Impact Report
Pictured on the cover: Justin Gross ’07, Jennifer Kolp ’04 and Jason Schneider ’03 are helping with the construction of the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center. All three are MSOE alumni and work for VJS Construction Services.
YOUR TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
What an incredible year 2025 has been for our university. The unmatched passion and commitment of the entire MSOE community is the foundation of this success, and I am honored to witness this next exciting chapter in campus history.
We started the year strongly by announcing our Next Bold Step: The Campaign to Accelerate Innovation in March. As MSOE’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, this $125 million initiative will directly support the university’s mission to prepare leaders to solve the technical challenges of the 21st century and achieve our goal of becoming the national leader in the education of applied artificial intelligence.
At the heart of this campaign is the establishment of the Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing and the construction of the new Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center, as well as raising support for scholarships, students, faculty and undergraduate research.
In April, thanks to more than 2,500 alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends, our annual Giving Day raised a record-breaking $921,592. Seeing this collective spirit was amazing. None of these achievements could have happened without supporters like you. Your contributions are a symbol of MSOE’s growth and future success.
As you read this year’s Impact Report, I hope you find inspiration and immense pride. The invaluable contributions of our alumni, faculty, students and industry partners are interwoven into a much larger tapestry of countless others who are invested in the future of this university.
On behalf of the entire MSOE community, I extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. You are the ones who make MSOE a special place to be and a campus community where our students can evolve into the visionary changemakers who will shape and lead our future.
Sincerely,
President
John Y. Walz,President
IMPACT IS ...
investing in tomorrow’s talent.
My first gift to MSOE was right after graduation. At that time, I remember feeling incredibly grateful for my experience and fortunate to have landed my dream job working in 3D graphics hardware right out of undergrad.”
In the two decades since graduating from MSOE in computer engineering, MSOE Regent and alumnus Nick Haemel ’02 has remained invested in the future of his alma mater and the students it serves.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Haemel’s career flourished working in roles for ATI, AMD and Sony. Some of his proudest accomplishments at these companies include developing early OpenGL graphics standards, integrating graphics hardware with medical imaging platforms, and building some of the first stereo visualization capabilities for commercial graphics.
In 2010 he earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later that year started working for NVIDIA, a world leader in artificial intelligence computing, where he currently serves as VP of medical imaging and system software. Through his role at NVIDIA, his work has been instrumental in the development of the first artificial intelligence platform for
medical devices, building vision capabilities for autonomous vehicles and developing graphics gaming software stacks such as the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Today, he holds nine patents ranging from graphics and artificial intelligence acceleration to imaging systems.
When Haemel learned about the vision behind MSOE’s construction of the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall in 2019, he was compelled to contribute—not only because of the building’s cutting-edge potential, but because it represented a bold evolution for MSOE’s curriculum.
“MY SUPPORT OF DIERCKS HALL CAME FROM A BELIEF IN TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION,” SAID HAEMEL. “BY INVESTING IN THIS FACILITY, I WAS HELPING MSOE STUDENTS GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN EMERGING FIELDS—TO BECOME TOMORROW’S INNOVATORS.”
With access to resources like Rosie the supercomputer, Haemel says it’s thrilling to think about the breakthroughs that begin here and how MSOE students are helping shape the next generation of AI applications.
Since 2022, Haemel has witnessed these innovative ideas firsthand by serving on a panel of judges for the Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge, a contest for students to demonstrate how they have used the supercomputer to solve a problem, improve a process or answer a difficult question.
“Each year, the creativity and technical complexity of these projects have grown remarkably. This progression shows how MSOE’s curriculum and facilities are empowering students to push the boundaries of what is possible, preparing them to innovate at the forefront of AI in any field they choose to pursue.”
A powerful progression that Haemel only sees growing with the construction of the new Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art facility at the heart of the university’s Next Bold Step Campaign.
“My gift is about giving future MSOE graduates every advantage they need to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. The state-of-theart spaces in this new center will not only improve their individual learning experience but create opportunities for meaningful collaboration with students in different engineering disciplines to support hands-on experimentation and create an environment where students feel energized to learn. I’m proud to be supporting this project and excited to give future generations of MSOE students the opportunity to study in a space that matches the excellence of their ambitions.”
(Above) Nick Haemel ’02 (right), pictured with Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, serves on a panel of judges for the Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge. (Left) Haemel hands a GPU to one of the student winners of the Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge.
IMPACT IS ...
building from the ground up.
When Jason Schneider ’03 graduated with his degree in construction management, he never imagined the amazing impact he and a team of other MSOE grads would have on helping transform the student learning experience for future generations of Raiders.
