msoe dimensions - spring 2013

MSOEDIMENSIONS UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE x SPRING 2013

2 DIMENSIONS x SPRING 2013

President’s MessageDIMENSIONS

Milwaukee School of Engineering Magazine

Senior Editor: Sandra EvertsEditor: JoEllen Burdue

Managing Editor: Pamela SeilerDesign Coordinator: Leigh Ann Hass

Graphic Designers: Andrea Davies, Peg Houghton

Contributing Writers: JoEllen Burdue, Loreen Pace,

Kent Peterson ’99, Pamela Seiler, Hermann Viets, Ph.D.

Contributing Photography:Athletic Department, Larissa Boesiger,

Joey Contreras, Dr. Eric Durant ’98, Brody Haslup, Mark Hines,

Peg Houghton, KEEN, Julie Schuster, Ken Schwacher, STEM Forward, Josh Szmergalski, Sami Wallace,

Alli Zimont

Permission to reprint, in whole or in part, articles contained in this publication is hereby granted, provided a version of the following credit line be used: Reprinted with permission of Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Please direct all correspondence, news, corrections and changes of address to the address below. Also, if you receive more than one copy of any Dimensions, please mail or fax us the address panel from each issue. We will make every effort to prevent future duplicate mailings.

Dimensions also is available on MSOE’s website (msoe.edu/dimensions) and as part of MSOE’s mobile app. If you prefer to receive Dimensions electronically rather than a printed hard copy, please email [email protected] with that request, and provide your name and email address.

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.

DimensionsMarketing and Public Affairs Department

Milwaukee School of Engineering1025 North Broadway

Milwaukee, WI 53202-3109Phone: (414) 277-7135

Fax: (414) 277-7453Email: [email protected]: www.msoe.edu

If you would like to refer a prospective student to MSOE, please visit www.msoe.

edu/alumni/refer_a_student.shtml

Spring 2013 Volume 27, No. 1

MSOE BSEE graduates, June 1961; Back, l-r: Arden Gillund, Robert Miller, James Gonring, Eugene Falk, Melvin Jansen. Middle, l-r: Edmund Eldredge, Noel Engel, Floyd Clawson, Bob Crawford, Marvin Alt. Front, l-r: James Lecher, Joseph Gahwiler, Gerald Benedict, Charles Knutson, Burle Carrigan

Happy Birthday, MSOE! Wow! 110 years!

As many of you know, age gives you perspective. Those of you unfamiliar with that notion will understand with time.

But what of an institution? What does it benefit MSOE to be 110 years old? Of course the answer is intangible. Perhaps the answer is confidence, or momentum; the ability to face an issue and know that we already have solved others even more difficult. It is also impact; knowing we have made a difference, growing people and companies, and creating new knowledge and ideas.

MSOE has produced nearly 20,000 alumni during these years, individuals who have been at the forefront of engineering, business and nursing, and brought progress and success to their professions. We have also accumulated a good deal of archival material in our proverbial attic and are looking for more. As you know with your own families, pictures and mementos are of particular interest, especially if those in the pictures are identified.

MSOE librarians Gary Shimek and Denise Gergetz are working to organize our archives and would welcome your communication on items you have in your collection. At a Summer in the City event two years ago, I admired some photographs alumnus Burle Carrigan ’61 brought and he kindly sent copies to us. One of the photographs, featuring part of the EE class of 1961 and Burle himself, is shown below. If you have such material, please contact us at (414) 277-7182 or email [email protected] to make arrangements to send it to be included in the MSOE Archives.

While you are nostalgic about MSOE, please consider supporting our efforts in this archival project. Also, please come to visit during Summer in the City, July 11-14, or at any other time! We would love to see you!

Sincerely,

Hermann Viets, Ph.D.

P.S. You can make a significant impact on the university this year by participating in the 110th Anniversary Challenge. Read about the Challenge on the inside back cover of this issue of Dimensions. Please act today and join Regent Chairman Alan Ruud ’69 in making this year’s Annual Fund a smashing success.

IN THIS ISSUE

On the CoverStudents worked on a chemistry

lab in the early 1900s in the Stroh Building. Read more about MSOE’s history and artifacts from the archive collection on page 14.

Spring 2013

2 Spotlight on Leadership

3 Faculty Feature

4-9 Highlights

9 CAECM Career Night and Senior Design

10 Building Bridges and Lifelines

11 Profile in Planned Giving

12-13 St. Pat’s Week: Then and Now

14-16 Walking Through the Halls of History

17 Making Science Fun for Girls

18 Winter Commencement

19 New at the Grohmann

20-21 Raiders’ Wrap-Up

22-29 Alumni on the Move

29 Campus Calendar


Tech savvyWhen MSOE Regent Dwight Diercks ’90 was hired by

NVIDIA in 1994, he was employee number 22. Today, the computer hardware and software giant employs more than 8,000 people; 2,600 of whom report to Diercks in his role as senior vice president of software engineering. “When I joined NVIDIA I was writing code,” he said. “The company was small back then, but as we grew into different markets my role expanded and there was lots of opportunity for growth.”

The MSOE computer science and engineering graduate felt well prepared for his career, which included positions at Compaq and

Pellucid before NVIDIA. “Obviously, the learning and education at MSOE was a good foundation for me. The focus on the lab work pushes you to get your hands dirty on all projects, whether you’re an engineer or a manager. It also helped me to form connections. I have worked with more than 10 people at NVIDIA who attended MSOE, many of whom were my former classmates, including two of my closest friends and lab partners from my time at MSOE.”

Diercks’ software engineering team builds software for all of NVIDIA’s products, ranging from cell phones and tablets to PC graphics cards, automobile dashboards, gaming machines and more. While he uses his engineering foundation every day, his minor in business management helps, too. “We have to be outwardly facing to understand the customer and their problems. We may sell a semiconductor, but what we really sell is a solution to a problem they might be having.”

Diercks wanted to pursue the computer field because he was hoping to do something exciting, and to make a difference. A scholarship that covered half of his tuition costs enabled him to attend MSOE, and is partly why he remains so connected to the university. “I don’t think I could’ve attended MSOE if the scholarship wasn’t available to me. If I can help to give back in the form of my time, my knowledge and also financially, I feel it’s the right thing to do.”

Diercks was named an MSOE Corporation member in 2002, a Regent in 2005, and added to MSOE’s Alumni Wall of Fame in 2006. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Dian (pictured above during vacation in Rome) and their dog Foxy.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERSHIP

“Obviously, the learning and education at MSOE was a good foundation for me. The focus on the lab work pushes you to get your hands dirty on all projects, whether you’re an engineer or a manager.”

Dwight’s Tips for Success:

• Be prepared for the unexpected—learn as much as possible so you

can achieve the impossible.

• Further your education by reading trade magazines, books, etc. Those

can go a long way to adding valuable knowledge of business conditions.

• At NVIDIA we are encouraged to innovate without fear of failure. In fact,

we relish failure as long as we can learn from our mistakes.

