Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation
New Health Professions
Pathway 5
Senior Authors
Children’s Book 12
Back-to-back Baseball Titles 20
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Sisters Anna Barsokine (left) and Lauren Barsokine ’25 (right) grew up going to MSOE sporting events and cheering on the Raiders. Before Lauren graduated, they wanted to recreate a photo they took with Roscoe in 2010. Although Lauren, Anna and Roscoe may look a little different after 15 years, one thing remains the same: beaming smiles and a love for MSOE. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2025 and Anna will be entering her junior year in the fall, also pursuing her degree in nursing.
Dear Alumni and Friends,
We are in the midst of a transformative moment in the life of our university. In March, we publicly launched the Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation. This $125 million comprehensive campaign is a bold investment in our future and a testament to the power of collective vision.
The campaign will drive forward strategic priorities that reflect MSOE’s unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for our students, enhancing our academic programs, advancing cutting-edge applied research, and strengthening our impact on the industries we serve. Chief among these is the creation of the new Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center, a $76.5 million facility that will stand at the heart of our campus and our future.
We are equally thrilled to announce the development of the new Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing, which will prepare students to lead in fields that are rapidly reshaping our world—artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and more.
None of this would be possible without the generous leadership of two visionary partners. Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, one of our most accomplished alumni, and his wife, Dian, have committed $20 million to help launch the campaign. We are grateful for their enduring loyalty and belief in MSOE’s future. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Kern Family Foundation, led by
its president and our own Board of Regents Chair, Dr. Jim Rahn, for their historic support of MSOE and their equally transformative $20 million gift to the campaign.
These historic gifts lay the foundation for a campaign that will touch every corner of our institution. From scholarships and faculty excellence to state-of-the-art facilities and studentfocused funds, your support will directly impact the lives of generations to come.
This spring we also announced a meaningful new academic partnership that will shape the future of health care leadership. MSOE and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) are launching Student Pathways to Flourishing in the Health Professions. This innovative program invites students to reimagine what it means to lead and serve in the health professions. Beginning in Fall 2026, MSOE students will have the opportunity to pursue a new degree program that blends undergraduate study with immersive experiences in MCW’s graduate programs.
We are building a future that is bold and inspired—and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Sincerely,
John Walz, Ph.D. President
“Bringing these disciplines together in one collaborative environment fosters innovation, interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem solving. This facility will be a hub for the MSOE community to gather and explore endless possibilities together.”
DR. JAMES C. RAHN, KERN FAMILY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT AND MSOE BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIR, AT THE NEXT BOLD STEP CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF EVENT.
6 Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation Launches
MSOE’s $125 million comprehensive campaign will directly support the university’s mission to prepare leaders to solve the technical challenges of the 21st century, including its goal of becoming the national leader in the education of applied artificial intelligence.
MSOE’s Raider Robotics set a world record at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship.
ON THE COVER: The Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center will be a four-story, 97,000-square-foot building with flexible labs, modern classrooms, workshops focused on robotics and AI, an outdoor sustainability lab, and collaborative spaces.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson (left) and MSOE President John Walz were two of the speakers at the Next Bold Step campaign announcement in Diercks Hall.
The flagship publication of Milwaukee School of Engineering. With stories inspired by our mission and vision, Dimensions shines a light on our students, faculty, alumni and campus events, all while highlighting the values that unite us.
Editor
JoEllen Burdue
Managing Editor
Annette Pirrung
Creative Director
Kristin Dunn
Graphic Designers
Peg Houghton, Marley Mendez
Production Manager
Leigh Ann Hass
Contributing Writers
Jillian Kokott, Madaleine Niemi, Rachel Schmidt, Dr. John Walz
Images
Kylie Bridenhagen, Front Room
Photography, Erik Landru of Bokeh Effect, Bryan Pechacek, Ramlow/Stein, Nick Seidler, MCW/Jay Westhauser, Ben Young
Use, reproduction or storage of the name, address or other information about any individual identified within this magazine is strictly prohibited and constitutes misappropriation of corporate property.
Address correspondence to Dimensions Magazine 1025 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202 marketing@msoe.edu or (414) 277-7117
SPRING/SUMMER 2025
Volume 39, No. 2
Dr. Olga Imas enjoys one of the expert lectures during AI Week. Read more about AI Week activities on page 4.
Dr. Olga Imas named director of applied AI education at MSOE
Dr. Olga Imas ’99 was appointed as the inaugural director of applied AI education at MSOE in January 2025. In this leadership role, she is responsible for guiding the integration of applied artificial intelligence (AI) across academic functions at the university, as well as leading the campus-wide AI Steering Committee.
Imas will shape and implement the rAIder Initiative—MSOE’s comprehensive strategic effort to incorporate applied AI tools and practices across the university. She is also focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, curriculum and pedagogy along with personalized student learning and promoting ethical use of applied AI on campus.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Imas take on this pivotal role,” said Dr. Eric Baumgartner, executive vice president of academics at MSOE. “Her deep experience with the use of AI in her teaching
MSOE graduates continue to earn high graduate outcomes rate
Real-world experience and top-ranked programs continue to give MSOE students an advantage and set them apart from their peers as they enter
practices and biomedical research, along with her extensive academic and industry experience, positions her perfectly to lead the university’s applied AI initiatives and ensure that MSOE remains at the cutting edge of AI integration in education.”
Imas brings a wealth of experience to this role. She has been a faculty member at MSOE since 2008. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and Functional Imaging from Marquette University and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from MSOE. Her research interests span traumatic brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and anesthesia monitoring. She has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and holds five patents in medical imaging and diagnostic technologies.
the workforce. This is evident in members of the class of 2023–24, who earned a graduate outcomes rate of 98% and an average starting salary of $75,532 (the highest early and mid-career salaries of any Wisconsin university, according to PayScale Inc.).
To determine the graduate outcomes rate and average
starting salary, MSOE’s Career Connections Center surveys students. MSOE’s knowledge rate for this survey was 94%. Final numbers were compiled six months after the May 2024 graduation in accordance with the National Association of Colleges and Employers guidelines.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
AI Week at MSOE shines spotlight on transformative technology
UPSKILL
The inaugural AI Week at MSOE took place April 22–26, 2025. With a theme of “AI: The Future is Now,” a series of AI-focused events throughout the week highlighted the many ways artificial intelligence is transforming a variety of industries. The week featured poster presentations, keynote speakers from industry leaders like NVIDIA, GE HealthCare and MCW Froedtert, networking opportunities and the Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge. Some of the special events included:
• Innovative Teaching: Insights on Generative AI in Education
A discussion with MSOE’s Copilot 365 AI Community of Practice members.
• AI in Healthcare: Transforming Patient Care and Innovation Keynote presentations and discussions on AI integration in healthcare systems, featuring speakers from GE HealthCare, Froedtert Hospital, MCW, NVIDIA and Congruence.
• AI at MSOE: Student Voices MSOE students shared their experiences with generative AI.
• Distinguished Lecturer: Dr. Jules White
A keynote on AI in education by Dr. White, Director of Future of Learning & Generative AI at Vanderbilt University.
