Making an Impact On and Off the Field

“From getting a walk-off in my first collegiate game to our team winning a NACC championship on our home field last year, some of the best moments of my life have been on this field.”

MSOE softball catcher and biomedical engineering student Jenna Trewyn spoke about the impact athletics have had on her collegiate experience on April 8 when an excited crowd of student athletes, alumni, community members, staff and faculty gathered to hear about phase two of an investment in women’s athletics at MSOE. It includes the construction of MSOE Raiders Softball Stadium, a 2.9 million-dollar-project that will be the new home to MSOE’s NCAA Division III women’s softball team.

The stadium is part of a larger multi-year plan, announced last fall, to expand facilities for MSOE Athletics and provide greater opportunities for women athletes. The effort is also aimed at improving the overall student experience and includes enhancing MSOE’s arts programming with the first-ever dedicated space on campus for the student band.

The plan furthers MSOE’s mission and ongoing work focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). “At MSOE, this commitment is not just about words, but actions,” said Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Inclusion Seandra Mitchell. “Investing in this is also a testament to the dedication of our university and the collective impact we can have when stakeholders come together to help us expand our reach.”

“Being a collegiate athlete has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is more than just a game. It is the special moments created while being a part of a team, the lessons learned from the hard practices and the pride you feel when you can represent the school and city you love,” said Trewyn.

The expansion is being funded by a gift from Dr. Kathy Ruehlow ’72, MSOE Regent, as well as a gift from MSOE Regent Matt ’99 and Jodi ’98 Burow. Fiduciary Management is also providing support to construct the new softball field.

Left to right: Bladen Burns, Fiduciary Management; Jenna Trewyn, student; Dr. Kathy Ruehlow ’72, MSOE Regent; Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee mayor; Jodi ’98 and Matthew ’99 Burow, MSOE Regent; Dr. John Walz, MSOE president.

For Ruehlow the gift means improving the experience of all students and helping secure the university’s growth in the future. “I am so honored to be part of this project. I hope these changes allow current and future students to engage in extracurricular activities while pursuing an exceptional education at MSOE.”

For the Burows, both of whom are alumni and former athletes at MSOE, supporting this project also hits close to home. “Jodi and I are excited about the project because of its core to reaching the diversity goals of MSOE,” said Matt. “We believe this project provides several new avenues to reach more female students and grow MSOE.”

“I have always felt blessed to have attended MSOE as it was an important part of shaping who I am both professionally and personally,” said Jodi. “I appreciate the vision of MSOE to grow women and as an athlete, I believe this project is a huge step forward.”

Matt Burow is chairman and CEO of Catalyst, the construction firm that will build the new stadium.

“MSOE has an incredible collection of student athletes, with unlimited potential for greatness on the field, court, track … and eventually the world. Support from these generous gifts provide us the tools to get there,” said Trewyn.