FACULTY FEATURE Dr. Yvonne Yaz

Even as a little girl growing up in Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Yvonne Yaz knew she wanted to be a teacher. “My game was teaching. My poor sister usually ended up being my student, and if she wasn’t around I lined up dolls.” Her parents encouraged her to study mathematics and tutored her in their home. “During the summer months while other kids were outside playing, I was inside with my mother working on math problems. But I didn’t mind, I loved it.”

Her hard work paid off. She earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics, as well as a master’s degree in mathematics, from Bosphorus University in Turkey. After moving with her husband to Fayetteville, Ark., she earned her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Arkansas in 1991. Yaz has been teaching in MSOE’s Mathematics Department since 2003. She has pioneered the creation of MSOE’s first mathematics degrees: actuarial science and operations research.

Dr. Yaz on MSOE’s two new math degrees, starting Fall Quarter:

Initially I wanted to pursue one degree or the other—actuarial science or operations research. But both fields are in high demand and require similar course offerings, so we decided to offer both degrees. So far interest in the programs is high, and we already have several students signed up for the Fall Quarter. We’ll make sure students get a good education and a good job—that’s my mission.

On why she loves teaching:

First, part of teaching is mentoring, that’s really an appealing part of it for me. You become a role model for young individuals and you can change their lives. This is a great reward. Second, it’s a very dynamic profession: it keeps you on your toes all the time. The technology used in classes changes constantly, as do the learning styles of every generation.

On why she likes teaching at MSOE:

It’s the students more than anything. MSOE students are the most motivated, goal-oriented, hardest working group I have ever taught. They also have a very good attitude toward math, which is wonderful for a mathematician to see. You don’t have to make them like math first before you teach it to them.

On career advice for her students:

The most important thing is to choose the career that you will enjoy to do in the future. If you like your profession, you’ll be successful no matter what you do.

On academic advice for her students:

College is only four years of your life: work hard now and after you graduate you can play. Always study in groups—peer learning is one of the best ways of learning. Also, you will make lifelong friends. Learn how to manage your time, and finally, you have to eat well and exercise regularly. A good mind is part of a healthy body.

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HIGHLIGHTS

MSOE to establish Carter Academy

Thanks to an endowed gift from Dr. Gene ’60 and Mrs. Patricia Carter, MSOE will establish the Carter Academy. The academy will deliver an intensive academic pre-college program for potentially qualified students who wish to enroll at MSOE but need further development of their science and math education. Students in the academy will be dually-enrolled at MSOE and will study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses that were unavailable to them in high school. Some of these courses may be co-mingled with MSOE courses. “The Carter Academy will bridge the gap from high school to MSOE for students who show high academic potential and an interest in pursuing a STEM-related career,” said Dr. Hermann Viets, MSOE president. “This gift from Gene and Patricia Carter further expands our ability to develop a pipeline for students from middle school through high school, through MSOE and into their careers.” This contribution is one of many significant gifts received by the university as a result of the John and Linda Mellowes Planned Giving Initiative, which is funded by the Charter Manufacturing Company Foundation Inc.

Accelerated degree enables career change

MSOE’s School of Nursing will offer an Accelerated Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing beginning in Fall 2013. This degree program was designed specifically for the adult working professional who has already earned a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree in another discipline and is looking to change careers. The accelerated degree is a compressed, year-round curriculum designed to enable students to enter the workforce as professional nurses in approximately 16 months, assuming students have met all of the prerequisites. Most students who already have a bachelor’s degree will have satisfied those prerequisites as part of their undergraduate education.

Dr. Eric Durant named Young Engineer of the Year

Dr. Eric Durant ’98 was named the Young Engineer of the Year by STEM Forward. Durant is an associate professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, and the computer engineering program director. The STEM Forward Young Engineer of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding contributor to the engineering profession from the greater Milwaukee area. Honorees are recognized for their work in raising the visibility of the profession and the region, while also serving as a role model to others who have or may select the engineering profession as a career. In addition to teaching at MSOE, Durant is a senior DSP research engineer II at Starkey Laboratories Inc. Read more about Durant on page 11.

Dr. Eric Durant (left) and Rich Merkel, STEM Forward executive director.

Dr. Russ Meier awarded International Engineering Educator Honoris Causa

Dr. Russ Meier, professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, was awarded the title “International Engineering Educator Honoris Causa” by the International Society for Engineering Education (IGIP) in Villach, Austria. At the awards ceremony, Meier was recognized for his quality teaching record, knowledge of engineering education research and practice, and dedication to disseminating that knowledge to the international engineering education community through his roles within the IEEE Education Society.


HIGHLIGHTS

Earn professional development hours at MSOE for P.E. license

MSOE will be hosting its first Professional Engineers Advancing Knowledge (PEAK) training event on May 11, 2013. PEAK is a mini-conference that provides a cost-effective way for professional engineers to exchange expertise and help meet the required 30 professional development hours (PDHs) to maintain licensure in the state of Wisconsin. Professional Engineers can earn PDHs for both attending PEAK events and presenting relevant topics at PEAK events. For more information on attending and/or presenting at the event please visit www.msoe.edu/continuing_studies/peak.

Dr. Jeffrey Blessing receives excellence award

Dr. Jeffrey Blessing (right), professor and director of MSOE’s management information systems program, received the 2012 KEEN Excellence Award for

outstanding contributions by an individual to the Kern Entrepreneurship

Education Network (KEEN). Blessing was chosen from among 300 faculty

members at 20 KEEN universities across the U.S. The award was

announced at the annual KEEN conference held in Phoenix.

He was recognized for his work to set up and run a

computer network for collaboration within

KEEN. KEEN is a consortium of 20 universities around

the U.S. that strive to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in undergraduate

engineering and technology students. Its mission is to graduate engineers who will contribute to business success; and in doing so, transform the American workforce.

MSOE faculty honored

• Dr. David Howell, associate professor in the General Studies Department and chair of Servant-Leadership, was named academic dean for World Affairs Seminar (WAS).

• Dr. Jim Mallmann, professor in MSOE’s Physics and Chemistry Department, received the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service from the American Association of Physics Teachers.

Computers in Cameroon

A group of MSOE students and faculty from Alverno College recently traveled to Africa to set up a computer lab for students at St. Joseph Comprehensive High School in Mambu, Bafut, Cameroon. The lab was equipped with used laptops, which otherwise would have been recycled, that were donated by MSOE’s Information Technology Department and loaded with a free, open-source operating system. The trip was supported in part by MSOE’s Office of Servant-Leadership.

MSOE wins MCAA championship

MSOE’s Mechanical Contractors Association of America student chapter took first place in the MCAA Student Chapter Competition. Twenty-five universities from across the nation submitted entries. Teams had to submit proposals on a project involving the installation of the HVAC and plumbing systems in the Space Exploration Center Building at the NASA Research Park in Cape Canaveral, Fla. MSOE’s team traveled to San Antonio to present their proposals at MCAA’s national convention. They competed against other finalists: Northeastern University, Southern Polytechnic State University, and University of Washington. Blake Wentz, assistant professor and construction management program director, is the team advisor, and for the second year in a row, received the MCAA Educator of the Year award.