Center for Professional Education adding Mini-MBA
The Center for Professional Education (CPE) is adding a new professional certificate designed to equip working professionals with fundamental business knowledge and skillsets. The new Professional Certificate in Business Essentials—referred to as the Mini-MBA— is a short-term, noncredit microcredential program that prepares individuals through targeted, skills-focused learning modules. It covers core business domains such as leadership, strategic thinking, supervisory management, organizational behavior, financial literacy, project management, data analytics and business intelligence.
The Mini-MBA also incorporates input from industry partners to ensure skills are transferable across sectors and will address defined competency gaps within the regional workforce by offering flexible, accessible and industry-relevant learning experiences.
The program, which is funded through a Higher Education Regional Alliance (HERA) Microcredential Grant* award, is tailored to individuals looking for career transitions as well as working professionals interested in upskilling and reskilling. It also provides an on-ramp to higher level credentials at MSOE, such as graduate certificate and degree programs, including MSOE’s Master of Business Administration.
*HERA Microcredential Grant funding provided by U.S. Department of Education: Award P116Z24014917.
MSOE.EDU/CPE
MSOE and Medical College of Wisconsin announce new collaboration
MSOE and Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) are launching an innovative program: Student Pathways to Flourishing in the Health Professions. This unique collaboration will provide students with the opportunity to explore and flourish in health professions, and to develop as thought leaders and change agents in a rapidly evolving industry.
The new program will nurture leaders in the health professions who are committed to applying their skills in business, technology, health sciences and artificial intelligence to improve the lives of others. Starting in Fall 2026, students can pursue a new undergraduate degree program at MSOE that will allow them to experience a variety of MCW’s graduate programs.
Early in their studies, these MSOE undergraduate students will explore several health professions with mentorship, guidance and programming at MCW. They will participate in a series of presentations, conversations and workshops with professionals and peers in pharmacy, precision medicine, public health and genetic counseling at MCW.
Together, we are shaping the next generation of health leaders. ”
DR. JOHN R. RAYMOND SR., MCW PRESIDENT AND CEO
“Our two powerhouse, long-standing institutions are uniquely positioned to bring together emerging and innovative pathways to health professions available to undergraduates,” said John R. Raymond Sr., MD, president and CEO of MCW. “This collaboration not only offers students options but also provides invaluable mentorship to guide them toward a future in health. Together, we are shaping the next generation of health leaders.”
“We are thrilled to launch this program alongside the Medical College of Wisconsin, as it represents the next step in shaping the future generation of healthcare leaders,” said Dr. John Walz, president of MSOE. “Building on MSOE’s commitment to integrating applied AI education at the undergraduate level, students who pursue the Pathways to Flourishing in the Health Professions program will be prepared to leverage advanced technologies and lead in a rapidly changing landscape.”
The program is made possible by the generous support of MCW Flourishing, through a transformative investment from the Kern Family Foundation.
LEARN MORE AT MSOE.EDU/NEWSROOM
From left: MSOE leaders Dr. Dan Bergen, Dr. Eric Baumgartner, Dr. John Walz and student Brooke Stanley joined MCW leaders Dr. Mara Lord, Dr. Cheryl Maurana and Dr. John Raymond Sr. to announce a new collaboration between the two institutions.
From its founding classrooms to today’s high-tech labs, MSOE has always been a place where ambition meets action. Generations of alumni remember it as the place where they discovered their passion, honed their skills, and built the foundation for meaningful careers.
Now, MSOE is calling upon that same spirit of innovation as it embarks on the most transformative initiative in its history with The Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation.
MSOE’S CAMPAIGN TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION LAUNCHES
This $125 million comprehensive campaign aims to do more than expand campus buildings and programs—it represents a unifying vision to propel MSOE into national leadership in applied artificial intelligence (AI) education. The initiative is poised to shape how future engineers, scientists, business professionals, health care providers and creators will learn, collaborate and change the world. And it emphasizes supporting students and faculty through scholarships, professorships and more.
The Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation was announced at a launch event in Diercks Hall in March 2025. Learn more and view photos from the event on page 22.
KEY CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
• Construction of the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center (EIC), pictured below
• Formation and support for the Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing
• Expansion of academic and co-curricular programs
• Scholarships and student support
• Faculty development and interdisciplinary learning
A VISION YEARS IN THE MAKING
The campaign is not an isolated project—it builds on years of strategic growth. Since 2017, MSOE has completed several successful initiatives. A few examples include the construction of Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall and We Energies STEM Center, establishment of the computer science program, and the renovation and expansion of Hermann Viets Tower and Ruehlow Nursing Complex.
Each project has fueled new programs, attracted top students, and increased alumni, donor and community engagement.
The campaign brings together years of momentum under one powerful theme: accelerating innovation.
“Think of this campaign as the vehicle that drives our long-term strategy forward and ensures that MSOE remains on solid financial ground,” said Jeff Snow, MSOE vice president of university advancement.
NOW IS THE TIME
• MSOE’s goal to lead the nation in applied AI education comes at a pivotal time.
• AI is reshaping every industry, from health care to construction.
• Employers need graduates with hands-on experience deploying and applying AI tools.
• MSOE’s strength in engineering and computing makes it uniquely positioned to fill that gap.
• To further advance MSOE’s mission, investment needs to be made in the university’s core engineering educational facility and in scholarships, student support and faculty support.
“We’re not just raising funds; we’re realizing a future in which MSOE leads the nation in technical education, particularly in applied AI.”
That future begins with two bold academic investments: the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center and the Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing.
A CENTER FOR IDEAS TO FLOURISH
The Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center will soon rise at the southeast corner of Milwaukee and State Streets, replacing a surface parking lot with a state-of-the-art facility. The new building will be connected to the Allen-Bradley Hall of Science and Fred Loock Engineering Center and brings MSOE’s engineering disciplines under one roof.
Funded entirely by donors and designed to be flexible and forward-thinking, the four-story, $76.5 million 97,000-square-foot building will house modern labs and workshops focused on robotics, sustainability, and machine learning. Outdoor spaces and public gathering areas will support teamwork across disciplines, reflecting MSOE’s commitment to a collaborative, hands-on approach.
“Students will be building, testing and solving real-world problems from the moment they walk in,” said Dr. John Walz, MSOE president. “It’s not just about classrooms and laboratories—it’s about creating a space where ideas can flourish, and where students can develop the MSOE Mindset.”
The building will be home to MSOE’s Mechanical Engineering Department; Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering Department; Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department; and the User Experience program.
“Bringing these disciplines together in one collaborative environment fosters innovation, interdisciplinary learning and real-world problem solving,” said Dr. James C. Rahn, Kern Family Foundation president and MSOE Board of Regents chair. “This facility will be a hub for the MSOE community to gather and explore endless possibilities together.”
One of the centerpieces of the building will be the new Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Education. This initiative will anchor MSOE’s efforts to infuse AI learning across every engineering discipline, attract top-tier faculty, and foster partnerships with industry. It will serve as a dynamic home for students and faculty to rethink what’s possible in engineering.
CROSSING THE COMPUTING FRONTIER
To realize its vision of national leadership in AI, MSOE is launching the Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing. The school will elevate MSOE’s already-strong computing programs and build the infrastructure needed to integrate AI throughout the curriculum.
