On Dec. 12, 2025, the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees first made public the upcoming construction of the Chang K. Park Center for Student Wellness. Funded by a $55 million donation from Tech Alumnus Chang K. Park, the structure will include student-focused spaces dedicated to physical wellness, mental health support, and social activity.
The Park Center is expected to open in the fall of 2028, and will occupy the space where parking lot 11 currently exists, between the MUB and the Administration Building. Park, in a press release from the university, said “I am grateful to have this opportunity to address students’ needs to advance their mental, emotional, and physical health for many years to come.” At the meeting, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Bill Roberts, officially unveiled the design and concept for the Park Center, adding that “This facility will be a beacon of support for students’ mental, physical, and emotional health for generations to come.”
Along with his record-setting donation, Park is working closely with administration and the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being on the project. According to Outreach and Prevention Coordinator Josh Carlson, input from student staff within the department and data from the National Collegiate Health Assessment, issued to Tech students the previous semester, was gathered and consulted to ensure the effectiveness of the new structure in supporting the student body.
In an interview, Carlson expressed excitement for the Park Center and praised the project for its aim to increase support for the student community. “It’s hard to put into words what this space is going to do,” said Carlson, “Not only for my department, but for Student Affairs as a whole, and for our student body and access to particular spaces that don’t really exist on this campus right now.” The department will continue to gather feedback from students as the project progresses.
The announcement of the Park Center was met with a positive response from Ford Schoonover, Undergraduate Student Government President and former Lode editor, who said, “The opening of the Park Center is going to bring a sense of unity to campus. It’s a combination of technology and mental health unique to Tech and it will bring many resources to students.”
With support from leadership across campus, the incoming Park Center will be a development to watch over the next few years. More information on the project can be found at the News page on Tech’s website, or by contacting the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being.
Additional reporting was contributed by Media Editor Emily Kehoe.