HIGHLIGHTS

Quarter break not typical spring break

More than 30 MSOE students traveled to Sumter, S.C., during their Winter Quarter break to escape the cold weather and help out families in need. The group worked on two houses for Habitat for Humanity. “We chose Sumter based on the amount of available spots. Since we had such a large group, we needed to have an affiliate that could handle us,” said Sami Wallace, a construction management and technical communication double major. They were able to work alongside the future homeowners to install trusses on one of the homes, and frame the interior and exterior of the second home, which had only a concrete slab on the ground when they arrived.

MSOE Leadership Day

Three alumni returned to campus for the second annual MSOE Leadership Day. Benjamin Gover ’97, ’02, director of North American heating and cooling at Modine Manufacturing Co.; Thor Misko ’06, V.P. of development for Project Lead The Way; and MSOE Alumni Association President Brandon Rosner ’02, State of Wisconsin health IT business policy consultant, shared their professional and life experiences, how they demonstrate leadership and what true leadership is.

Engineers win MSOE Business Plan Competition

A team of mechanical engineers edged out a team of biomolecular engineers to take first place in the seventh annual MSOE Business Plan Competition. The winning plan introduced an electric kit designed to motorize skateboards. For winning the competition, the Ferret Boards Motor Skateboard team received $2,000. The second place team, DeriGen-Cellulose Hydrogels, received $1,500. The two teams will represent MSOE at the Mason-Wells BizStarts Collegiate Business Plan Competition, a regional competition among 21 universities in southeastern Wisconsin that will be held at MSOE’s Todd Wehr Auditorium on April 25. The MSOE competition is sponsored by MSOE’s Uihlein/Spitzer Center for Entrepreneurship. Dr. Jeffrey Blessing, professor, Rader School of Business, serves as the competition coordinator. Pictured left to right, are Mike Cosentino, Matt Brazeau and Jake Schneider of Ferret Boards.


HIGHLIGHTS

Another top three finish

A team of construction management students from MSOE took third place in the Preconstruction Services category at the 26th annual Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Student Competition. Dr. Jeong Woo, associate professor in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department, coached the team. Students were challenged to prepare a preconstruction proposal for “The Pacific Northwest Project,” a $35-50 million facility in a remote location in eastern Washington State for the local Native American community. Since entering the competition in 1999, MSOE has had 19 top three places and nine national championship teams.

The buzz at MSOE

Tim DeLeo, an electrical engineering student (pictured left), designed a honey bee robot to help children learn and have fun at the same time. The robot is based on A Busy Bee: The Story of Bella the Honey Bee, a book published by SHARP Literacy. MSOE and SHARP Literacy joined together to develop the interactive robot as a learning tool for children in first through fifth grade. DeLeo, an Air Force veteran, developed the interactive robot as part of an independent study class called Project Management and Servant-Leadership. Funding for the robot was provided by the Brady Corporation Foundation Inc., and DeLeo collaborated with Chris Thuss, a project management consultant from Brady Corp. This was one of 23 Brady-funded projects last year at MSOE that promoted servant-leadership in project management and benefitted the community. Watch a video at http://bit.ly/ZVNl1d.

Bestowing of the Kente ceremony

MSOE held the inaugural Celebration of the Bestowing of the Kente honoring African American graduating students Reginald Alston (pictured right) and Kermiath McClendon (center). The ceremony, held before Fall Commencement, served as an opportunity to celebrate the graduates’ achievements and to acknowledge someone who inspired them. The Kente cloth, developed by the Ashanti people of West Africa, is a prestigious royal cloth reserved for special occasions. It serves as a symbol of valor and honor. The program included sounds of Kho-Thi Drummers and “Friends That Sing,” and a keynote address from MSOE Regent Dr. Michael Barber ’82, vice president of molecular imaging, GE Healthcare.


HIGHLIGHTS

“OP”portunity Conference

Young minds were put to the test during MSOE’s annual “OP”portunity Conference for high school students. The conference gives students the opportunity to demonstrate excellence in academic pursuits.

• Homestead High School, Mequon, Wis., won the computer competition.

• Lake Forest (Ill.) Academy won the math competition.

• Arrowhead High School, Hartland, Wis., won the science competition.

Madison H.S. wins regional Science Bowl

James Madison (Wis.) Memorial High School won the Wisconsin regional championship in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl® for high school students at MSOE. The winning team will go to Washington, D.C., to compete for the national championship. Twenty teams of Wisconsin students competed at MSOE and were quizzed on biology, chemistry, earth and science, physics, astronomy and math.

Eighth graders put fluid power skills to the test

Twenty teams of eighth grade students competed in the Fluid Power Challenge, sponsored by MSOE and the National Fluid Power Association. They solved a fluid power challenge by designing and constructing a mechanism that used fluid power technology. Teams from Mitchell Middle School, Racine, Wis., were the Overall Champion, Portfolio Champion and Team Challenge Champion. Silverbrook Middle School, West Bend, Wis., was the Teamwork Champion and Design Champion. The competition is designed to introduce students to the world of engineering and careers in fluid power.

Find more highlights and news in the Newsroom at www.msoe.edu/newsroom.msoe

Fluid Power Challenge


HIGHLIGHTSArmund Janto, MSOE CFO, to retire

Armund Janto, MSOE vice president of finance and CFO, is retiring on April 30. He will continue to serve the university as a consultant, mainly overseeing the completion of the athletic field and parking complex and other campus renovations. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from UW-Milwaukee and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Janto began his finance career at KPMG, an audit, tax and advisory services firm, where he eventually assumed management of the Milwaukee office’s largest client, Allen-Bradley Co. He was later hired directly by Allen-Bradley (now known as Rockwell

Automation), where he held several positions including financial analyst, budget manager, director of internal audit and international controller. He also was financial director-European region as an expatriate living in Henley-on-Thames, U.K. After leaving Rockwell Automation, Janto was the CFO of a venture capital company. He was part of a management team that rebounded a bankrupt machining supplier in the automotive and off-highway industries.

Finally, in 2000, Janto joined MSOE as the vice president of finance and treasurer. Within a few years his responsibilities expanded to include the Facilities Department on campus. In this role he has provided support for the expansion of the MSOE campus footprint working with President Viets, MSOE campus planners, Regent committees, etc., on projects such as the construction of the Kern Center, renovation of the Grohmann Museum, and the university’s athletic field and parking complex, which is currently under construction.

CAECM Career Night and Senior DesignStudents in the Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department had a

busy spring as they prepared for the annual Career Night and also the Senior Design presentations.

Jordan Borst, architectural engineering junior, spoke with a company representative at the annual Career Night attended by more than 45 organizations—up from 30 last year.

Aaron Huberty (left), AE/MSST senior, discussed his resume with James Gerloff of JE Engineering Group during Career Night.