“I want this campus and this community to be the place that students, scholars, teachers, thinkers and leaders come to learn about how to teach the practical applications of AI,” said Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, senior vice president of software engineering at NVIDIA and MSOE Regent.
The Diercks School will house MSOE’s computer science, software engineering and machine learning programs, while also creating pathways for AI integration in business, health care, engineering and design. The Next Bold Step campaign includes fundraising goals to support new endowed faculty positions, scholarships and research opportunities. The school is named to recognize the incredible and historical philanthropic support and vision Dwight and Dian Diercks have given to MSOE. The Diercks School will drive MSOE’s commitment to preparing students to solve the complex challenges of tomorrow—and the ethical challenges that come with technological change.
From left: Dr. James Rahn, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Dr. John Walz and Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90 at the announcement of the Next Bold Step Campaign.
“YOUR CAMPAIGN GIFT IMPACTS THE UNIVERSITY’S NEXT 100 YEARS. THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO MAKE A TRUE DIFFERENCE AT MSOE.”
DR. DWIGHT DIERCKS ’90
GENEROUS GIFTS ARE THE FOUNDATION
The momentum behind MSOE’s Next Bold Step campaign is being driven by two transformative gifts from Dr. Dwight ’90 and Dian Diercks and the Kern Family Foundation.
For the Diercks family, their support is focused on advancing the university’s vision to become a national leader in applied AI education.
“The time to give is now,” said Dwight Diercks. “By transforming MSOE, we become a leader in industry and the premier AI university in the nation.”
Dr. Jim Rahn, Kern Family Foundation president and MSOE Board of Regents chair, noted the spirit of the campaign also reflects a commitment to the holistic
development and well-being of students—values that Bob and Patricia Kern championed.
“This facility will facilitate embedding the MSOE Mindset in our students, ensuring they graduate as leaders of character, passionate learners, responsible professionals and value creators,” said Rahn.
View a fly-through of the new EIC.
CAMPAIGN PROGRESS
WE’RE GIVING OUR STUDENTS MORE THAN AN EDUCATION. WE’RE GIVING THEM A LAUNCHPAD.”
DR.
JOHN WALZ, MSOE PRESIDENT
The Kern Family Foundation and Dr. Dwight and Dian Diercks have provided foundational gifts of $20 million. This combined $40 million in support has helped launch The Next Bold Step campaign. These gifts, plus $50,371,432 from 4,791 additional campaign donors, bring the total amount raised to $90,371,432 (as of May 15, 2025).
INVESTING IN PEOPLE,
Though buildings and programs are campaign highlights, the Next Bold Step is ultimately about people. It’s about equipping students to lead, supporting faculty to teach and explore new ideas at the highest level, and creating an environment where big ideas become world-changing solutions.
To make MSOE more accessible, campaign funds will significantly grow privately funded scholarships, ensuring that high-achieving students from every background can choose MSOE without financial barriers.
It will also provide vital faculty support through endowed chairs, professorships and funding, helping MSOE retain and recruit visionary educators.
The student experience is also a key campaign focus. From funding undergraduate research to supporting student-led engineering teams and clubs, donors will help enrich campus life in ways that build leadership, creativity and collaboration.
“We’re giving our students more than an education,” said Walz. “We’re giving them a launchpad.”
BUILDING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER
The Next Bold Step is an opportunity for alumni, faculty, staff, community members and industry leaders to come together around a shared goal: building a future where MSOE graduates are accelerating innovation and leading with skill, purpose and vision.
For alumni especially, the campaign is a chance to reflect on their own journey, and ensure that future generations have access to the same transformative experience.
“With technology rapidly changing, I wanted the next generation of MSOE students to have the best opportunity to learn about all these new things that are happening,” said Sami Wallace ’15, campaign donor. “I think it’s really important that we continue to create these incredible MSOE alumni, and in order to do that, we need to make sure they have the best facilities possible.”
A CAMPAIGN WITH A PURPOSE
The Next Bold Step is about more than new buildings and advanced labs; it’s about shaping the world MSOE students will inherit. As technology rapidly evolves, so too must the institutions that prepare future leaders.
This is MSOE’s moment to step up, take the lead, and invite its community to do the same.
Whether you’re a graduate who walked the halls of the Science Building, a parent watching your student grow, or a donor who believes in the power of education—this bold step is for you.
AREAS TO SUPPORT
• Capital projects like the Engineering Innovation Center
• Endowed scholarships and faculty positions
• Student research, organizations and internships
• General support for programs, departments and emerging needs
• Learn more: nextboldstep.msoe.edu
NOT EVERYONE WALKS THE STAGE
MSOE senior authors children’s book
Senior year for MSOE students is consumed by senior design projects, applying for jobs and preparing for graduation. For Sierra Andrews, she added another project to her senior year agenda: writing a children’s book.
“Not Everyone Walks the Stage” is a children’s book co-authored by Andrews and Nick Seidler, coordinator of special on-campus events, and illustrated by Alisa Tverdokhleb ’24. It tells the story of Sophia, a kindergartener who is worried she won’t walk the graduation stage like everyone else at the end of the year. At the end of the story, it is revealed that Sophia has a mobility impairment that makes her think she may not succeed in school. Her literal misunderstanding of “being able to walk the stage” at graduation worries her. Sophia’s wheelchair is hidden in the book until the very end to emphasize her common experiences with other students.
The idea for the story came while Andrews and Seidler were in the midst of planning commencement details. Andrews has been a senior commencement assistant for all four years at MSOE, which is a student position that helps plan and lead the commencement ceremony. Andrews, a wheelchair user, reminisced on the moment the idea sparked. “I made a joke about me planning commencements when I couldn’t physically walk the stage myself,” she said. “We thought it would make a good book idea for children, and we went from there.”
After Sophia’s story, there is a second half of the book that features an activity section for children, as well as a section for adults and children to learn more. This portion includes a Q&A about having a wheelchair, where Andrews shares her perspective and answers the questions people often have about life in a wheelchair. There is also a Q&A with Tverdokhleb where she answers questions about her artwork.
Sierra Andrews (above) coauthored the children’s book “Not Everyone Walks the Stage” and Alisa Tverdokhleb ’24 (below) illustrated the book.
“My favorite part of the book is the interview section. I love being able to educate people on my life as a wheelchair user. I think it sheds light on the struggles, triumphs and daily life that others and I experience in a wheelchair,” said Andrews.
Through the story and Q&A section, Andrews hopes her book gives children insight into life as a wheelchair user and teaches them that being different is a good thing.
“Everyone is different and has different ability levels. It doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t do something. I also hope readers understand that people with disabilities experience and live a similar life to able-bodied people. Throughout most of the book the main character’s disability is hidden, and the point of this was to show that just like everyone else, she experiences highs, lows and other day-today experiences that an able-bodied individual experiences.”
TO LEARN MORE OR PURCHASE “NOT EVERYONE WALKS THE STAGE,” VISIT ZEPOPUBLISHING.COM/NOT-EVERYONE-WALKS-THE-STAGE .
