Saint Martin’s University says renovations and classes at Lacey MakerSpace expand student and community access to innovator’s workshop

Thanks to extensive renovations this year at the Lacey MakerSpace on Saint Martin’s University campus, students, staff and the public now have greater access to workshops and a variety of resources. With free membership for students, faculty and staff, the convenient campus location, and networking opportunities, Lacey MakerSpace has much to offer the academic, business and craft communities.

“Saint Martin’s University is proud to be a founding partner of the Lacey MakerSpace,” says Nate Peters, vice president of marketing and communications and interim vice president of institutional advancement. “We are honored to have this regional gem on our campus, providing access to a wealth of resources for our students, faculty and staff. A recently renovated classroom provides a dedicated space for classes in the MakerSpace, providing our students with a hub for networking with business leaders and community members.”

Saint Martin’s University and Lacey MakerSpace Partner to Provide Networking Opportunities to Lacey’s classes

Lacey MakerSpace is a workshop for innovators across disciplines, providing the space, tools and training to bring new products to market. Members use the space for 3D modeling, laser cutting, welding, sewing, taking classes and more. Michelle Pope, director of Lacey MakerSpace, says the workshop’s on-campus location connects Saint Martin’s academic community with local businesses and innovators. Businesses and students can work together to build skills, make connections and develop a greater sense of community. “I see connections being made,” she adds. “It’s a collaborative environment.”

Cooperation was also key completion of the upgraded facilities. Saint Martin’s University has been home to the Lacey MakerSpace since 2019, when it opened through a partnership between the University, the City of Lacey and the Thurston Economic Development Council. Renovations and equipment purchases in 2024 became a reality with funding from the city and Congress that expanded the facility to the full 8,000 square feet of Zaverl Hall.

Saint Martin’s University is the perfect place for students and the outside community to gain skills through Lacey MakerSpace classes

The campus location also means that Saint Martin’s students, faculty, and staff are an important part of the Lacey MakerSpace learning environment. “With high-tech production tools and educational resources, Lacey Makerspace can help you become a maker, innovator, or small business leader,” the university explains to students.

Cameron Devine earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Saint Martin’s and is a visiting professor. Devine advises the Lacey MakerSpace Club. He envisions club members as ambassadors for the workshop on campus, showing students the benefits of having access to space and equipment.

Devine has used the Lacey MakerSpace for his own projects and has seen firsthand what the upgraded, larger facilities and more equipment mean for engineering students. He says the Lacey MakerSpace’s location and expansion offer benefits for students and staff, and the high-quality 3D printers are just one example. “The MakerSpace gives us access to professional equipment, and because it’s also open to the public, it engages a large enough group of people to justify using the additional resources,” he says.

The Lacey MakerSpace University Classes are free for Saint Martin’s students, faculty and staff.

Pope says that students, faculty and staff at the university receive free memberships to the Lacey MakerSpace. Students also have opportunities there through work-study and internships. A new volunteer program also provides them with new opportunities to volunteer their time.

The classes at the center give members the chance to become proficient in new tools and skills. The classes are divided into four areas:

• Basic. Introductory classes include woodworking, laser cutting, 3D printing, welding and more.
• Design. These classes focus on the software and design aspects of more computer-aided machines.
• To do. Local professionals and business owners will discuss safety protocols and basics of using hand tools and equipment. Participants will gain hands-on experience creating their own take-home items.
• Skill or workshop. These project-specific courses are offered on a sliding scale. Participants learn basic tool use while building practical items for use at home and in the studio.

Pope says several success stories show the benefits of student workshops. One Saint Martin’s student who started an event management company now uses Lacey MakerSpace equipment to make personalized ornaments for her clients. Another engineering graduate was a work-study student at Lacey MakerSpace. She now works at the workshop as a production specialist and education coordinator.

Learn more about classes, equipment, memberships, and volunteering at Lacey MakerSpace

More information about the Lacey MakerSpace on Saint Martin’s University campus, including Saturday tours, can be found on the workshop website . Class descriptions and schedules are posted online . Contact volunteer coordinator Ilsina Nazarova if you would like to volunteer your time in exchange for membership and machine access incentives.

Saint Martin University Campus
Lacey MakerSpace
Zaverl Hall – building 5
Aries Drive SE, Lacey
360.339.4205

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