Left to right: Mike Lieu, Thomas Martin, Brenden Dorschner, Tiffany Biagini, Chris Dublinski, Andrew Grygiel, and Chris Mals. For their project, the team designed a building for Dallas Power & Light that implements renewable energy sources to approach a “zero-energy” limit.


Imagine living in a remote village without a reliable source for fresh water, or without access to food or health care during the rainy season. Villagers in Guatemala face these issues every day, and MSOE’s Engineers Without Borders student organization is working to change that.

“EWB is a great organization for people who are looking to serve others with the technical abilities they learn in school,” said Marly Trier, an MSOE sophomore who is double majoring in architectural engineering and construction management.

EWB-MSOE members travelled to Guatemala the last week of February. One group went to Chortiz to build protective enclosures around the shallow wells providing most of Chortiz’s potable water, and construct a tank and lavadero to minimize losses from overflow and inefficient use. Dr. Willie Gonwa, assistant professor, and a professional engineering mentor travelled with the students and oversaw their work.

“We built the majority of the water system,” said Tiffany Biagini, architectural engineering senior. “Even more, we were able to do a lot of data collection by testing water samples and soil samples, taking a survey of the area, and finding the chlorine demand of the water. All of this will help us in the future as we plan for a possible next project in the area.”

“Designing and implementing water systems is a way I can serve others with the skills I am acquiring as a student at MSOE,” said Alli Zimont, biomolecular engineering junior. “My experience with EWB has motivated my school work more than I had anticipated.”

A second group traveled with Dr. Doug Stahl, professor, and two Milwaukee professional engineer mentors to build a bridge in Muculinquiaj. The existing road was impassable during the rainy season, leaving residents without reliable access to marketplaces, health care and schools.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Larissa Boesiger, architectural engineering junior. “Not only were we able to build a physical bridge, we also built one between the MSOE community and the community in Muculinquiaj.”

In 2012 students visited the site to conduct final surveys and evaluation, and they spent the past year completing their design. This year’s trip focused on excavating bedrock and constructing the bridge abutments. A third group of students returned to Muculinquiaj in late March with Dr. Todd Davis, assistant professor, to finish the reinforced concrete vehicular bridge.

“Despite being in the immediate wake of a civil war and being one of the 100 poorest countries in the world, Guatemala has been polled as one of the happiest, or most positive in the world. And it shows in the demeanor of the villagers,” said Alex Kollman, biomedical engineering junior.

Building Bridges and Lifelines

For more information on EWB-MSOE, including past projects, visit ewb.groups.msoe.edu. .msoe


Dr. Eric Durant’s ’98 support for MSOE extends back to his days as an MSOE student, where he discovered his love of teaching while studying for degrees in computer engineering and electrical engineering. “In the mid ’90s we had just gotten the Web on campus, and I set up some classes to teach students, faculty and staff how to create their own Web pages. That was fun for me. I learned how to share my love of technology while helping them achieve something they wanted to do. That’s why I like teaching.” After pursing a master’s and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from University of Michigan, Durant returned to MSOE in 2002 to teach full time. Today he is the computer engineering program director.

Durant and his father established an endowed scholarship after Durant’s mother passed away in 2008. “Both of my parents were deeply thankful for the great environment I had as a student at MSOE and all the opportunities for growth that it provided. They supported MSOE through gifts for several years after I graduated. So, when she passed away and my dad and I had to decide what to do with her memorial gifts, we quickly settled on establishing a scholarship endowment. Through our own gifts (and matching gifts from We Energies, where my dad has since retired from), we were able to grow the fund to provide greater support for a student.

We both know that my mother would have enthusiastically supported this endowment, and it gives my dad and me great joy to know the student it has helped support for the last four years; we look forward to it helping many future MSOE students.”

In addition to the endowed scholarship, Durant has also established a planned gift. “I set up a life insurance policy several years ago and made MSOE the owner of the policy. I initiated the planned gift because I wanted to make a larger impact. I pay the policy premium every year. The overall gift will be much larger in the end than it would be if I just gave that premium money directly to MSOE. I won’t be around to see it, but I want MSOE to still be doing great things 100 years from now.”

For Durant, establishing the planned gift was a way of saying thanks to the people who helped him while he was a student at MSOE. “I think it’s personally rewarding to forward something on to the next group of students, to acknowledge what you yourself got out of your education. For me, it’s rewarding to work with young people, especially if I can make it a little easier for them to afford college. It’s a way to build for the future and to perpetuate what the previous generation put in place to help you. The amount of a donation, even $20 a year, isn’t as important as getting into the habit.”

Dr. Durant with his mother Marilyn in San Francisco in 2008.

Have you made your planned gift yet? Let’s start the conversation now. Call Scott Weaver J.D., director of planned giving at (414) 277-7148, email him at [email protected] or visit www.msoe.edu/plannedgiving. Learn how your planned gift can make a lasting impact.

“I think it’s personally rewarding to forward something on to the next group of students, to acknowledge what you yourself got out of your education.”

Profile in Planned Giving

Paying it forward


In this photo from the mid-’90s (right), students are playing a game of chess with real-life pieces in Werwath Mall as part of the St. Pat’s celebrations. Today, the main event held in Werwath Mall is the annual egg drop competition, which is always a popular event (above), being covered by local TV stations nearly every year.

St. Pat’s Week has been a popular tradition at MSOE since the late 1920s. Each year St. Pat—the patron saint of engineers—is elected by the student population. During the proclamation signing held on the Friday of St. Pat’s Week, St. Pat gains control of the university and dismisses classes early. We poured over MSOE’s archives to bring you a glimpse of the St. Pat’s celebrations of years past. Things may have changed drastically since the 1920s, but MSOE’s love for St. Patrick has not!

St. Pat’s Week – Then and Now

In the above photo from 1952, then-president Karl Werwath grants St. Pat permission to take over the university. A sample memo, taken from a St. Pat’s celebration in 1948, is also shown. Today the take over is held with more fan fare in the Campus Center. This year nursing junior Amy Brogley was elected St. Patrick, the second year in a row a female was elected and the first time St. Pat is a nursing student.


Tie-cutting is one popular tradition that has stuck around. University administrator Fred Lex (left) got his tie cut in the mid-’90s and below, Nick Seidler, assistant director of student activities, shows his respect for sharp objects. The MSOE tradition, which continues today, signifies St. Patrick taking over the university.

Although we no longer have a St. Patrick’s day dinner like they did in 1949 (left), we do have a Raider Rally where participants march through the streets of Milwaukee to take on the Fir Darrig for control of the university (below).

In this article from March 10, 1958, the Milwaukee Sentinel describes the St. Pat’s events held at MSOE, including a dinner dance at the Elks Club and a beard-growing contest where student nurses from nearby hospitals served as judges.

