Our students are determined to tackle the complex challenges of today and tomorrow, and we’re right there with them. Whether it’s the faculty shaping minds in the classroom or the staff members influencing their campus experience and community connections, we all play integral roles in a well-oiled machine moving full speed ahead.
Our work here at MSOE shows what we’re made of. We’re a team of scholars, creatives, leaders and supporters with one common goal: to move our university forward toward excellence.
for MSOE together,
Dear Colleagues,
We hope this message finds you well. Your dedication to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment at MSOE is deeply appreciated. The hard work and commitment of our faculty have been evident in the accreditations we’ve earned over the past year. These include recognition from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Higher Learning Commission, and ABET. These milestones directly reflect the extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff in delivering a high-quality education to our students.
As we kick off our annual faculty and staff giving campaign, we want to emphasize that participation at any level makes a difference. Every contribution has a positive impact, helping us continue to enhance the student experience. Your involvement highlights our collective dedication to MSOE’s mission and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to student success. By participating, you help provide valuable resources that directly benefit our students and strengthen our campus community.
Last year, we exceeded our goal of 54% participation with 58% of faculty and staff contributing. These generous gifts supported student organizations, scholarships, athletics and academic programs. As we begin our sixth annual campaign, running from April 1 through MSOE’s Giving Day on April 17, we invite you to consider supporting an area of campus that is meaningful to you. Your campaign ambassador will be able to answer any questions and provide additional details.
This year, we’re aiming to match or exceed a 60% participation rate. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us achieve this goal and demonstrates the strength of our community. Will you join us in continuing to make a meaningful impact by supporting the MSOE tradition of excellence?
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to MSOE and for making a lasting difference in the lives of our students
Warm regards,
Dr. Russ Meier
Emma Philipps Professor and Computer Director of Admissions
Program Director Office of Admissions
Impacts on Campus
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — RAIDER ATHLETICS
$5,443
Thanks to generous contributions, the women’s basketball team enjoyed a memorable trip to Los Angeles where they competed against top-tier opponents and strengthened their team culture. The funds also enabled the purchase of new equipment, directly enhancing the players’ on-court development.
CAECM PROGRAMS GENERAL FUND — ACADEMICS
$2,507
Faculty and staff donations supported MSOE students’ participation in the Associated Schools of Construction Region 3 Competition. With this support, MSOE teams were able to compete and ultimately win first place in the Preconstruction, Electrical and Heavy Civil divisions, further enhancing their skills and teamwork through real-world challenges.
INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS
STUDENT GROUP (IEEE) — STUDENT ORGANIZATION
$1,200
Donations enabled the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student branch to host socials and events, like the recent Society of Women Engineers (SWE) + IEEE gathering with Milwaukee Tool. Contributions from faculty and staff give students hands-on experiences that build technical skills, spark innovation and strengthen collaboration.
HUMANITARIAN ENGINEERING CLUB (HEC) — STUDENT
ORGANIZATION
$13,000
Faculty and staff donations supported the Humanitarian Engineering Club (HEC). HEC recently completed the Churunel Central Water Distribution Project in Guatemala, providing clean water to 161 families. Students gained hands-on experiences in sustainable design, community collaboration and project management while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of the Churunel Central community.
Faculty and Staff Giving Fiscal Year 2024
$117,456 was raised by Faculty and Staff in Fiscal Year 2024
Dollars-Raised – cash that comes into the university.
Restricted funds - designated for specific purposes, such as WMSE, Grohmann Museum, Capital, etc.
Unrestricted funds or “Fund for MSOE” - are allocated to areas with the highest need on campus.
Why I Give
Ruth Schwartz Instructor, Physics and Chemistry Department
“MSOE has always been committed to student success, and I am honored to support that mission.”
For the last 37 years, Ruth Schwartz has dedicated her career to teaching in the Physics and Chemistry Department at MSOE. Her passion for education and mentorship has shaped the experiences of countless students, many of whom have remained lifelong connections.