STEM Center celebrates 20,000th student
The We Energies STEM Center at MSOE celebrated its 20,000th student served through programing since opening its doors in 2020.
“To have served our 20,000th student underscores that the need for high-quality STEM programming persists and that we are continuing to provide a valuable experience for students,” said Elizabeth Taylor, director of STEM.
The STEM Center provides hands-on educational opportunities for K–12 students in the Milwaukee area. Programs range from artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering and more. Local companies and corporate partners also sponsor and host camps and programs at the center. The STEM Center also has its own FIRST and VEX community robotics teams for students in grades 7–12.
“We hear time and time again from educators that the high-quality STEM experiences we offer in the center are rare. There are no other places in Milwaukee that offer school day programming completely free of charge to high need schools along with transportation support. Many educators have been coming annually since schools reopened after the pandemic and have made the STEM Center a part of their curriculum or other learning experiences,” said Taylor.
VISIT MSOE.EDU/STEM TO SEE UPCOMING PROGRAMS OFFERED AT THE STEM CENTER.
Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge
Computer science student Hugo Garrido-Lestache took home first place at the Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge for his project, “Enhancing Collaboration in Multi-Agent Environments with AttentionBased Actor-Critic Policies.” He was awarded $5,000 plus an NVIDIA GPU. The annual competition challenged students to utilize Rosie the supercomputer to solve a problem, improve a process or answer a difficult question. A total of 15 entries were received this year, and the winners were chosen after the five finalists presented their projects in front of a team of judges. Second place went to Lucas Gral and Preston Whitcomb for their project, “A Novel AI-Driven Approach to Foreign Language Acquisition.” Tanner Cellio and Adrian Manchado’s project “AI-Driven Soccer Analysis Using Computer Vision” earned third place.
The Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge is sponsored by Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, NVIDIA senior VP of software engineering and MSOE Regent. Diercks also serves as a judge for the competition, alongside Nick Haemel ’02, NVIDIA VP of medical imaging and system software and MSOE Regent; Dr. Jeremy Kedziora, PieperPower Endowed Chair of AI at MSOE; and Dr. Derek Riley, computer science program director at MSOE.
Faculty/Staff Achievements
Members of the School of Nursing Lab Team and the Residence Life Hospitality Group were the inaugural winners of the MSOE Stewardship Award, which celebrates the faculty and staff who make responsible use of MSOE’s resources through creativity and innovation.
Dr. Lauren Beverung earned her Certification in Thanatology: Death, Dying, Loss and Bereavement from the Association for Death Education and Counseling.
MSOE’s Johanna Seelhorst Distinguished Staff Award was given to Lisa Brownlee, Custodial Services. This annual award honors excellence of character, outstanding ability, a high order of integrity, loyalty and dedication, and a sincere willingness to cooperate with others in maintaining the highest standards of staff performance and service.
Mark Griffin, Facilities, received the Student Advocate Award.
Dr. Kevin Hart, Mechanical Engineering, received MSOE’s Oscar Werwath Distinguished Teacher Award, recognizing excellence in teaching. The award is voted upon by students. Awardees must have a minimum of seven years of full-time service to MSOE and exemplify the values and beliefs of MSOE’s founding family.
Edith Hernandez, Multicultural Affairs, was named Student Group Advisor of the Year.
Dr. Melinda Rodriguez-Salus, School of Nursing, received the 2025 MSOE DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
Katie Toske, Multicultural Affairs, received the Diversity and Inclusion Advocate Award.
Dr. John Walz, president, was named a Power Player by the Milwaukee Business Journal. Walz was one of the 100 individuals who were named to the annual list which recognizes influential leaders who are making a positive impact in Southeastern Wisconsin.
PUBLICATIONS
ELECTRICAL, COMPUTER AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Dr. Ahmed Sayed’s paper, “Biodegradable suture developmentbased albumin composites for tissue engineering applications,” was selected among the Top 100 Materials Science papers in the Scientific Reports journal published by Nature Portfolio.
GROHMANN MUSEUM
James Kieselburg authored the foreword of Clark Hulings and the Art of Work by James D. Balestrieri.
HUMANITIES, SOCIAL SCIENCE AND COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
Dr. Michael Carriere co-wrote the op-ed “Providing services to released inmates cuts recidivism and boosts life prospects” in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Margaret Dwyer published a short story, “Dry Erase,” in the anthology Crime Wave published by Dragon Soul Press.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Dr. Nathan Patterson’s article, “Learning Fluid Flow with AI-enabled Virtual Wind Tunnels,” was published on the NVIDIA Technical Blog.
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT
Drs. Wujie Zhang and Michael Navin authored “Advanced Delivery Systems for Oxygen Therapeutics: Centered Around Red Blood Cells” which was published in Therapeutic Delivery.
Dr. Wujie Zhang co-authored “AI Prediction of Structural Stability of Nanoproteins Based on Structures and Residue Properties by Mean Pooled Dual Graph Convolutional Network” in Interdisciplinary Sciences: Computational Life Sciences.
SCHOOL OF NURSING
Dr. Cheryl Petersen co-authored the paper “Establishing an Undergraduate Nursing Program: Four Pillars for Success” which was published in the Journal of Professional Nursing (2025).
Dr. Jane Paige and colleagues from Nebraska and Ontario published their study, “Develop, Sustain and Evaluate the Training of Simulation Educators,” in Nurse Educator
University Innovation Fellows set out to enhance campus
The newest cohort of University Innovation Fellows (UIF) at MSOE includes Zachary Burke, user experience; Benjamin Leshin, user experience; and Mai Nguyen, electrical engineering. MSOE’s UIF students focus on implementing changes on campus to help expand resources to students. Each fellow has a primary project and offers support to their peers on their projects.
Burke’s project focuses on creating space for commuter students to relax and study in between their classes and extracurriculars. Leshin is focusing on improving awareness of different maker spaces across campus by creating a guide of what tools and spaces are available. Nguyen is working with the Raider Center for Academic Success (RCAS) to create better incentives and retention strategies for tutors, as well as creating new tutoring positions for additional majors and subjects.
Each year, three MSOE students are named to the UIF program which is run by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school).
Student Award Winners
Fred F. Loock Outstanding Student Award
Benjamin Paulson
Thomas W. Davis Student Leadership Award
Eduardo Ocampo
Daniel E. Sahs Memorial Award for Service
Ben Lilienkamp
DAISY Student Award
Lauren Barsokine
Aimei Nie Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Student Champion Award
Eduardo Ocampo
Louisa Essuman Award for Inclusion and Belonging
Sierra Andrews
Nursing Honors Society Award
Ramiro Martinez
Nursing Leadership Award
Tony Truong
Vincent R. Canino Outstanding Biomedical Engineering Senior Student Award
Julia Drewiske
Zachary Goodman
John D. Gassert Biomedical Engineering Senior Student Service Award
Emma Oster
Northwestern Mutual Outstanding Actuarial Science Award
Stacey Cloute
Dara Davis
Andrew Justus
Andrew Maas
Emilio Ulloa Payro
Michael Phillips
Samantha Shaver
Student Employee of the Year
Trinity Teixeira
Student Group of the Year
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Female Senior Athlete of the Year
Addison Spilman, soccer, nursing
Male Senior Athlete of the Year
Adam Shaw, track and field, mechanical engineering
Female Senior Scholar
Athlete of the Year
Gabrielle Haensgen, tennis, actuarial science
Male Senior Scholar
Athlete of the Year
Steven Arthur, soccer, electrical engineering
NACC FAR Award of Excellence
Donovan Carter
Lukas Schwenke
Margaret Thillman
School of Nursing approved for NROTC
The School of Nursing at MSOE has been approved as a School of Nursing for students interested in the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC). The NROTC provides interested college students with the necessary Naval Science courses required to qualify them for commissions in the Naval Reserve. MSOE is the second university in Wisconsin with NROTC for nursing students. This new program will support students like Blessing Ogwo.
