The announcement was made during an event Thursday, May 14, in the Center for Natural Sciences with President Sheahon Zenger; Provost John Miles; Alan and Ann Fisher, who is an IWU trustee and alumna; physics chair Narenda Jaggi; and Preeti Chalsani, SVP and chief quantum officer for the Illinois Economic Development Corporation.
The center "is a first-of-its-kind initiative advancing undergraduate education in Quantum Science & Engineering within a liberal arts curriculum," IWU noted on its website. "Through cross-curricular courses and experiential learning, students will explore quantum science across physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, materials science and ethics."
It was made possible by a $3.5 million gift from the Fishers, the university said.
"Ann and I are really excited about sponsoring this new and very innovative program here at Illinois Wesleyan," Alan Fisher said during the event, noting Illinois is becoming a hub for quantum research and development.
"So, we're in the right place at the right time. A very wise man once told me that legacy is not what you leave, it's what you set in motion. And so, Ann and I are very confident that this center is going to provide many opportunities for student and faculty engagement," he added.
Describing the center's mission, the IWU website said: Quantum science studies how nature behaves at the smallest scales — where matter and energy follow rules that differ from everyday experience. These rules are not just abstract; they are the foundation of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, ultra-secure quantum communication, and advanced sensing.
"Quantum is more than a set of tools, it is a new way of understanding the physical world."
Although he was not in attendance, Gov. J.B. Pritzker recorded a message played at the event.
He said the center's creation was an exciting moment not only for the university but also for all of the quantum industry throughout Illinois. He noted the state is home to four of 10 quantum information science scenters launched under the National Quantum Initiative of the U.S. Government in 2018.
He explained that quantum science is not just research in labs anymore, but it also applies to computing, cybersecurity, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing, all helping to evolve the way people work and live.
Chalsani shared similar sentiments, saying quantum technology requires collaboration across various fields and not just a single discipline.
"The future of quantum will depend on making these opportunities more accessible to students across our state and across academic backgrounds and disciplines, and Illinois Wesleyan is helping lead that effort," Chalsani said.
The first courses of the center will be offered starting in spring 2027 with enhanced quantum lab space, and programming will continue to expand throughout the year.
Programs will be available for all students, including first years.
Additionally, there are plans for the center to support high school students and teachers through outreach initiatives for those interested in the quantum and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
This summer, the university will host a fully funded Quantum Day Camp for high school STEM teachers and counselors from area counties. A residential Quantum Camp for high school students is expected in summer 2027.
"This announcement may seem like a new beginning, but in fact it has been in the works for several years," Jaggi said, noting students will not have to choose between different areas of study, and by participating in quantum studies, students will be part of a revolution.
"We want to be broader than broad. Our vision for the Fisher Center is built upon a rather bold idea (and) it's called 'quantum science and technology for all," Jaggi added.
He said many students have already taken some of the related courses offered at the university and have gone on to do further quantum research.
The center will be located in the Center for Natural Sciences and the new Petrick IDEA Center, which is expected to open this fall with a ribbon cutting planned for September.
Miles said the university is reimagining and redefining quantum studies as a concentration, and students will benefit and have access to close faculty interactions and research opportunities leading to future job prospects.
"The Fisher Quantum Center is designed to meet this dynamic field in real time, something higher education has not always been able to do. With our May term and flexible scheduling, we'll be able to bring new experts annually here. We're on the cutting edge of an emerging and changing (field)," he said.
Zenger said existing coursework and certificates already are in play, but the resources the center will provide will allow IWU to bring in visiting scholars, fund research projects and do other things to help take it to the next level.
With a humanities background of his own, he is pleased quantum science isn't just about STEM, but also about philosophy and art, and he hopes the English department also will become involved.
"This is the part of preparing them (students) to do well educationally. But it only works if they turn it into (doing) good for others and for our environment and our society. And that's the 'do more' part, take all of this and, as you can tell the talent of our students, we count on them to do this. It's what makes Wesleyan special, and it's part of the revolution that Dr. Jaggi was talking about," Zenger told The Pantagraph.
Visit iwu.edu/fisher-quantum-center for more information.
© 2026 The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Ill.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
