The Student Innovation Center is hosting its annual kickoff event, called “Excite.” The event highlights the various amenities the Student Innovation Center has to offer.

Learning and Development Specialist Rebecca Nation said that all students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend the event and explore the building and what it offers.

The event originated three years ago when the building was completed. Jim Oliver, the director of the Student Innovation Center, said they were affected by COVID-19 at the time. 

“The event is intended to encourage people to come in and see what’s possible,” Oliver said.

“Excite” is hosting many activities, partnerships and games to get the year started at the innovation center. 

Partnerships in this event include the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, Culinary Creation Lab, Women in Science and Engineering, Liberal Arts and Sciences I+E Academy, Biological and Premedical Illustration, Printing Services, Gaffer’s Guild, Innovate 1858, College of Design and the Digital Media Studio.

Danielle Orris, manager of media production, says their motivation behind the event was to host an event that people get excited to attend.

“We want everyone on campus to know what’s here and what’s available to them,” Orris said.

Every floor of the Student Innovation Center will have something to offer at the event. 

Students can make use of the center’s makerspaces all year long. The makerspaces include a composites fabrication lab, digital media studio, electronics, textiles and 3D printing shop, heavy metal ship, letterpress lab, metal and wood shop, paint and fishing shop and digital modeling and visualization lab.

Oliver said he wants students to know that the Student Innovation Center is theirs to utilize. 

“Instead of books, we have amazing resources to create,” Oliver said.

The open house will be held Thursday from 3-6 p.m.