“In high school I was offered the opportunity to become an officer in the Navy and not just any officer, but specifically a medical nurse officer,” said Ogwo. “I think that nursing is such a diverse field that won’t ever get boring because there’s always something to learn every day! I find learning about how our bodies function daily just so fascinating and being a social person as well, I think that nursing is the perfect path for me!”
Benjamin Paulson with MSOE President John Walz, Ph.D.
AT THE
The Kalmbach Art Collection: Pairing
Words and Imagery
Now–Aug. 18, 2025
The Center for Railroad Photography & Art (CRP&A) along with the Grohmann Museum present the first public exhibition of Kalmbach Media’s historic art collection. Totaling 55 original paintings, it is a pillar of rail-themed art filled with landmark works from Howard Fogg, George Gloff, Gil Reid, Ted Rose, John Swatsley and many others. Tens of thousands of railroad enthusiasts have viewed these paintings thanks to their use in Kalmbach publications including Trains magazine and bestselling books such as The Hiawatha Story and The Nickel Plate Story.
The exhibition celebrates the importance of imagery in Kalmbach’s printed materials and the company’s collaborations with artists. Strong bonds formed between the company’s editorial staff and the artists they hired or commissioned; they helped each other. Artwork brought publications to life while words added context and meaning to the paintings. This pairing of images and words created decades of memorable stories for railroad enthusiasts. Kevin P. Keefe, a CRP&A board member and former vice president-editorial at Kalmbach Media said, “In so many ways, Trains and Kalmbach Books played indispensable roles in creating the world of railroad imagery we love so much, and the company’s original art is a big part of that legacy.”
COMING SOON!
The Legend Lives on – 50 Years Later
Oct. 1–Dec. 1, 2025
In remembrance of the tragic event of Nov. 10, 1975, this exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. However, the legend lives on in both art and popular culture. Included in this show are original paintings of the boat under construction and of the completed Edmund Fitzgerald. Models, photographs and other Fitzgerald ephemera will also be on view for this special display linked to what was the largest ship to travel the Great Lakes at the time of her launch in 1958.
VISIT GROHMANNMUSEUM.ORG FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE MUSEUM AND DIGITAL EXHIBITIONS THROUGH GOOGLE’S CULTURAL INSTITUTE.
Gil Reid (American, 1918-2007), Roaring through Rondout, Watercolor, 20 x 28 in. Collection of The Center for Railroad Photography & Art
Edmund Lewandowski, SS Edmund Fitzgerald, 1987, Oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in., Grohmann Museum Collection
MSOE Raider Robotics sets world record
GOING GREEN
St. Pat’s Week celebrations
MSOE’s Raider Robotics team turned heads and set a world record in Dallas at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, the premier global event for student robotics teams. MSOE competed in the VEXU Robotics Competition for college and university students where teams build two robots (a 24” robot and a 15” robot) to compete in a 12’ x 12’ square field. Each match consisted of a 15-second autonomous period followed by a 1-minute, 45-second driver-controlled period. The objective was to gain the highest score by hanging rings on stakes, placing mobile goals and climbing a three-tier structure.
Raider Robotics Results
• Set the world record match score for VEXU (76 points); second highest score was 61 points
• Only team to have a Tier 3 climb during the autonomous portion of the game
• One of only two teams to have beaten the 2025 VEXU world champions during their run at worlds
• One of only two teams within the 55-team division that possessed the ability to do a Tier 3 buddy climb (where one robot is attached to the other robot while at Tier 3 of the tower)
MSOE Raider Robotics is grateful for the support of MSOE, The Angelus Corporation, Milwaukee Tool, SMC Corporation, Harley-Davidson and Metalcraft Automation Group.
MSOE’s longstanding tradition of celebrating St. Patrick, the patron saint of engineers, continued this year with a full week of festivities. Students enjoyed constructing the perfect Egg Drop contraption, trying for prizes at the Press Your Luck event, riding the “Ship Kussman” float (affectionately named for Dr. Kip Kussman, associate VP of student affairs and dean of students) in the Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade and braving the shave at the St. Baldrick’s event where more than 20 students got their heads shaved and the MSOE community raised more than $8,000 to support childhood cancer research.
Left: Kyra Schopper (left) and Megan Ruffing show off their winning Egg Drop competition contraption. Right: Charly Pyper braves the shave at the St. Baldrick’s event to support childhood cancer.
EXPLORING DIFFERENT CULTURES
Honors Program continues museum project in Honduras
Honors Program students Morgan Greenbury, Karis Johnson, Samantha Sterritt and Annabelle Varsek spent their winter break in Texiguat, Honduras to further develop their project on renovating an old military headquarters building into a museum about Francisco Morazán, a Central American politician and general who supported independence from Spain and democracy. Together the team is tackling three main components: curating the museum, creating the website and fundraising. They met with the mayor, the town committee, museum committee and other leading authorities and individuals interested in the project. The group is advised by Dr. Patrick Jung, Humanities, Social Science and Communication Department.
MSOE student helps win 2nd at IISE competition
A group of six MSOE industrial engineering students attended the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) North Central Regional Conference in January with their advisor, Dr. Douglas Grabenstetter. The conference featured guest speakers, networking, a case study challenge and more. For the case study challenge, students were placed on teams comprised of several schools. Sophomore Marie Diffley’s team earned second place with their solution to improve efficiencies for a fictitious Wisconsin dairy producer. Teams were challenged to utilize industrial engineering tools and approaches. They were given 30 minutes to analyze and develop their solutions, followed by a presentation in front of the entire conference and a panel of judges.
MSOE’s AI Club and Brady Corporation team up for Innovation Labs Hackathon
Representatives from Brady Corporation asked students to design an AI-based solution that can predict the amount of liquid in a container from a single image, as well as other features in the inaugural Innovation Labs Hackathon. In many industries, the ability to accurately measure liquid levels within containers is crucial. Teams presented their final projects to Brady Corporation and other industry leaders. A total of 60 students from both MSOE and UW-Milwaukee participated.
United Way Diaper Drive
MSOE hosted a week-long diaper and baby wipe drive to benefit the Diaper Bank through United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County. Members of the MSOE community donated 627 diapers for newborns, size 1–7 and toddler pull-ups as well as 1,728 baby wipes.