Find more St. Pat’s history at http://bit.ly/104JiPB.msoe


Walking Through


Since its founding in 1903, MSOE’s students, faculty, projects and history have continued to evolve. The university has a strong past and a bright and promising future. The 110th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on where it all began and how far MSOE has come. What better way to honor the past than by looking at the MSOE Archives.

Located on the first floor of the Walter Schroeder Library, the MSOE Archives offers a glimpse at what was happening on campus and in the world throughout our history. There are more than 100 collections in the archives, covering a wide variety of areas. For example, there are collections based on MSOE’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Commencement, publications, student organizations, WMSE, and MSOE’s leadership and faculty. A multitude of artifacts, similar to what you may find in a museum of science and industry, show how technology has advanced in the past 110 years.

At the dawn of the 20th century, new occupations emerged in technical fields as the use of electrical and mechanical power was greatly accelerated. Engineers and technicians were in great demand, but few people were available who had the necessary formal education and technical training. Industry’s need spurred the development of progressive programs of technical education.

In this context, Oscar Werwath organized the School of Engineering of Milwaukee in 1903, which was changed to Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1932. Werwath was a practicing engineer who graduated from European technical schools in the late 19th century. He was the first person to plan an American educational institution based on an applications-oriented curriculum.

MSOE faculty authored a number of books for the courses. Not quite textbooks, but bigger than workbooks, these books became the backbone of education at the School of Engineering. “Because this institution was among the first of its kind in the U.S., the School of Engineering probably couldn’t find textbooks to supplement its teachings, which is why we believe books were created for the courses that were taught,” said Denise Gergetz, MSOE librarian and archivist.

Some of the oldest artifacts in the collection date back to the 1880s. An Edison light meter from 1886 is one item that is believed to have been used in early electrical engineering courses. Other artifacts include wavemeters, caliper sets, slide rules, audio oscillators, a Kodascope Eight Model 20 projector, an Ameco 2 and 6 Meter Transmitter, and even a ballistic galvanometer, among many other things.

The past decade was marked with many achievements at MSOE. Visit www.facebook.com/msoe110 for a more extensive historical timeline.

2004

Kern Center opened

MSOE becomes National Affiliate University for Project Lead The Way

Pieper Family Endowed Chair for Servant-Leadership is established

Johnson Controls Software Development Laboratory opens

2005

MSOE students take first in both the Design-Build and Commercial Construction competitions–the first time a single university won both categories

2007

Grohmann Museum opened

2008

Ernest W. Wirtanen Energy Conversion and Controls Laboratory was dedicated

M.S. degrees in new product management, and marketing and export management begin

2009

B.S. degree in biomolecular engineering begins

2010

M.S. degree in construction and business management begins

2011

Freshman-to-master’s degree in civil engineering begins

Industrial Engineering Process Innovation Laboratory opens

MSOE launches Bridge, an online admissions community

2012

Gene Carter ’60 Apple Technologies Learning Suite opens

2013

The Carter Academy is established

Coming in 2013: •RuehlowNursingComplextoopen •Athleticfield/parkingcomplextoopen •B.S.degreesinactuarialscienceandoperations

research to beginSecond century of success underway

Walking Through the Halls of History


Another collection that illustrates the breadth of the MSOE Archives is the Sounds of Engineering Science collection. It includes transcripts from five-minute vignettes that aired on WISN radio (which at one time was owned by MSOE) from 1960-1977. It provided the opportunity to tell parents, high school students and the public about new classes and programs. The vignettes were produced by students, faculty and even members of the Advisory Committees, about new ideas and breakthroughs in technology and how the school was responding to those challenges. They covered topics such as radio control for aircraft, space travel and portable TVs (that weighed 30 pounds, but had handles for easy carrying).

Twenty-two boxes of archival materials from Karl Werwath, the second president of MSOE, show the continued growth of the institution. They include administrative records, personal correspondence, drafts and final versions of articles he published, pamphlets and documentation from committees he served on.

No university archives would be complete without memorabilia and school spirit items. There are several MSOE pennants, scrapbooks, photos, buttons from St. Patrick’s celebrations, a musical score of the School of Engineering fight song, nursing uniforms, booklets, pamphlets, publications and much, much more.

Alumni and faculty or staff members who have items to donate to the archives should contact Gergetz, who will review the items and determine if there is a need for them.

The MSOE Archives is available to anyone who wishes to conduct research. For access, call the library at (414) 277-7180 to make an appointment. A special exhibit of archive items will be on display during MSOE’s Summer in the City event July 11-14.

“We hear so much these days about computers--weather forecasts done by computers, election results predicted by computers, census data processed by computers, enormously complicated problems solved by computers, and so many more cases. And we tend to think that they may be beyond comprehension. The term ‘giant brain’ has become almost synonymous with the term computer. Surely they are not simple machines--but also they are not beyond understanding.”

– From Aug. 4, 1960 Sounds of Engineering Science

Textbooks and marketing materials from the archive collection.

.msoe For more information visit www.facebook.com/MSOE110

Making Science Fun for Girls

MSOE is committed to introducing girls to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Two efforts the university supports include the Girls in Engineering Fair at St. Joan Antida (SJA) High School and the GE Girls at MSOE program.

The Girls in Engineering Fair happens twice a year at SJA. About 150 middle school girls visit

the high school to learn more about engineering and STEM-

related careers from “Stembassadors” at SJA, and from MSOE students. Activities have included using Jell-O

“Jigglers” and a laser light to demonstrate fiber optics, building electric circuits to power mini dance pads, and creating cars using mousetraps.

The GE Girls at MSOE program continues this summer when middle school girls will spend an energetic week exploring the

fun of hands-on STEM. The program is sponsored by GE Healthcare Women’s Network in collaboration with MSOE.

“The GE Girls at MSOE program enables us to reach girls during their middle school years, before many of them start losing interest in math and science,” said Olga Imas, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at MSOE. “It would be incredibly satisfying to see any of these girls again as MSOE students someday.”

The program focuses on construction, programming, electronics, health care and chemistry. The exclusive GE Healthcare curriculum includes activities featuring medical technologies, physiology and biomedical engineering. Girls have the opportunity to experiment with X-ray physics, operate ultrasound technology, and

measure metabolic function with real medical devices. Each program participant meets an accomplished female

mentor from the GE Women’s Network, primarily with engineering or technology backgrounds.

MSOE’s Summer Programs are another way for girls to learn more about STEM fields. Visit https://admissions.msoe.edu/

academic-experience/summer-programs/ for more information.



Congratulations to the more than 60 undergraduate and graduate students who crossed the stage at Winter Commencement in February. MSOE Corporation member Bernard A. Cohen ’71 Ph.D., P.E. was the keynote speaker and honorary degree recipient. He told graduates, “Don’t ever completely leave this wonderful place. Take your MSOE experience with you in your heart and in your head. My experience here on this campus changed me in ways that I can never forget and that still drive me today.”

Dr. Cohen ’71 (center, left) is the founder and president of Neurological Monitoring Associates LLC. He graduated from MSOE with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, and obtained his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 1975. He reminded graduates to persevere, saying “For whatever I have achieved, I’ve made virtually every mistake you can make except one: I never quit. I persevered.”

