SALT LAKE CITY, UT Engineering is the science of turning dreams into reality and Jacobsen participated in a groundbreaking ceremony that will turn the dream of a new engineering building into a reality for Brigham Young University.

Jacobsen joined the Cougars to officially begin construction on the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering & Technology - which, when complete, will provide expanded study and research space for thousands of engineering students. 

"When this building is complete we believe it will positively benefit students, faculty and, ultimately, the world," said BYU President Kevin J. Worthen.

A four-year fundraising effort was launched to collect donations for the building. More than 18,000 alumni and other supporters - including different colleges, departments and organizations on campus - donated to the cause. BYU officials said it's rare to see such prolific financial support for an endeavor like this within the university.

"Because this project means so much to BYU, it means a lot to us," said JCC Vice President and Project Executive Scott Braithwaite. "Engineering students have been waiting for a world-class facility like this for many years. We feel honored to build a space that will educate and empower our future colleagues, co-workers and friends."

The new building will span five stories and tout 200,000 square feet of classroom, project, learning and office space. Nearly 40 percent of the high-technology space will be dedicated to labs; the new facility will also connect to the existing Clyde Building at aboveground levels.

"Engineering and technology at BYU have a great future," said Dean Alan R. Parkinson during the ceremony. "Now, with state-of-the-art facilities, we can accommodate more students."