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What is The Petrick Idea Center?

The Petrick Idea Center is a greenhouse for student innovators. You might be an artist, a scientist, a musician, a maker, or a future founder. You might have an idea you cannot stop thinking about. Or you might simply be curious and looking for a place to begin.

Petrick gives students the space, tools, programs, mentors, and community to take the next step. Come here to explore an idea, make something, find a collaborator, test a solution, start a venture, or tackle a problem that matters to you.

We think of that journey as Seed → Sprout → Grow → Bloom → Pollinate. Some come to discover. Others are ready to test or build. Some will launch companies, creative projects, or community solutions. Eventually, we want you to come back to mentor, to invest, to teach, and to in turn, help the next generation grow.

Why is Illinois Wesleyan University building this center?

A key premise of higher education is that the university contributes to the greater good of society by cultivating knowledgeable, wise, and capable graduates and by generating ideas that ultimately better the human condition. Young people enter the university eager to make their mark on the world, and Illinois Wesleyan graduates do so in large numbers because their immersive work in a scholarly, artistic, or professional discipline is coupled with the broad, humanistic perspectives of the liberal arts and an institutional commitment to experiential and individualized learning. The entrepreneurially-inclined generation Z is looking to invent their own purpose, and Illinois Wesleyan plans to meet their aspirations with a center focused on creativity and innovation.

Illinois Wesleyan's unique combination of liberal arts, professional, and pre-professional programs, and the engagement of our alumni and supporters, position us to approach challenges with a broad perspective and wealth of expertise.  

 

For whom is the center named?

The center is named for Ellen (Reid) '68 and the late Dave Petrick ‘67, longtime University supporters and Dave served as a former trustee. Their company, Bretford Manufacturing, produces thousands of technology furniture products for schools and businesses. 

 

How is this project being funded?

100% of this project was funded by 91ÁÔÆæ donors and grants. 

 

Who will have access to the makerspace and its amenities/services?

• Students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines who want to use their entrepreneurial spirit to innovate and make a difference in the world.

• Enthusiastic alumni and community partners who want to support the university and support students in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

 

Will there be a connection between course instruction and the center?

All faculty members will be encouraged to use the center and integrate its resources into their courses in creative and innovative ways.

 

Where is the center be located?

The center is located in the former location of Beadles Hall adjoining the Ames School of Art & Design. Some spaces in the Ames School of Art & Design were  remodeled and are shared with The Petrick Idea Center. This location at a creative hub of our campus highlights the project's interdisciplinary intentions, while allowing us to improve and take advantage of existing resources, and focus new investment on state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

 

Will there be costs associated with using the center?

Scheduled and planned community activities and events may be ticketed or for a cost. 

 

How big is the center be?

The Petrick Idea Center to occupies approximately 15,000 square feet of newly constructed space and 8,000 square feet of renovated space within the Ames School of Art & Design that is multiuse.

 

How does the Petrick Idea Center support inclusion? 

The center features inclusive design throughout the facility. The building showcases inclusive artwork, individual-use bathrooms, and accessible entries and spaces throughout.

 

When will the center open?

Ribbon cutting for the Petrick Idea Center is on September 2, 2026.

 

Do I need to have a business idea to come to Petrick?

No. In fact, you don't need an idea at all. Come because you're curious, because you've noticed a problem, because you want to learn something new, or because you want to meet people who are building things. Some students will arrive with a startup. Others will find their idea after they arrive.

Is Petrick only for business students?

Absolutely not. Petrick is for artists, scientists, musicians, educators, designers, programmers, writers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students who aren't sure what they are yet. Some of the most interesting ideas happen when people from different disciplines work together.

Do I have to be an entrepreneur?

No. Entrepreneurship is one thing that happens at Petrick, but it isn't the only thing. You might build a company, launch a nonprofit, create an artistic project, develop a prototype, explore a new technology, tackle a community problem, or simply learn how ideas become real.

What can I actually do at Petrick?

Come to an event. Work on an idea. Meet a founder. Find a teammate. Learn a new technology. Build a prototype. Get feedback. Attend a workshop. Practice a pitch. Meet an investor. Ask for advice. Or just find a place to think and work around interesting people.

Can I just walk in?

Yes. You don't need to be enrolled in a Petrick program to be part of the community. Stop by, explore the space, meet the team, attend an event, or bring something you're working on.

What if I have an idea but don't know what to do next?

That's exactly when you should come to Petrick. Tell us what you're thinking about. We can help you figure out the next steps, connection, resources, or program that can move the idea forward.

Can Petrick help me find people to work with?

Yes. Great ideas rarely happen alone. Petrick brings together students, faculty, alumni, founders, investors, artists, technologists, and community members. If you need a designer, programmer, business partner, mentor, subject-matter expert, or simply another student who cares about the same problem, we want to help you make that connection.

Can I get help with a startup or business?

Yes. Petrick can help students move from an early idea through validation, experimentation, prototyping, business modeling, pitching, funding, and launch. You don't have to know where to start before you come in.

Can I get funding for my idea?

Some Petrick programs and competitions will provide opportunities for funding, prizes, or connections to potential funders. More importantly, we can help you develop an idea until you're ready to pursue those opportunities.

Can I talk to an actual entrepreneur?

Yes. Petrick connects students with founders, investors, executives, alumni, and other practitioners through office hours, mentorship, events, and our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence program.

What if my idea fails?

Welcome to the club! It’s the largest club of founders. This is the most common outcome of startups but then you've probably learned many new things on the way there. Petrick is a place to experiment. We want students to test assumptions, try things, discover what doesn't work, change direction, and try again. An idea doesn't have to succeed to make the experience valuable.

Can I use Petrick for a class project?

Yes. We encourage students and faculty to bring class projects, research, capstones, creative work, and problems worth solving into Petrick.

Can my student organization use Petrick?

Yes. Particularly when the activity connects to creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration, or problem-solving. Talk with our team about what you're planning and what space or resources you need.

Do I need experience with technology or entrepreneurship?

No. Petrick is a place to learn. You don't need to know how to code, build a company, use a 3D printer, pitch an investor, or write a business plan before you arrive.

I'm interested, but I don't know where to start. What should I do?

Visit the Center, tell us what you're curious about, and we'll help you find a place to begin.