Northeastern University held a historic groundbreaking at its Burlington campus for the George J. Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security, a secure, state-of-the-art facility funded by a $12 million investment from alumnus George J. Kostas, E’43, H’07.

“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” said Kostas. “It is a dream come true.”

The Kostas Institute continues to accelerate Northeastern’s momentum as a national leader in security-related research. The 70,000-square-foot facility will give the university the capacity and clearances to conduct secure, interdisciplinary research in areas critical to national security, including cryptography, data security, information assurance, detection of explosives, and energy harvesting.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Joseph E. Aoun and David Luzzi, dean of the College of Engineering, described Kostas as a true patriot with a profound love for his country and a strong desire to protect Americans from terrorism.

President Aoun lauded Kostas for his bold vision to build a homeland security facility that will strengthen the national defense and serve as a model for other universities to emulate. “We are delighted, excited, and committed to make your vision a reality,” President Aoun told Kostas.

U.S. Congressman John Tierney and Lieutenant General Ted F. Bowlds, commander of the Electronics Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, also spoke at the groundbreaking.