The technology program for the soon-to-be Purdue University Fort Wayne School of Music will be located on the Sweetwater campus. Sweetwater owner and founder Chuck Surack and his wife Lisa Surack will loan IPFW $1.6 million for the building.
The school will repay the money over a six-year period. It’s set to hold a state-of-the-art recording studio and classroom space. The new center will provide space for two new music majors: a Bachelor of Science in Music Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Popular Music.
The space will be home to Purdue’s only music school. Music Department Chair Gregory Jones says it was time and their goal is to produce well rounded students.
“We have to train the student to be able to write that song or sign that song and then be able to understand how you make that work in a life space and how you make it work in a recording,” said Jones.
The Suracks are not charging rent or interest for the building, that’s valued at almost a $1.5 million donation.
Additionally, Surack says they will provide future students and faculty with the many benefits of the Sweetwater campus.
“The idea of teaching music technology at the nation’s largest music technology store is a very very unique collaboration,” said Surack.
Mayor Tom Henry was also in attendance, and praised the collaboration.
“I’m thankful to be able to witness this type of cooperation that will be a tremendous offering for students in the future. This is what it’s all about, putting individuals and organizations together to make Fort Wayne, our county and our state a better place to be,” said Henry.
The building will be designed by the Kuss Berger Group, the same designers that designed Sweetwater. It’s expected to open in August 2018.
