Troy businessmen Marvin I. Danto donates $3 million for Engineering Development Center

DETROIT - Troy businessman and philanthropist Marvin Danto has donated $3 million to Wayne State University for a new Engineering Development Center which will accommodate educational programs, research and development in the growth fields of biotech, nano-science and alternative energy technology, the university announced today.

Groundbreaking for the $27.3 million Marvin Danto Engineering Development Center is expected to take place sometime this year. The new three-story structure will adjoin the existing main College of Engineering building at Wayne State's Detroit campus.

"I see the people of Michigan as the direct beneficiaries of this new engineering center," said Danto, 89, a former WSU engineering student. "I see this endeavor helping create alternative fuels and more efficient automotive engines in America with subsequent growth in industries, new jobs and a sustainable society."

"Mr. Danto's generosity is inspired by his insight and belief in the university's role as a leader in the future of Michigan," said Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid. "World events are highlighting the importance of our research in alternative and sustainable energy at our College of Engineering, at NextEnergy and at our research and technology park, TechTown. Mr. Danto's gift greatly enhances those efforts and other research areas within the university."

Danto is chairman and CEO of Danto Investment Company in Troy, Mich. He is founder and owner of the Michigan Design Center in Troy, developer, founder and former owner of the Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach, Fla., the largest and most successful design center in America. He was former CEO and chairman of Englanders, a fine furniture and interior design chain in Michigan and Florida, which was twice named Outstanding Furniture Retailer in America. Danto was the President of the National Home Furnishings Association, a 16,000 store organization and represented the retail furnishings industry in Washington D.C. Danto and his wife Betty reside in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Danto was the Treasurer of the American Craft organization and the American Craft Museum in NYC.

Danto was on the board of the Jewish Home for the Aged. Because of his long association, he and Betty Danto founded the supporting grant for the Danto Family Home for the Elderly in West Bloomfield, Mich. The Danto's are the major contributors to the Sarasota Ballet of Florida. Danto supports many other organizations funding Kids in Distress, Dance the Next Generation, and the Danto Center for the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, as well as G-WIZ, a science museum for children. In addition, the Dantos have funded a major dance program for the Michigan Opera Theatre.

With the WSU Engineering Development Center, the WSU College of Engineering looks to create a unique environment to strengthen research concepts from its laboratories to development and commercialization as well as to the classroom, said Ralph Kummler, dean of engineering. "Our vision keeps our graduates on the leading edge of the workforce in Michigan, and the world, and an entrepreneurial attitude that results in spin-off innovations and companies from faculty and student research."

Six pivotal engineering programs expected to gain the most from the new center include: the Advanced Propulsion Lab, which is advancing fuels, emissions and vehicle wear automotive systems; the Smart Sensors and Integrated Microsystems Lab, which is developing micro-systems for artificial vision, real-time cancer detection, and other types of biological and neurological implants and smart sensors for several fields; the Nanotechnology Lab, which focuses on advanced research in surface science, tissue engineering, drug delivery and biomaterials; the Urban Infrastructure Research Lab, which concentrates on infrastructure and transportation systems; the Interdisciplinary MEMS/NEMS Lab, dedicated to interdisciplinary research on micro/nano-electromechanical systems; and the Team-based Student Project Lab dedicated to national collegiate projects such as Formula SAE and alternative energy powered vehicle competitions.