October 10, 2008

• New engineering learning center

• Honors Birmingham engineering entrepreneur

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - On Friday, Oct. 10, at 12 p.m., the UAB School of Engineering dedicated the William Fleming "Bill" Edmonds Interactive Learning Center.  Edmonds was a well-known Birmingham community and business leader.  Edmonds co-founded Birmingham based BE&K Inc in 1972, and four decades later the company has grown into an international engineering-services-industry leader.  Edmonds is acknowledged in Greater Birmingham as a ground-breaking entrepreneur and tireless advocate for the UAB School of Engineering.

The Edmonds Interactive Learning Center at UAB was made possible by a generous gift from BE&K.  The classroom opened for use at the start of the current semester, and is being used by as many as 600 students each week.  The interactive classroom seats 68 students per class session and is equipped with laptops at each seat.  Projectors and an integrated digital response system allow students to answer instructor questions and problems electronically, allowing for unique hands-on learning and direct student participation.

Bill Edmonds wife, Joan, and son, Bryson, attended the dedication ceremony along with the dean of the UAB School of Engineering, Linda Lucas.  A portrait of Mr. Edmonds was unveiled during the dedication and is now displayed in the center.