Dr. Devin Stephenson (center), Florida Polytechnic University’s president; is joined to the right by Jason Morgan, executive vice president and principal of CPPI; to the left by Nicole Nichols, higher education leader and principal at DLR Group; and members of each of their teams at a topping-out ceremony for the new Gary C. Wendt Engineering building on campus on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
The company building the new state-of-the-art Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building at Florida Polytechnic University celebrated a major milestone in its construction this week.
Charles Perry Partners, Inc. (CPPI), the design-build and construction firm behind the project, held a “topping out” ceremony at the building site, with workers and guests signing the structure’s final purple steel beam before it was fastened into place atop the building on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
The building is named in honor of former University Trustee Gary C. Wendt, the former chairman and CEO of GE Capital who has been involved with Florida Poly since 2017. He donated $2 million to the University in 2022.
Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Poly’s president, addressed the crowd during the event.
“Everybody knows Gary Wendt is a great supporter. His main objective with his $2 million donation was to create leadership initiatives for our students and that’s exactly what we’ve done,” Stephenson said. “By naming this building after him, we’re reflecting on the importance of leadership and his commitment to excellence that we hope to instill in all our students.”
Construction on the $15 million, 40,000-square-foot building should be complete in the spring of 2025.
Jason Morgan, executive vice president and principal of CPPI, said he was delighted to celebrate the crew of workers who have labored tirelessly to get the job done.
“Being a fast-moving project, it’s very exciting and I’m super proud of this whole team,” he said, adding that the company’s partnership with Florida Poly has made all the difference.
“It’s been great. Through all the challenges, they’ve been right by our side. I’m really happy with the partnership we have,” he said.
The topping-out event marked the latest in a series of milestones for large construction projects on campus. This week, students began moving into the University’s third residence hall, and plans for a Student Achievement Center are in the works.
“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we are not just topping out the Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building, we are celebrating another step on the path of future innovation, discovery and excellence in STEM education and research,” said Dr. Allen Bottorff, Florida Poly’s vice president of administration and finance. “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding progress made by our partners, CPPI and the DLR Group, on this important project. From the very beginning, they have exemplified what it means to be true partners, seamlessly integrating into our campus culture and becoming an extension of our team.”
Morgan directed the audience of construction team members, University officials, and invited guests to rise and offer hand signals in unison to tell the team to fly and place the beam.
“Today’s topping out is a clear reminder that as Florida Poly Phoenixes, we are always rising,” Stephenson said. “Every day, our choices and behaviors are rooted in quality and aimed at achieving our goal of becoming the premier STEM university, creating economic growth and innovation throughout the state.”
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