The Gardner Steel Conference Center houses the University’s Innovation Institute and Study Lab.
The Innovation Institute serves as the hub for innovation commercialization and student entrepreneurship activities at Pitt. Its mission is to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the University and throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Study Lab is the Dietrich School’s and College of General Studies' academic support center for undergraduate students. Through tutoring, academic coaching, collaborative study groups and online resources, Study Lab supports Pitt students in achieving their goals by providing opportunities to explore study strategies and connect with peers to build academic skills, increase confidence and become independent learners.
The building, dedicated in 1912 and originally home to a German-American social and athletic association, is named after Gardner Steel, a successful oil investor who graduated from Pitt in 1891 and once held the University record in the 100-yard dash. He left the bulk of his estate to Pitt.