Funding for senior year capstone course advanced-level design challenge projects.

* The development of instructional technology videos and teaching modules to enhance the core competencies for freshmen and sophomores.

* Northwestern's continued involvement in the Sunrayce program, which allows an undergraduate team to conceptualize and design a solar-powered automobile over an 18-month period and compete in national races.

* Sponsorship of Ford Engineering Week to be held annually at Northwestern.