Home to Stay website provides re-entry resources
Students in MSOE’s Honors Program set out to aid individuals with their re-entry into society after incarceration by creating the Home to Stay website. This website was designed to serve as a centralized hub for re-entry resources, services and events. Students also worked on a phone app for the platform.
“The Home to Stay project allows my students to contribute to a tool that allows people to have a second chance,” said Dr. Michael Carriere, professor and director of the Honors Program. “I hope my students understand the importance of compassion and empathy as they make their way into young adulthood.”
BRINGING THE HEAT
23rd Annual WMSE Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser
Over 50 different chili varieties from local restaurants, cafés and caterers battled for best heat, best meat, best veggie, most unique and best display at WMSE’s Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser. Over 4,000 attendees flocked to the Kern Center for the biggest single day of fundraising for WMSE and largest restaurant chili competition in Wisconsin. Chili guests also donated 3,000 pounds of non-perishable food items to Hunger Task Force.
Best Heat Winner: Blue’s Egg & Bakery
Best Vegetarian Winner: Ruta’s Fresh Indian Fare
Best Meat Winner: Kettle Range Meat Company
Most Unique Winner: Hue Asian Kitchen
Best Display Winner: Red Maple MK
Amateur Radio Club helps Boy Scouts earn Radio Merit Badge
Amateur Radio Club members Jacob O’Shaughnessy and Aidan Riley led a session for a Boy Scout troop to earn their Radio Merit Badge. The session included regulations, physics and careers around radio, as well as a tour of the MSOE Amateur Radio Club ‘ham shack’ and an opportunity for the scouts to communicate over a short-distance radio.
Both O’Shaughnessy and Riley were in Boy Scouts when they were younger. They were proud to be able to step into a leadership role for the scouts and give back to the program that taught them so much.
“The most important part of scouts is creating opportunities for others to grow,” said Riley. “I was lucky to have the opportunities that I had while I was in the scouting program, and I wanted to give those opportunities to those going through the scouting program now.”
Four student-athletes qualified for NCAA Nationals
WRESTLING Junior Gavin Graham was the first MSOE wrestler in seven years to qualify for nationals. Graham competed in the 184 weight class.
INDOOR TRACK Senior Adam Shaw (mile), junior Jessa Alderman AND FIELD (shot put) and sophomore AJ Springer (800-meter run) all competed at the NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field Championships in Rochester, New York. Shaw earned Second-Team All-American honors in the mile finishing in 15th place.
HOME RUN
Baseball wins back-to-back titles
For the second-straight year, the MSOE baseball team clinched the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) regular season title and the No. 1 seed for the conference tournament with a clean sweep.
The NACC tournament was hosted at MSOE Raiders Stadium in Glendale, Wisconsin. Day one kicked-off with a bang when the Red and White defeated No. 5 seed Marian University with a final score of 4-3. They proceeded to take on No. 6 seed Edgewood College where the Raiders beat the Eagles 10-6, advancing to the NACC Championship game. MSOE would square off with Edgewood one more time with the conference on the line. The Raiders won in the seventh inning by a final score of 10-0.
Women’s lacrosse
Vayda Flower looks for teammates downfield.
This was the second year in a row that MSOE baseball clinched the regular season title, conference tournament title and bid to the NCAA Tournament. It was the first time in MSOE history to do so in back-to-back years.
The Raiders found their success with a different formula this season, leading the country with more than 200 stolen bases and averaging 4.90 a game. The Raiders finished conference play with an 18-6 record, along with an impressive 14-5 home record.
The team was led by head coach Adrian Santiago who, in his first season with the Raiders, was awarded Coaching Staff of the Year by the 2025 NACC All-Conference Awards. The accolades continued with Christian Bosque, Jack Kalitowski, Joe Stried and Kellen Pate earning First-Team Honors; Aagam Shah, Jordan Skolmar and AJ Le receiving Second-Team Honors; and JJ Jackson, AJ Hamilton and Zach Brzezinski receiving honorable mention. Le was also named MVP of the NACC Tournament.
makes playoffs in second season
For the first time in program history, the MSOE women’s lacrosse team clinched a spot in the NACC tournament after a runaway victory over Concordia University Wisconsin, led by Vayda Flower posting a seven-point performance.
In their first-ever conference tournament, the No. 5 seed MSOE women’s lacrosse came away victorious over No. 4 seed Cornell College to advance to the NACC semifinal in a back-and-forth thriller.
“It was exhilarating winning our first playoff game,” said Terra Ringo, head women’s lacrosse coach. “A lot of programs go years without ever making
it into the playoffs, and not only did we make it in, but we were able to get a win. It was rewarding seeing all the hard work we put in pay off.”
The team proceeded to the NACC semifinal and although they fell to No. 1 seed Lake Forest College, the team was proud of their season.
“There are a lot of things to be proud of this year, but the biggest thing I am proud of is the growth we had on the field,” said Ringo. “We never gave up and kept working to get better each practice and game. In the end, we grew into the team I knew we could be and found lots of success.”
With their second season in the rear view, the team is looking ahead at next season and strives to continue to grow on and off the field. “We are heading into next year with the academic goal of having a strong team GPA and a lacrosse goal of making it back to playoffs,” said Ringo.
Women’s lacrosse was one of the five new women’s sports teams that were added thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Kathleen Ruehlow ’72, MSOE Regent. This was the team’s second year of competition.
GAME. SET. MATCH.
Men’s tennis serves up a conference championship
The MSOE’s men’s tennis program was crowned Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Regular Season Champions this spring. The Raiders posted a perfect 6-0 conference record, securing the regular season title and an overall record of 13-6. The 13 wins for the Raiders are tied with 2023 for the most in a single season for the Red and White.
The honors didn’t stop there as four Raiders received NACC All-Conference Honors. Head Coach Ruth McGuire and her coaching staff of David Chon, Alejandro Martinez and Jeff Mrochinski were also named the NACC Coaching Staff of the Year.
Junior Andres Saavedra (right) earned his place as conference Player of the Year, receiving recognition as All-NACC in both Andres Saavedra winds up for a backhand shot.
singles play and doubles play with teammate senior Joe Chong. Saavedra posted a 28-9 record this season at the number one position in both singles and doubles for the Raiders. Saavedra is the second MSOE student-athlete to be named NACC Men’s Tennis Player of the Year, the first being John Price in 2017.
Both junior Miguel Lopez and sophomore Carlos Patino earned All-NACC recognition for their play in singles competition this season. Patino posted an 11-8 record in singles play and Lopez finished with an overall record of 16-5.
Though the Raiders fell short of an NCAA berth, the team boasted a successful season and is eager to take the court again next season.
Launching the Future
Over 1,100 members of the MSOE community gathered both virtually and in person for the launch of the Next Bold Step: MSOE’s Campaign to Accelerate Innovation on March 3, 2025. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, community partners and friends of the university filled the atrium and lined the staircases and balconies of Diercks Hall to be part of the historic moment. The $125 million comprehensive campaign supports the university’s goal to become the national leader in the education of applied artificial intelligence. During the ceremony, Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90 also announced the establishment of the Dwight and Dian Diercks School of Advanced Computing. The school, which will be home to MSOE’s computer science, software engineering and machine learning programs, is named to recognize Dwight and Dian Diercks’ incredible support of MSOE. Additionally, the campaign will raise support around scholarships, academic programs, faculty support, student programs and operational excellence. To learn more, visit nextboldstep.msoe.edu.
