The Ohio State University College of Engineering has a rich history of supporting studies in chemical engineering for over a century. However, the Department of Chemical Engineering has faced significant space deficiencies due to rapid advancements in research and instruction, coupled with rising enrollments driven by the esteemed faculty and graduates. In response to these challenges, Benefactor Group was invited to conduct a feasibility study when college leaders proposed a $35 million campaign to expand or replace Koffolt Laboratories.

The study results indicated a prospect and donor community eager to volunteer and support a more modest campaign. Benefactor Group collaborated with college leaders and an ad-hoc volunteer study committee, conducting more than 40 interviews in various locations across the country. The findings led to the recommendation of an intense cultivation effort as a precursor to a $20 million capital campaign.