Lee University dedicated the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science on Friday, Nov. 6, during a special service held as part of Celebration 2026.

The service brought together university leadership, faculty, students, alumni, and special guests to mark the opening of the new Wright Engineering Building. The program featured music by Lee’s Festival Choir and Orchestra, a processional with representatives from each graduating class from 1975 through 2026, an address by Lee President Dr. Phil Cook, and a special litany and prayer of dedication led by Wade Lombard, chair of Lee’s Board of Directors.

“Every institution has moments that do more than mark the passage of time,” said Cook. “Some moments move an institution forward, expand its understanding of what is possible, and leave it differently than they found it. They are defining moments. I believe the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science is one of these moments for Lee.”

Following the service, attendees gathered at the new building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and buffet lunch.

The new facility expands Lee’s academic offerings in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, providing specialized teaching and research spaces for students and faculty. Located on the southwest corner of campus, the two-story, 33,000-square-foot building was designed with guidance from Lee’s engineering faculty, who drew ideas from universities throughout the region.

The building includes nine specialized teaching laboratories for fluid mechanics, thermofluids, computing, cybersecurity, mechanics of materials, innovation and prototyping, chemistry, instrumentation and controls, and student projects. Additional facilities include six classrooms and conference rooms, 11 faculty offices, two student collaboration areas, and a fully equipped machine shop. The facility has the capacity to serve 400 engineering and computer science majors.

The project was made possible through the university’s To Will & To Do campaign, inspired by Philippians 2:13. A lead gift from David and Mary Ellen Wright helped launch the effort, with scores of additional donors contributing to the building’s construction.

“Lee serves an essential and irreplaceable role in preparing the next generation to serve and to lead in ministry, in their communities, and in the workplace,” said David Wright. “More than ever, we need the strong, Christlike men and women that Lee produces working in engineering and leadership roles across industries that dramatically influence how we work and live.”

Lee Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn also emphasized the university’s broader purpose in preparing graduates to make a difference beyond the classroom.

“Our hearts are set on the future,” said Conn. “We will be the Lee University who makes this community, this church, this world, a better place.”

David and Mary Ellen Wright live in Boulder, Colorado, with their two sons, Denver and Daniel. David is CEO partner of Ardent Venture Partners, an early-stage venture fund. Following his time at Stanford University, he helped launch three successful firms in the information technology industry and has become a recognized leader in the computer science and technology fields. Mary Ellen is a 1996 Lee graduate who majored in education.

For more information about the David and Mary Ellen Wright School of Engineering and Computer Science, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/school-of-engineering.