“It’s really exciting to see this investment in the MSOE campus,” said Schneider. “The new Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center will offer a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that didn’t exist before, and when completed will be a big win for students.”
Today, Schneider serves as partner and executive vice president of construction at VJS Construction Services in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He is one of three MSOE alumni on the construction team for the new 97,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility. VJS broke ground on the project this summer, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
“There are so many exciting aspects of this project,” said Schneider. “It’s going to transform how students learn, create new opportunities for MSOE to attract top talent and help elevate the university on a national level.”
Not only does VJS have a dedicated team constructing the new Engineering Innovation Center, they also have committed a private gift to support the project.
“MSOE is continuing its legacy as a leader in technical education by building a facility for collaborative learning across all disciplines,” said Craig Jorgensen, president and CEO of VJS. “This new center will strengthen the engineering program, and, in turn, help develop future talent for the construction industry.”
Over the past few years, the partnership between VJS and MSOE has continued to flourish. In addition to this investment, MSOE has served as a pipeline for talented construction and engineering grads for VJS, many of whom have led other renovations on campus.
Justin Gross ’07, project executive at VJS, was the project manager on the renovation of Viets Tower in 2021 and helped with the completion of University Terrace, a green space in the heart of campus, in 2022.
“The renovation of Hermann Viets Tower marked VJS’s first building partnership with MSOE and set the foundation for future collaborations,” said Gross. “I remember standing in the stairwell of Viets Tower with other project stakeholders brainstorming ideas when the architect created a ‘napkin sketch’ of the terrace. That simple moment sparked the concept which we were able to later build and bring to life.”
Senior Estimator Jennifer Kolp ’04 credits the strong foundation of her MSOE education for setting herself, fellow alumni and future grads to be exemplary in their construction careers.
“I BELIEVE THE MSOE CURRICULUM PROVIDES A STRONG FOUNDATION IN CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT,” SAID KOLP. “IN TANDEM WITH THE CURRICULUM, THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE GIVES MSOE GRADS VALUABLE HANDS-ON EXPOSURE, FURTHER STRENGTHENING THEIR SKILLS AND GIVING THEM THE DRIVE, MOTIVATION AND CONFIDENCE NEEDED TO SUCCEED AS THEY ENTER THE WORKFORCE.”
Today, Schneider, Gross and Kolp couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center construction and can’t wait to see the visual impact it will make on campus and on the lives of the MSOE community members who benefit from the dynamic new space.
“We have a unique opportunity to help bring MSOE’s vision to life,” said Gross. “The most rewarding part will be seeing faculty and students use this innovative learning space, giving them a hands-on look at their future professions in action.”
Financial Overview of Fiscal Year 2024–25
Breakdown of individual donors
1,249 Alumni
3,516
— $14,013,163
NUMBER OF DONORS
1,575 Friends
Parents $39,555,006 TOTAL RAISED $91,237,869 73% TO THE $125M GOAL (AS OF JUNE 30, 2025)
— $65,601,748
— $11,622,958 Capital: Robert D. Kern Engineering innovation Center $62,971,073
294 Corp. & Foundations
GIFTS OF $5,000+
SCHOLARSHIP STATS
In 2024–25, a combined total of 601 unique MSOE students received donor-funded scholarships.
$2,135,155 in Annual Scholarships from 98 different funds were awarded to 401 students from 26 states and 24 different majors.
$2,117,919 in Endowed Scholarships from 126 different funds were awarded to 261 students from 16 states and 22 different majors.
24 new annual scholarships were created.
24FY 25 NEW PLANNED GIFTS COMMITTED
IMPACT IS ... .
redefining giving back.
From volunteering her time to spearheading a matching gift challenge, junior civil engineering major Helen Bechthold is redefining what it means to give back.
In April, Bechthold sponsored a $5,000 matching gift challenge for the We Energies STEM Center during MSOE Giving Day. Her challenge was fulfilled—and then some—contributing $13,980 to a recordbreaking $921,592 raised for MSOE in less than 24 hours.
“The STEM Center’s hands-on programs empower thousands of kids from diverse backgrounds to explore STEM,” said Bechthold. “By supporting the center, I aim to create opportunities for young minds to learn, grow and find what excites them.”
The importance of supporting others was instilled in Bechthold and her siblings at a young age. Her mother regularly brought them to volunteer at the Salvation Army, teaching them the value of compassion and service.
By middle school, Bechthold had found her calling supporting access to education.
Through a partnership with Sharp Literacy, she helped collect donations for Browning Elementary School—enough to provide an entire third-grade class with new books. In high school, she led a book drive that
gathered more than 1,000 books for Zablocki Elementary School. After graduating from University School of Milwaukee in 2023, Bechthold chose to study civil engineering at MSOE, continuing a family legacy in construction.