Center photo, from left: Dr. James C. Rahn, MSOE Regent and Kern Family Foundation president; Cavalier Johnson, mayor of Milwaukee; Dr. John Walz, MSOE president; Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, MSOE Regent and NVIDIA senior VP. Upper right: Student Maximus Bryant smiles while taking in the campaign event. Lower right: Dr. Edward W. Raether ’68, MSOE Regent. Below: Tina Chang, SysLogic chairman and CEO.
Bold Future: Student GPU Winners Share Plans for Using High-Tech Giveaway
Kate Eckland, sophomore operations and systems management major, and Franklin Cole, sophomore software engineering major and AI Club member, were ecstatic that they were the winners of NVIDIA 5090 GPUs at the Next Bold Step campaign announcement event on March 3.
“It’s the ‘holy grail’ for a much-needed computer upgrade,” said Eckland.
Two GeForce RTX 5090’s, powered by NVIDIA’s new Blackwell chip, were graciously donated by Dr. Dwight Diercks ’90, senior vice president of software engineering at NVIDIA.
Eckland is aiming to build her first-ever PC that she feels will be invaluable in supporting her MSOE course work and creative hobbies including 3D modeling, animation and gaming. Cole echoed these sentiments. And while still undecided on how he’ll use his new GPU, he said putting it in a home-built computer is one possibility.
Raider Nation Rallies: Students
Lead the Charge on MSOE Giving Day!
MSOE celebrated a record-breaking Giving Day on April 17, 2025, raising $921,592 from 2,524 donors. This achievement reflects the growing culture of philanthropy at MSOE, driven by the passion and leadership of our students, athletic teams, alumni, faculty, staff and families.
Student philanthropy engagement reached an all-time high with 580 current students making gifts— becoming the second-largest donor group after parents and families. Among them, 85 graduating seniors gave back, marking their transition into MSOE’s next generation of alumni supporters.
Organizations like the SAE – Baja Team, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Humanitarian Engineering Club topped the donor leaderboards, unlocking additional funding for their groups. Athletic teams boosted their sport-specific giving and
helped the Raider Athletic Fund secure major bonus gifts.
MSOE’s 2025 Giving Day stands as a testament to the power of studentdriven philanthropy and the lasting impact of giving back. Our students aren’t just experiencing MSOE—they’re shaping its future.
MSOE’s Scholarship Dinner was held on April 10 at the Milwaukee Athletic Club. The annual event, which includes a dinner and short program, is an opportunity for private and corporate donors to meet and connect with the students they support.
Pictured left: Terrell ’67 and Betty-Mae Williams pose for a photo with their student scholar, Mason Maile, at MSOE’s Annual Scholarship Dinner.
Taking it to the court! Attendees of this year’s MSOE Alumni Bucks Outing got to go on the court at Fiserv Forum for photos and even put up a few shots post-game.
1970s
Alan Wagner 75 EPET, retired from his position as computer systems analyst, database administrator, middleware programmer with Waukesha (Wis.) Public Schools.
1980s
David Zimmerman 87 CS&E, vice president, Americas, healthcare and life science, Avenga, Milwaukee
Ian Czerkis 24 SE, software engineer, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Jersey City, N.J.
Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center Groundbreaking
Saturday, July 12 | 1-1:45 p.m.
You are invited to a special groundbreaking event for the new Engineering Innovation Center. The $76.5 million building is projected to be completed and open to students by fall 2027.
REGISTER HERE: GIVE.MSOE.EDU/E/EIC-GROUNDBREAKING
Christian Dockery 24 CM, deep foundations estimator and project engineer, Michels Corporation, Milwaukee
Alex Rathke ’17 will take over as MSOE Alumni Association Board president next month. He succeeds Ploy Chongvatanabandit ’19, who will step down in July after serving as president for the last two years.
Rathke graduated from MSOE in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. After working as a design engineer, he made a career pivot into sales and today is a sales manager for Kubota Engine America.
Rathke has remained active at MSOE, serving as a board member within the Friends of MSOE Rowing from 2018 to 2023. This group of rowing alumni compete in races and support the MSOE men’s and women’s varsity crew teams to ensure the sustainability and growth of these programs. After becoming a member of the Alumni Association Board in 2021, he helped establish affinity groups for the university, allowing other alumni communities to build similar groups with common interests.
During his time as a student at MSOE, Rathke was a member of the Men’s Varsity Rowing team and Student Government Association. It’s also where he met his now wife, Margaret (Pugh) Rathke ’17.
In addition to volunteering for MSOE, Rathke has volunteered for the Badger Boys State program for 13 years. He is excited for his new role as Alumni Association Board President. He plans to focus on outreach beyond the Midwest and strengthen connections nationwide.
Alex Rathke ’17 at the Sakai Rinkai plant while visiting several Kubota Corporation locations in Osaka, Japan.
New Alumni Board
MSOE is proud to welcome a new group of Alumni Association Board members! These dedicated six alumni bring diverse experiences, fresh perspectives and a shared passion for supporting the MSOE community. Their terms will officially begin on July 1, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as they help strengthen connections, foster engagement and advance the mission of MSOE. Welcome to the team!
• Brent Arnold ’01 AE
• Jack Cerasoli ’19 CM
• Francis Sena ’19 ME
• Caleb Vredenbregt ’16 AECM
• Margaret Rathke ’17 ME
• Joseph Zuniga ’17 EE
Marriages
Leah Becker 21 NU and Jacob Christensen 20 CE were married on April 26, 2025.
Births/Adoptions
Garrett Farin 15 ME and Morgan Traub 15 IE welcomed their first child, Elliott, on Nov. 1, 2024.
TreJon House 17 SE and Jessalynn House 23 BME welcomed their first child TJ House on June 11, 2024.
Ashley Tutkowski 17 NU and husband Michael welcomed their second child, Levi Michael, on Oct. 10, 2024. He joins big brother James.
Ashley Corey 18 NU and Chad Corey welcomed their second baby, Milo Elijah, on July 31, 2024. He joins his 3-year-old big sister Evelyn.
Colton Peterson 24 EE and Heather Peterson welcomed baby Theodore on Feb. 14, 2025.
The Drewiske family celebrated their third generation of MSOE graduates in May! Left to right: Don Drewiske ’64, grandfather; Greg Drewiske ’91, father; Julia Drewiske ’25, new grad; Kevin Drewiske ’01, uncle; and Kara Drewiske, sister and current MSOE student.
love hearing from our alumni! Send your class note to alumni@msoe.edu.
Save the Date!