Building relationships with students is what she enjoys most about being part of the MSOE community. She believes the faculty and staff are deeply invested in student growth, creating an environment that aligns with MSOE’s core values. “I love getting to know my students, especially when they come to office hours. Some of my closest friends today started as students who kept coming back—even after they graduated.”
Her commitment to MSOE extends beyond the classroom. By giving back, she helps ensure students have access to the resources they need to succeed. “Education is life changing, and MSOE works hard to foster a well-rounded, global perspective in its graduates. Supporting that mission is important to me.”
Through her philanthropy and support, Schwartz has championed initiatives that support student success, from academic resources to STEM outreach programs. Most recently, she has focused on the Persistence Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to students in need. “During the pandemic, I saw how financially precarious some students’ lives were. Knowing that a small contribution could help keep a student in school made a big impact on me.”
For Schwartz, giving isn’t just about financial support—it’s about investing in a community dedicated to shaping future STEM leaders.
“MSOE has always been committed to student success, and I am honored to support that mission.”
Ruth Schwartz Instructor, Physics and Chemistry Department
“ In my 10 years at MSOE, I—like all of us—have experienced ups and downs. Regardless of the situation, the MSOE community has had my back 100%. I choose to support the MSOE community because I feel it is important to return the favor for all the students, parents, faculty and staff members who stood by and championed for my fellow officers and me.”
Trevor Schmitt Sergeant, Public Safety
How to Give
Payroll deduction — Scan QR code
RECURRING GIVING
Payroll Deduction
Recurring gift by credit card — Scan QR code or visit give.msoe.edu/g/donation
Please use the enclosed pledge card or scan the QR codes above to make a gift via payroll deduction, credit card or check. Total Gift Amount Pledged: Amount deducted per paycheck:
Payroll deduction is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to make your gift. By signing up for payroll deduction, you can support any area on campus with a gift as little as $5 per paycheck!
Example payroll amounts based on 24 pay periods:
Credit Card
Another option to make a recurring gift is by signing up at give.msoe.edu/g/donation with your credit card. You have the option to donate any amount monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
ONLINE – MSOE’s Giving Day website is a secure and safe way to make a one-time gift via credit card between April 1 and 17. Visit givingday.msoe.edu and make your gift today.
CHECK – Make a check payable to Milwaukee School of Engineering
BY PHONE – Please call Jessica Tedamrongwanish, director of alumni relations and annual giving, at (414) 277-7163.
BEQUESTS AND LIFE-INCOME GIFTS
– To make a future gift to MSOE through a charitable bequest, trust, IRA distribution, beneficiary designation or another deferred gift, please connect with Greg Casey, senior director of development at (414) 277-4510 or casey@msoe.edu.
FAQs
Q: What is MSOE’s Giving Day?
A: Each year, MSOE challenges our alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends to come together to support the university and the students we serve during our annual Giving Day. For 24 hours we rally support for numerous areas of our campus
Q: Do I have to give a certain amount to be counted?
A: Any gift, no matter the size, is a point of pride and will have an immediate effect on our campus. The more people who choose to give, the greater the collective impact of their gifts.
Q: I would love to donate to a specific fund, where can I find that?
A: The Giving Day website lists available funds, including educational student organizations with gift funds. If your preferred fund is not in the dropdown list, you can write it in the “Other” box, and we will allocate your donation to the closest matching fund.
Q: Can my gift be anonymous?
A: Yes. If you decide to make a gift, there is an option to remain anonymous. If this option is selected, your name will not be published in any recognition materials, but your donation will still be counted in the overall campaign totals and your department’s totals.
Q: What does the term “giving year” refer to, and if I’ve donated during this timeframe, am I considered a participant in the campaign?
A: The giving year is July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025. If you’ve made a charitable gift, one-time or recurring, to MSOE during this period, you would be considered a participant in the Faculty and Staff Campaign. Making a gift on Giving Day would further contribute to the campaign and is appreciated.
“Your support is a reminder of the impact we can have on others, and it motivates me to give back and lift up others in my field.”
