Trine University has received a major pledge from the James Foundation toward a planned $8.5 million expansion to Fawick Hall, home to several of the university's engineering departments.

The James Foundation, Inc. of Auburn, Indiana, has pledged $1.5 million toward the expansion, which will provide added space and resources for Trine's biomedical, chemical, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering programs, as well as design engineering technology.

The new addition also will house the university's new School of Computing, encompassing programs in software and computing engineering, and computer science and information technology.

Dr. Rick L. James, a 1977 Trine University graduate and chair of its Board of Trustees, and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, established the James Foundation, Inc. to enhance the quality of life in northeast Indiana and around the country through enhancing existing social platforms and providing new educational and cultural opportunities.

The gift is part of the $125 million Invest in Excellence campaign, which already has raised more than $106 million.