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Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Sculpture that illustrates steel girder connections is dedicated

The new campus "Steel Sculpture" was dedicated on Nov. 28.

The new campus Steel Sculpture was dedicated on Nov. 28.

2018-01-26

Norman Calvin (left), vice president of Central Minnesota Fabricating, Inc., and John Frey (center), dean of the College of Science, Engineering & Technology, cut the ribbon dedicating the Steel Sculpture outside Trafton Science Center on Nov. 28.
Norman Calvin (left), vice president of Central Minnesota Fabricating, Inc., and John Frey (center), dean of the College of Science, Engineering & Technology, cut the ribbon dedicating the Steel Sculpture outside Trafton Science Center on Nov. 28.

The 8-foot-tall "steel connection sculpture" was dedicated in a formal ceremony just outside the southeast wing of Trafton Science Center East. The Steel Sculpture was installed in 2005 and illustrates typical steel connections used in bridges and buildings designed by civil engineers.

The Steel Sculpture and its 50 different connections (bolts and welds) is intended to help Minnesota State Mankato civil engineering students learn about typical connections as part of their steel design course, and to help other students and the public better understand the role of the civil engineer in society.

The Steel Sculpture was designed by a University of Florida professor for use as a teaching tool. The American Institute of Steel Construction adopted the model, making blueprints available nationwide and encouraging members to support engineering programs by donating sculpture materials and fabrication services. The Steel Sculpture now stands on more than 120 campuses across the nation.

Minnesota State Mankato's Steel Sculpture is the first in Minnesota. Materials for and fabrication of the sculpture were donated by Central Minnesota Fabrication Inc. of Willmar. Painting of the sculpture was donated by Central Sandblasting Inc. of Willmar.

The sculpture's foundation and landscaping was provided by the University's building and facilities management offices. The sculpture is dedicated to the University's Department of Mechanical & Civil Engineering.

Minnesota State Mankato's Civil Engineering program is one of only two in Minnesota sanctioned by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the nationally recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.

The program was accredited in 2004 - the first time in 68 years that a new civil engineering program has been accredited in Minnesota. Accreditation was retroactive to 2002.

Minnesota State Mankato's Civil Engineering Program started in fall 2000, and the first students graduated in spring 2003. The department is known for state-of-the-art laboratories and small class sizes.

A degree from an ABET-accredited school is necessary for any civil engineer who wants to be become a Registered Professional Engineer.

Minnesota State Mankato is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, which comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 240,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 130,000 students in non-credit courses.

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