Purdue University Fort Wayne is celebrating the opening of the new Surack–Sweetwater Music Industry Center, giving students in its music programs access to professional spaces and technology designed to prepare them for careers in the music industry.
The 26,000-square-foot facility opened to students for the 2026-27 academic year and expands the university’s capacity to serve programs that have experienced significant growth since their launch. Located on the Main Campus and connected to the PFW Music Center by a second-floor skybridge, the facility creates a new hub for music education and collaboration.
The structure features three recording studios with control rooms, 10 editing suites, an audio lab, rehearsal spaces, a large classroom, seven offices, and a conference room. The largest rehearsal space is the Marsha Walb Heller Rehearsal Hall, which spans more than 3,000 square feet. The hall recognizes a generous gift from David and Jill Heller.
A standout feature of the facility is a custom Neve 88RS console with Dolby Atmos capabilities. It is one of only two of its kind in the world, with the other located at Abbey Road Studios in London. The console will give Purdue Fort Wayne students hands-on experience with professional recording and production technology used at the highest levels of the industry.
The new facility will also be home to the university’s student-run Gold Top Music Group, where students can gain experience in both the business and creative sides of the music industry.
“This gives our students the opportunity to learn, create, and collaborate in an environment that reflects today’s music industry,” said Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg, Dean of Purdue Fort Wayne’s College of Visual and Performing Arts. “The experiences they gain here will extend well beyond the classroom, preparing them to contribute their talents to a growing music community in Fort Wayne and wherever their careers take them.”
The project was made possible through a combination of public and private support. Chuck and Lisa Surack provided significant leadership and philanthropic support, including two $3 million gifts that helped move the project forward. The Auer Foundation contributed a $3 million lead gift, and the Indiana General Assembly provided $15 million toward the project.
“Seeing this building come to life is a tremendous moment for Purdue Fort Wayne and reflects the continued growth and success of our music programs,” said Purdue Fort Wayne Chancellor Ron Elsenbaumer. “We are incredibly grateful to Chuck and Lisa Surack and all of the donors and partners whose generosity and support made this opportunity possible. This is an exciting milestone for our students, our university, and the future of music education in our region.”
Chuck Surack, founder and CEO of Surack Enterprises and founder of Sweetwater, has been a longtime supporter of Purdue Fort Wayne’s School of Music and its music industry programs.
“Seeing students walk through the doors and begin creating, learning, and collaborating in this building is incredibly rewarding,” said Chuck Surack, founder and CEO of Surack Enterprises and founder of Sweetwater. “Lisa and I have always believed in the talent and potential of these students, and we’re proud to support a place that will help them turn their passion for music into meaningful careers. It’s exciting to see how Purdue Fort Wayne continues to strengthen the music community and create new opportunities right here in Fort Wayne.”
The new facility builds on a relationship between Purdue Fort Wayne and Sweetwater that began when the university opened its music center on the Sweetwater campus in 2018. Enrollment in popular music, music industry, and music technology has grown substantially since then, driving the need for additional space and resources to support students as they prepare to enter an evolving industry.
The new center also supports the regional goal of establishing Fort Wayne as a Top 10 Music City. By combining academic instruction with professional technology and hands-on experiences, Purdue Fort Wayne is helping develop the talent and workforce needed to strengthen the region’s music and creative industries.
“Fort Wayne has tremendous momentum, and investments like the Surack–Sweetwater Music Industry Center help us continue building a community where talent and creativity can thrive,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “This facility strengthens our growing music industry while creating opportunities for the next generation to learn, build careers, and contribute to our city’s future.”