Regents’ Golf Outing | Aug. 25
Matt Stachelski Memorial Bike Ride | Sept. 14
Homecoming | Oct. 11
Wall of Distinction | Nov. 7
Check out all the alumni events happening in 2025 at: msoe.edu/alumni/events
In Memory
Alice Ryan 46 NU
Laverne (Beaumont) Greenwood 48 NU
Emil Hoyt 49 EE
Marjorie (Rankin) Schlei 50 NU
Marlene (Engelking) Bartels 51 NU
Andrew Drexler 51 NRTT
Grayson Hanson 52 EE
Alice (Grandine) Stapel 53 NU
Gerald Wakeen 53 NRTT
Mary (Osborne) Holiday 54 NU
Louann (Krohn) Steckling 54 NU
MSOE’s Homecoming is Oct. 11, 2025
It’s time to chart a course back to your roots. MSOE Homecoming is your chance to reunite with classmates, reconnect with campus and reignite that Raider pride. Whether you’re reminiscing on old projects, cheering at a game or raising a glass at Oktoberfest, there’s something for every Raider to enjoy.
Once a Raider, always a Raider. Let’s make this Homecoming one for the books. Visit msoe.edu/homecoming for more information.
Gloria (Weller) Belling 55 NU
Stephen Glatch Jr. 55 NRTT, 58 EE
Donald Gipp 56 NRTT, 59 EE
Julio Lence 56 EE, 63 EE
John Boutelle 57 EE
Robert Donald 57 IET
Harry Stone 57 EE
James Hanenburg 58 IET
Raymond Harrison 58 EE
James McGuire 58 EPET
Sandra (Holtebeck) Polzin 58 NU
Leslie Wilken 58 ACT, 61 ME
Robert Amundson 59 EE
Joyce (Cieslak) Cottier 59 NU
Levi Haigh 59 ME
John Orner 60 ECT, 79 IM
Roger Steffen 60 EPET
David Chester Fricker 61 ECET
Gerald Gruenhagen 61 EE
Ralph Lupton Jr. 61 ACT
Claude Simpson 61 EET, 64 EE
John Lueck 62 ME
David Harma 64 ME
Mary (Baltes) Wilke 64 NU
Alumnus named UNCF Mastermind
Kermiath McClendon ’12
KKermiath McClendon ’12 was inducted into the distinguished Masterminds cohort of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) in March 2025. Every year, the Masterminds are recognized as leaders in the community for their work that aligns with UNCF’s mission to provide equal access to higher education for underrepresented students in the United States. McClendon’s induction is a culmination of the work he’s done for the city of Milwaukee since graduating from MSOE.
McClendon’s early career involved socioeconomic efforts in the Milwaukee area. He worked in multiple sectors, including corporate, nonprofit, public, insurance, investment and philanthropy. He joined the Greater Milwaukee Foundation in 2020 as the impact investing manager. Here he oversees the social impact investing program, advancing community development by providing affordable access to capital.
One project that he’s particularly proud of is the ThriveOn Small Business Loan program, designed to help local businesses in low-to-moderate-income Milwaukee neighborhoods who were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have invested a total of $1.8 million in 38 businesses at low, favorable interest rates,” he said. “Additionally, we offer monthly business coaching to support these businesses in achieving their goals.”
McClendon also is a member of MSOE’s Alumni Association Board where he helps enhance alumni participation and mentors students. McClendon is one of the founding members of the W. Wallace Cannon Society, MSOE’s first Black alumni society.
As a 2025 Mastermind, McClendon plans to continue his work making an impact in the city of Milwaukee by supporting the areas that need it the most. His goals include increasing the number of UNCF scholarships awarded to Milwaukee students, enhancing UNCF participation among local fraternities and sororities and developing a local UNCF fundraising strategy.
The Cannon Society, MSOE’s alumni affinity group dedicated to supporting Black students and alumni, proudly hosted the Kente Lunch and Ceremony—an annual celebration honoring graduating students of African descent.
Marilyn (Veenendahl) Meyer 65 NU
Robert Watt 65 EE
Raymond Krieger 66 EE
James Bensinger 67 EPET
Harold Hickman 67 ME
Robert Lipko 67 EE, 69 ME
Roy Laird 69 CM
Keith Nowak 69 EE
Eugene Thiele 69 EE
Jane Martinez 70 NU
Thomas Artzberger 71 ME
Gerald Lindsay 71 ACET, 73 MET
Donna Mihm 71 NU
Bill Foster 72 IM
Kenneth Olechowski 73 EPET
Thomas Susa 73 MET
Ronald Teresinski 73 ME
Charles Koranda 74 ICEET
Gerald Wenzler 75 MSEM
Kenneth Johnson 76 CET
Robert Hendricks 77 EPET, 79 CET
Thomas Plass 77 ME
Thomas Evert Loomis Sr. 80 RHAC
Lester Manteau, 80 EPET, 82 CM
Michael Stiever 80 IM
Gerald Rosprim 81 IM
David Bieganski 86 ME
James Triumph 88 ME
Allen Heim 93 EET
Chad Mach 98 AE
David Strope 01 MET
Aaron Robbins 11 EET
Dr. Richard Galling ’75, MSOE Regent, received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree and was the keynote speaker for Spring Commencement afternoon ceremony on May 17.
Don Davis Jr. passed away March 28, 2025. Davis was a member of the MSOE Board of Regents for a number of years. He began his career at Allen-Bradley in 1963 after graduating from Texas A&M. He grew through the ranks, ultimately retiring from Rockwell Automation in 2005 as its CEO and chair.
Dr. Charles “Charlie” James passed away Nov. 22, 2024. He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. After his service, he attended Purdue University where he completed his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in engineering. He taught and was an administrator at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Massachusetts, Ohio University, Massey University in New Zealand, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and ultimately served as MSOE’s vice president of academics from 1995 to 2001.
Virginia “Ginny” MacNeil, former senior vice president of development at MSOE, passed away April 30, 2025. MacNeil served in this role from 1979 to 1993, and received numerous awards for her meaningful fundraising accomplishments.
RAISED THE ROOF
Construction began 60 years ago, in 1965, on the Fred F. Loock Engineering Center. It is located adjacent to the Allen-Bradley Hall of Science. When completed in 1969, the Engineering Center included state-of-the-art laboratories and a new 25 million-volt betatron that produced high-energy electrons in a vacuum tube so an X-ray beam could detect flaws or cracks of only 0.005 inches in steel. The betatron, pictured at right, is no longer part of the facility, but the 6-foot-thick concrete walls still exist! The new Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center will be built on the north side of, and connected to, these buildings.
SPRING/SUMMER 2025
Milwaukee School of Engineering 1025 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202-3109
Get MSOE news delivered to your inbox!
Update your contact info at msoe.edu/alumni
New cybersecurity systems degree
MSOE will offer a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Systems beginning in Fall 2026. The addition of this degree further strengthens MSOE and the Midwest region as a national leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and computational science.
The need for cybersecurity professions is in high demand and expected to grow due to the increase in cyberattacks and the need to protect sensitive data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment in this area will grow 33% from 2023–2033 with an average salary for cybersecurity and information security analysts of $124,740.
Unique to MSOE, the cybersecurity systems degree will be focused heavily on software engineering, setting it apart from degrees offered at other universities in the area. It is also designed to be transfer friendly for students who begin their academic journeys at two-year institutions and transfer into MSOE.
Cybersecurity systems students will be taught in a rigorous, industry-driven curriculum in an application-oriented environment. The program will be housed in Diercks Hall and will take advantage of the facility’s evolving technologies.
