Using the power of place and community collaboration to solve grand challenges that span public, private, and social sectors.

On September 16, 2005, Columbus, Indiana dedicated the first shared-use facility in the state supporting Indiana University Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC), Ivy Tech Community College, and Purdue Polytechnic Institute under one roof. One of the first projects of the CEC, the Columbus Learning Center (CLC) building could best be described as a “bridge” that conveniently spans the campus locating classrooms, a shared university library and student services. Viewed by many to be a model of how higher education partners can collaborate, the Columbus Learning Center serves the needs of students, businesses, and communities. Within the CLC building, stakeholder meetings are held, ideas and needs are raised, and relationships are made to launch the many projects and initiatives of CEC stakeholders.

This uniquely innovative arc-shaped building was designed by Kevin Kennon of Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects. He describes the building’s design symbolism: “The design of the Columbus Learning Center reflects the process of its coming-into-being. It symbolizes a dynamic community of strong individuals pulling together to shape building and landscape around the noble ideal of barrier-free learning.”