It took class respondent David Donehey 16 years to complete his mechanical engineering technology degree, while raising six children and welcoming one grandson. He told fellow graduates, “As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember the people who have helped to shape us. Let us thank them for their efforts and sacrifices on our behalf.”

Gerardo Sandoval (left), who graduated with honors and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, received the Alumni Association Award from Brandon Rosner ’02, president, MSOE Alumni Association.

Winter Commencement

DIMENSIONS x SPRING 2013 19For more information on this and other exhibits, visit www.msoe.edu/museum.

New at the Grohmann

Born of Fire: Scenes of Industry from the Westmoreland Museum of American Art

May 24 – Aug. 18, 2013 This exhibition brings together more than 20 paintings from the Westmoreland’s collection of late 19th and early 20th century

scenes of industry. Featured works capture the transformation of the American landscape from an agrarian society to an industrial one, interpreted in the work of both Pennsylvania and national artists celebrating industry as their subject. The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is the largest repository of southwestern Pennsylvania art in the country and they share this exhibition with the hope of developing a new appreciation not just for the art of Pennsylvania, but other geographic regions as well.

Opening Event

Film Presentation—Born of Fire: How Pittsburgh Built a Nation

May 24, 5-8 p.m. (film starts at 7 p.m.)Enjoy this documentary film co-produced by The Westmoreland Museum of American Art and

award-winning producer Bill Mosher.

.msoe

Fiene, Ernest [American, 1894-1965]: Night Shift - Aliquippa (Entrance to J&L Works), 1936, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in., Westmoreland Museum of American Art


RAIDERS’ WRAP-UP

Since 1993 Kevin Morin has led the MSOE wrestling program. But on March 22, 2013 he officially announced his retirement as head coach, although he will remain as an associate coach for the 2013-14 season. Morin and the Raiders achieved a feat many programs on a national level never achieve: 100 dual meet victories. Morin

will end his college coaching career with 101 dual wins. His teams have been successful in conference, winning six team titles and crowning 45 individual champions.

He has been honored many times by his peers during the past 20 years. Morin received Conference Coach of the Year seven times and was a four-time recipient of the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association (WWCA) Coach of the Year Award. Regionally, he was chosen as the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year in 2002. The National Wrestling Coaches Association honored Morin in 2004 with the Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award. Yet his 100

percent graduation rate among active seniors is the one stat that he is most proud of.

Graduating from Marquette in 1978, Morin accepted a position at MSOE as an admission counselor. Today, he is the university’s director of human resources. Morin was interim head coach of the newly established wrestling team, taking over the reins mid-season in 1993-94 when the head coach resigned. “In my first year of coaching there were four guys on the team,” said Morin. “I called them the Faithful Four because they were so dedicated.”

Morin was only the second coach in the history of the MSOE wrestling program. In 20 years of coaching at MSOE, Morin’s athletes have succeeded both on the mat and in the classroom:

• Two NCAA All-Americans

• Eight NCAA Championship Qualifiers

• 28 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Academic All-Americans

• Three College of Sports Information Directors Association (CoSida) Academic All-Americans.

• 10 of Morin’s teams were ranked in the top ten in the nation for academic excellence, including four team awards for having the highest GPA in the nation (2002-2005) among NCAA Division III wrestling programs.

Head coach Morin retires after 20 years

On Jan. 5, the MSOE Raiders wrestling team reached its record 100th dual match victory in the program’s 23 year history. The win came in a 24-17 victory over Wisconsin Eau Claire at the MSOE Duals.

Austin Binish, a 133-pound wrestler, competed at the NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships but fell short of his quest to become an All-American.

In his first match he lost by fall to seventh seed Grant Sutter of UW-Whitewater. In the wrestle backs, Binish fought hard

but lost to Chris Sokol of the University of Dubuque in a 3-0 decision.

At the NCAA Division West Regional, Binish placed third to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Other outstanding finishes at the Regional include Matt Ostovich finishing fourth in the 141-pound class and Dallas Schurg placing sixth at 149 pounds.

At the Northern Wrestling Association Championships, sophomores Nick Miceli, Matt Ostovich and Dallas Schurg won their respected weight classes. MSOE scored 68 points for a third-place finish in the five-team event, behind Concordia-Wisconsin and Lakeland.

Wrestling reaches 100 wins; Binish qualifies for NCAA Championships


RAIDERS’ WRAP-UP

Raiders’ Kroll named Freshman of the YearDue to an injury-riddled season, the Raiders women’s basketball team finished the season 2-22

overall with a 2-16 NAC record.

However, the Raiders had many bright spots including freshman Megan Kroll, who was named the NAC Freshman of the Year. Kroll was second in the conference in steals and third in points per game with a 14.7 average. Kroll was also a NAC Freshman Team and All-NAC honorable mention selection.

Other bright spots include Bre’Ana Strong, who ranked sixth in the NAC in points with a 13.2 average and junior forward Shannon Larson, who was seventh in points with a 12.8 average, and 6.8 average rebounds per game for MSOE.

Stueck leads RaidersThe MSOE men’s basketball team finished their season with

a 55-65 loss to Concordia-Wisconsin at the Northern Athletics Conference (NAC) on Feb. 16. The Raiders were led by Austin Stueck who had 23 points in the game. For the season, the Raiders placed third in the NAC North Division and the fourth best record in the NAC.

Stueck received NAC Freshman-of-the-Year honors. He started in 24 of 26 games played and led all Raiders averaging 12.8 points per game, 13th in the NAC. Stueck was an All-NAC First Team honoree as well as an All-Freshman Team selection.

Junior point guard and captain John Cording finished the season among the conference leaders in steals (third, 33 steals) fifth in assists to turnover ratio (1.8) and eighth in both free-throw percentage (79.7) and assists (46). He also finished second on the team in scoring, averaging 7.9 points per game.

Raiders hockey falls in Harris Cup FinalThe MSOE Raiders hockey team made a significant run to return to the NCAA

Championship Tournament again this season, but fell short losing to Adrian in the MCHA Harris Cup Final. The Raiders had a spectacular season with three players receiving MCHA first-team all conference honors: senior forwards Jordan Keizer, Brad Tierney and junior defenseman Michael Thompson. MSOE garnered two All-Freshman Team honors in forward Cody Gancher and goaltender Nick Kohn. With the addition of St. Norbert’s College and the College of Saint Scholastica to the conference, and losing six players due to graduation, next season will be a challenge.

Men’s indoor track placed second at NAC Championships

At the NAC Indoor Track Championships the MSOE men’s team placed second, falling behind Aurora by 20 points. MSOE was led by junior Matt Weach who won the men’s pole vault and placed fifth in the 400-meter dash. The first-place finishers for MSOE include senior Jordan Werner, who won the 55-meter dash and the 4x400 meter relay comprised of sophomore Garrett Farin, freshmen Andrew Bianan and Joe Buichl, and senior Chris Neja. The MSOE women’s team placed seventh at the NAC Indoor Track Championships.