Her great-grandfather founded Walbec, a company that provides construction, infrastructure and engineering services. Today, her family is part of the Walbec ownership group, and she credits her family’s work for helping her understand the longterm impact of building strong communities. “Growing up, my grandfather’s and father’s work on infrastructure projects inspired me to see the impact of building something tangible that serves communities.”
At MSOE, Bechthold serves on the Student Alumni Association Board, plays for the women’s hockey team and serves on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she also leads the mental health board. In her role, Bechthold has implemented new initiatives to raise mental health awareness among student-athletes and is excited to continue her efforts as the SAAC vice president.
“IT’S BEEN SO FULFILLING TO RAISE AWARENESS AROUND THIS IMPORTANT SUBJECT. I TRULY ENJOY ADVOCATING FOR STUDENT ATHLETES WHILE ALSO EXPANDING MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS.”
She also continues to look for opportunities to support the STEM Center. This past summer, Bechthold and her brother volunteered at one of the STEM Center’s youth summer camps. “Having the opportunity to work with kids is special. I think as students, we take it for granted how challenging it can be to learn and study new things. So for me, the most important and rewarding part is helping them tackle these new skills and seeing how happy they are when they’re doing it.”
When it comes to inspiring other MSOE students considering giving back to areas on campus, her advice is simple and powerful.
“Start small but think big—it’s never too early to make a difference in the world you want to see.”
(Left) Helen Bechthold pictured with her father Charles Bechthold at a Walbec Group jobsite. (Right) Helen volunteers at an MSOE STEM Center summer camp.
IMPACT IS ...
a life of teaching and a legacy of giving.
In high school, Dr. Larry Fennigkoh ’74, ’86 knew he was destined to attend MSOE, but it
wasn’t until his sophomore year of college when he discovered his true passion for
biomedical engineering.
“I distinctly remember being in the front row in the S-341 classroom during an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers meeting and feeling like I had been hit by lightning,” said Fennigkoh. “Having already a strong and growing interest in medicine and engineering, this new field felt like a perfect fit. I felt a renewed purpose, focus and a passion that has never left.”
In 1974, Fennigkoh graduated from MSOE and spent the next 23 years working in three different health care systems doing hospital biomedical engineering work.
“The depth, rigor and what I’ve come to refer to as the incessant ‘mental push-ups,’ not only prepared and set me on an extremely
rewarding and fulfilling career path, but also developed and fortified a lasting emotional grit—giving me a confidence and belief that I could now do almost anything.”
After receiving his Ph.D. in Engineering in 1995 from UW-Milwaukee, he answered another calling: teaching students studying biomedical engineering. He called it a “no-brainer” when he was welcomed back to MSOE's biomedical engineering program as a full-time faculty member in 1998.
“Teaching has always been a second veritable calling for me. Although I’m not a parent, I’ve always thought of my students as my surrogate kids, and investing in their future is why I continue to support MSOE.”
In 2023, Fennigkoh established a planned gift to support the biomedical engineering program.
Although he officially retired from MSOE in 2019, he maintains an adjunct and emeritus appointment with the university teaching and presenting on campus as needed.
He says one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is running into his former students and hearing about their accomplishments. Being around bright, committed young people keeps him hopeful and invested in MSOE’s future.
“Anything that can be done to nurture, care for and develop our students is reward enough for me. Seeing them graduate with an MSOE degree is a gift I know will serve them for life. It is also in these special moments that I’m reminded that my time of service to MSOE mattered most.”
Dr. Larry Fennigkoh ’74, ’86 teaches a session on clinical engineering to alumni at the 2025 Summer in the City reunion.
a journey of gratitude IMPACT IS ...
Dr. Ed Raether ’68 is a familiar and friendly face to many within the MSOE community. Whether he’s driving around the golf course at the President’s Golf Outing or attending a Regents meeting, he has remained an active member of his alma mater for nearly 60 years.
“Supporting MSOE has always been a priority for Arlene and me because of the basic skills the professors instilled in me, which led to a successful 50-year career with two companies.”
Raether built a strong work ethic while helping at a farm and cheese factory near Lebanon, Wisconsin where his father was the cheesemaker. After graduating high school, a summer factory job in Ixonia, Wisconsin sparked his interest in engineering. He learned about MSOE from a friend and with encouragement from his mom and brother, decided to enroll.
As a mechanical engineering major in his freshman year, Raether thrived working on various machinery. Those skills were put to the test early, as the following year he left MSOE to serve in the U.S. Navy. Assigned to a repair ship in Norfolk, Virginia, he oversaw the tool room.