Cody Ganchar

Austin Stueck

Megan Kroll

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


New Assignments

1970sDouglas Pfaff ’77 ABCET, operationsmanager,RolfJensen & Associates Inc., Orlando

1980sMichael Heaven ’83 MET, principal application engineer, Modine Manufacturing, Racine,Wis.

Robert Schober ’83 EET, test engineer, Nissan Forklift, Marengo, Ill.

Daniel Richmond ’85 ME, corporate asset utilization manager, Enviva Biomass LP, Bethesda, Md.

David Bloedorn ’86 EET, ’00 MSE, vice president of information systems, Network Health, Menasha, Wis.

Lloyd Mielke ’86 EE, principal engineer, Qlogic Corp., Shakopee, Minn.

1990sJeffrey Graebner ’91 CS&E, manager – load and performance, Walt Disney ParksandResortsOnline,Glendale, Calif.

Retha (Ruege) Kellner ’91 IE, assistant vice president, Wells Fargo Bank, DePere, Wis.

Daniel Nemecek ’91 ME, principal engineer, General Electric Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis.

James Borden ’93 MET, manufacturing engineer, Pflow Industries Inc., Milwaukee

Timothy Narel ’93 MET, director of engineering and quality assurance, Milwaukee Valve Co., Prairie du Sac, Wis.

Brett Schroeder ’93 BE, innovation systems engineer analyst, Hogan Financial Management LLC, Milwaukee

Michael Shedivy ’95 BMS, president of operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, Wis.

Joseph Stauber ’95 EE, senior staff engineer, Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis.

Erik Christiansen ’97 MET, general manager, Mercury Racing,FondduLac,Wis.

Marcy (Simmons) Bayon ’98 BE, quality control manager, Vesta Inc., Franklin, Wis.

Charles Discasey ’98 AE, project manager, Engineering Concepts Inc., Waukesha, Wis.

Matthew Meisner ’98 MSEM, senior project manager, Aptar Group Inc., Mukwonago, Wis.

Sarah Alt ’99 TC, director of IT, Briggs & Stratton Corp., Milwaukee

2000sKelly (Voight) Brink ’00 IE, senior lean manufacturing engineer, Meggitt Safety Systems, Simi Valley, Calif.

James Rask ’00 MET, ’06 MSEM, reliability engineer, Milwaukee Electric Tool Co., Brookfield, Wis.

Becky (Zick) Volovsek ’00 BE, director of marketing, Data Sciences Intl., St. Paul, Minn.

Nathan Hudson ’01 BMS, senior virtualization engineer, Fiserv Inc., Brookfield, Wis.

Timothy Lierman ’02 EET, imaging engineer III, TriMedx, Mequon, Wis.

An “Andy” Tran ’02 MSE, P.E., managing engineer, Milwaukee County, Milwaukee

Juli (Gamm) Johnson ’03 AE, associate, Newcomb & Boyd Consulting Engineering Group, Atlanta

Jeremy Poling ’04 AE, senior energy engineer, Goby LLC, Chicago

Aaron Schlicht ’04 SE, senior software engineer, Tensentric Inc., Boulder, Colo.

Sumit Sehgal ’04 SE, director – information security, Boston Medical Center, Boston

David Zanon ’04 ME, dental technician and systems specialist, Nu-Art Dental Inc., Wauwatosa, Wis.

Lisa Bleiler ’05 BSM, IT helpdesk analyst, VJS Construction Services Inc., Pewaukee, Wis.

Ryan Sireno ’05 SE, software engineer,RASSoftwareServices, Port Byron, Ill.

Nicholas Teichert ’05 AE/CM, member of ownership team, Total Team Construction LLC, Waukesha, Wis.

Corey Reynolds ’06 ME, applications engineering and aftermarket manager, Poclain Hydraulics, Sturtevant, Wis.

Andrew Slater ’06 AE/CM, electrical engineer, Avantti Group, Milwaukee

Ben Wolfgram ’06 EE, founder/salesengineer,WEAutomation, Philadelphia

Meary Barbeau ’07 BE, technical release analyst, Merge Healthcare, Hartland, Wis.

Michael Brink ’07 AE, structural engineer, AMEC, Chicago

Jennifer (Wisniewski) Misiewicz ’07 MSEM, environmental specialist, Generac Power Systems Inc., Waukesha, Wis.

Maureen (Calderon-Hernandez) Johnson ’08 BE, clinical engineer, Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee

Jennifer (Mezydlo) Koch ’08 NU, organ procurement coordinator, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Matthew Komro ’08 ME, applicationengineer,RexnordIndustries, Grafton, Wis.

Shawn Pingel ’09 MSEM, operations supervisor, We Energies, Milwaukee

Ashley (Kimball) Rutz ’09 BSM, marketing coordinator, Brake Parts Inc., McHenry, Ill.

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


2010sKayla Catalani ’10 IB, buyer/planner,ConcentricRockfordInc.,Rockford,Ill.

Scott Goral ’10 SE, software developer, QuadGraphics, Sussex, Wis.

Daniel Schmidt ’10 EE, system performance engineer, Verizon Wireless, New Berlin, Wis.

Robert Schuetz ’10 ME, mechanical engineer, Cooper Power Systems, South Milwaukee, Wis.

Sara Vanderlin ’10 ME, design engineer, Lakeside Manufacturing, Milwaukee

Charles Mathieu ’11 EE, controls engineer, Dematic Corp., New Berlin, Wis.

Shawn Campbell ’11 AE, electrical engineer, Elara Engineering, Hillside, Ill.

Majorca Thomas ’11 BE, engineer I, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Anthony Wilson ’11 ME, product development engineer, Rexnord,Indianapolis

Josh Alexander ’12 EE, controls engineer, Dematic, New Berlin, Wis.

Marc Anders ’12 SE, software engineer, Product Development Technologies, Lake Zurich, Ill.

David Andersen ’12 CE, controls engineer, Automation Solutions of America, Beloit, Wis.

Andrew Backus ’12 ME, design engineer, Power Great Lakes Inc., Wood Dale, Ill.

Tristan Bellman-Greenwood ’12 SE, support engineer II, Kiva Systems, NorthReading,Mass.

Latroy Brumfield ’12 MSEM, operations engineer, We Energies, Milwaukee

Brittany Charles ’12 AE, mechanical design engineer, exp, Chicago

Kathleen Collingbourne ’12 BUS, Harley-Davidson liaison engineer, Madison Kipp Corp., Madison, Wis.

Kevin DeBoer ’12 AE, junior mechanical engineer, DWG Consulting Inc., Charleston, S.C.

Andrew Desmond ’12 IE, industrial engineer, Seagate Technology LLC, Bloomington, Minn.

Kimberly Fischer ’12 NU, registerednurse–OR,Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee

James Franke ’12 ME, mechanical consulting engineer, Environmental Systems Design, Chicago

Logan Gill ’12 BM, installation project coordinator trainee, DCI Marketing, Glendale, Wis.