After 22 months of service, he returned to Wisconsin in 1957 to marry his childhood sweetheart, Arlene. They built their partnership on the foundation of love and a commitment to giving back to the organizations they valued most, including MSOE.
“From the day Arlene and I were married, we pledged to share 10% of our income with our church and many other organizations,” Raether recalls.
In December of that year, Raether joined Automatic Welding Co. in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He was responsible for installing large automatic welding machines and training their operators. Soon, he became the plant manager.
Raether returned to MSOE in 1964, taking evening classes to complete an industrial management degree. “The course work and wonderful professors who taught me so much about management techniques led to a fantastic and rewarding career.”
He graduated in 1968 and accepted a job at American Appraisal Associates Inc. as a machinery and equipment appraiser. During his 40-year tenure with the company, he rose through the ranks, becoming the VP and managing director for Eastern Europe in 2000. In this role, he opened valuation practice offices across Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia and Germany. He also carried out valuation projects in 68 countries
worldwide. He returned home in 2001 to work within the Industrial Valuation Division before retiring in 2008.
Throughout the years, Raether received multiple accolades from MSOE, including the Master Key to Success, induction into MSOE’s Wall of Distinction and an honorary Doctor of Engineering.
“It was always humbling when I received these honors. It felt wonderful, and my education at MSOE was solely responsible for my success and accomplishments.”
Raether has served as the Alumni Association Board president and an MSOE Corporate Board member, and today is a member of the PGO Committee and the Board of Regents.
The Raethers have remained steadfast in their philanthropic commitment to MSOE. Their most recent gift supports the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center, where the Biz Hub will be named in their honor.
“Seeing MSOE become one of the greatest universities in the U.S., and the success it gave me in my career, will always motivate me to give back.”
Dr. Ed Raether ’68 and his wife, Arlene, attend the groundbreaking for the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center.
MSOE Next Bold Step: Campaign Milestones
April 17, 2025
GIVING DAY
March 3, 2025
MSOE’S CAMPAIGN TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION LAUNCHES!
Over 1,100 members of our MSOE community gathered both virtually and in person for the launch of the Next Bold Step: The Campaign to Accelerate Innovation. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, community partners and friends of the university filled the atrium at Diercks Hall and lined the staircases and balconies to be part of the historic moment. The $125 million comprehensive campaign is the first-ever for the university.
MSOE celebrated a record-breaking Giving Day raising $921,592 through gifts from 2,524 donors. This achievement marks a growing culture of philanthropy at MSOE driven by students, alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends of the university.
July 12, 2025
ROBERT D. KERN ENGINEERING INNOVATION
CENTER GROUNDBREAKING
MSOE held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center. Over 100 MSOE alumni, Regents, faculty, staff and students helped mark this milestone to support the university’s goal of becoming a national leader in applied artificial intelligence education. The center will open in 2027.
MSOE Next Bold Step: Campaign Overview
GOALS
The Next Bold Step accelerates our vision by providing support to:
• Position MSOE as a national leader in applied artificial intelligence education through the strategic, pervasive embedding of AI in MSOE’s academic programs.
• Create state-of-the-art facilities and academic programs that support our students and vision.
• Attract, support and retain outstanding students, faculty and staff.
• Continue instilling the MSOE Mindset to ensure that our graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.
• Provide an attractive campus environment and student experience of the same high quality as MSOE academics.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
The Next Bold Step campaign is a comprehensive effort benefiting all corners of MSOE. This campaign will generate a minimum of $125 million through fiscal year 2030 to support strategic priorities including:
• Constructing the $76.5 million, 97,000-square-foot Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center. This state-of-the-art facility includes interdisciplinary classrooms, laboratories, studios, and other collaboration spaces that promote hands-on learning experiences.
• Establishing and endowing the Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing—a key driver for weaving AI and machine learning into degree programs across the university.
• Launching the Center for Applied AI Education and Research, charged with guiding initiatives across campus, attracting top faculty and supporting area businesses.
• Developing annual conferences for educational institutions and industries focused on artificial intelligence.
• Generating faculty support, including endowed chairs, professorships and research funds to recruit and retain great educators.
• Funding scholarships to attract, support and retain top-notch students.
• Providing resources for undergraduate research, extracurricular organizations, and experiential learning activities that enrich campus life and deliver practical work experiences and industry connections.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Gifts made to these areas will support and ensure these strategic initiatives are met.
Capital Projects
Scholarships
Faculty Support
Student Support
Operational Support Funds
General Excellence
FUTURE MILESTONES
Fall 2025
Head of the Diercks School of Advanced Computing Announced
2027
Grand Opening of the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center (EIC) 2028
MSOE celebrates 125th Anniversary