Michael Grant ’12 EE, electrical engineer, Switchgear Power Systems, Waukesha, Wis.

Jose Gutierrez ’12 ME, mechanical design engineer, AdvantageFederalResourcing,Brookfield, Wis.

Heather Harrison ’12 NU, graduate nurse, Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Hospital, Racine,Wis.

Jonathan Kowalski (left), MSOE director of development, Frank Paretti ’09 (center) and Vicki Flesicher Bruce ’10 enjoyed a reception after the Rockwell Automation Fair.

Rockwell Automation Fair

Two MSOE students meet with a guest in MSOE’s booth at the fair, which was held in Philadelphia.

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


Gaining a global perspectiveMike Shedivy ’95 isn’t afraid to take a chance. As a junior

computer science student at a Big Ten college, he was frustrated with the academic department and decided to make a change. “While driving back to Milwaukee (seven hours through a snow storm), I decided that it was time to switch schools.” He met with a few corporate recruiters who told him about MSOE’s excellent reputation. “After a visit to campus, the MSOE team had me hooked.”

Shedivy graduated in 1995 and joined Andersen Consulting in automotive supply chain management. “I had a great career. I loved the people I worked with (including my wife Stacy, who I met one month into the job) and will cherish my time there.” After Andersen changed its name to Accenture and went public, Shedivy felt it was time to move on. “The service industry model was changing, and I decided it was time to go. It felt like my drive home from college in the snowstorm.”

So he took another chance and enrolled full time in the MBA program at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. “It was challenging to go back to school in my thirties and leave behind a career. The first week of grad school, I proposed to Stacy and asked her to come along on my adventure. She always said the timing was suspicious, as she helped me pay for school along with a supply of good beer.”

Today, Shedivy lives with his family in Belgium and serves as the president of operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Mercury Marine. He credits his MSOE education in part to his career success. “Throughout my years at MSOE, the faculty made a commitment to me. They found ways to provide me with practical, hands-on education and experiences that were invaluable and translated into skills that were sought after by employers.”

For Shedivy, success is more than a title or lots of toys. “My test for success is whether or not I get out of bed excited for the day. I’ve always looked for tough challenges that don’t interest others and fully embraced them. My wife and I have an agreement that we have permission to quit our job on any day. We’ve always had a plan should this be necessary. Having this option provides me a tremendous amount of freedom to put myself on the line and do what I love and what I believe is right.”

Throughout his life Shedivy has stayed connected to MSOE, even serving as the Alumni Association president from 2003 to 2005. “I support the Annual Fund, help students on campus and ride motorcycles with other friends of MSOE. My professors showed me their commitment, which inspires my commitment back to MSOE.” In his free time, Shedivy enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter Olivia (8) and son Graham (5), and riding his motorcycle.

“Throughout my years at MSOE, the faculty made a commitment to me. They found ways to provide me with practical, hands-on education and experiences that were invaluable and translated into skills that were sought after by employers.”

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


Berea Janzen ’12 IE, industrial engineer, ABB Inc., New Berlin, Wis.

Timothy Johnson ’12 ME, project engineer, Signicast Corp., Hartford, Wis.

Joe Joseph ’12 CE, software developer, Montage Talent, Delafield, Wis.

Trisha Kaegel ’12 NU, registered nurse, Athens RegionalMedicalCenter,Athens, Tenn.

Nicholas Lintner ’12 ME, design engineer, Telsmith Inc., Mequon, Wis.

Kaylie Lenz ’12 AE, mechanical engineer, Energy Management Consultants, Fennimore, Wis.

Michael Luciani ’12 EE, field serviceengineer,RadyneCorp.,Milwaukee

Sergey Lyakh ’12 ME, mechanical engineer, Dowland-Bach, Anchorage, Alaska

Maxwell Martin ’12 ME, design engineer, Oilgear Co., Milwaukee

Joseph Matel ’12 EE, electrical engineer, Wisconsin Oven Corp., East Troy, Wis.

Stephen Mueller ’12 MET, designer, Xylem Water Solutions, Pewaukee, Wis.

Jordan Opalewski ’12 IB, business development specialist, SoftwareONE, Waukesha, Wis.

Shoshana Perlman ’12 ME, quality systems coordinator, Pace Industries Inc., Grafton, Wis.

David Reuter ’12 ME, engineer, Trek Bicycle Corp., Waterloo, Wis.

Ryan Roy ’12 ME, engineer I, RFA/MinnesotaEngineering,Horicon, Wis.

Daniel Schenkenfelder ’12 ME, mechanical designer, Automation Solutions of America, Beloit, Wis.

Anthony Seyfarth-Lechner ’12 MIS, software developer, RedPrairie,Waukesha,Wis.

Erik Sommer ’12 CE/EE, software development engineer in test, Microsoft Corp., Redmond,Wash.

Kathryn Thielen ’12 CM, field engineer/estimator,KiewitCorp., Lenexa, Kan.

Matthew Wirtz ’12 ME, mechanical design engineer, RFA/MinnesotaEngineering,Horicon, Wis.

Dane Zachman ’12 AE, assistant project manager, Total Mechanical, Pewaukee, Wis.

Zachary Zirzow ’12 BM, quality assurance technician, Midwest Products and Engineering Inc., Milwaukee

MarriagesRetha (Ruege) Romandine ’91 IE married John Kellner on Nov. 25, 2012.

Brian Rogers ’93 EE married Sara (Heiden) Chasteen on Dec. 31, 2012.

Clifton Hartford ’95 AE marriedHeatherDeRyckeonAug. 18, 2012.

Andrea Erdman ’04 BE married Robert Seidl ’06 AE/BMS on Oct. 20, 2012.

JiJu Johnson ’06 ME, ’11 MSE married Olivia Zambrana ’07 ME on July 27, 2012.

Jeffrey Reiter ’07 ME married Nicole Waraxa ’07 ME on Oct. 5, 2012.

Michael Trader ’89 EE married Dr. Kristen Seas on May 7, 2011. They posed for wedding photos in MSOE’s very own Grohmann Museum. “During a venue-scouting trip to Milwaukee, we stopped in at the Grohmann and fell in love with the place. I can’t believe more alumni haven’t taken advantage of this gem,” said Trader.

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


Alicia Williams ’07 AE married Jeremie Pavelski on Sept. 17, 2011.

Nicholas Klotz ’08 EE married Jackie Savorias on June 16, 2012.

Chad Kubly ’09 EET married Erika Skemp on Aug. 11, 2012.

Shawn Schneiker ’09 CM married Leslie Moore on June 30, 2012.

Logan Biggs ’10 ME married Kristina Schmitt on Sept. 1, 2012.

Noah Schwalbe ’10 ME married Heidi Seaver on Sept. 29, 2012.

Allyse Brost ’11 AE married Steven Panaro ’11 AE on July 14, 2012.

Ryan Bykowski ’11 EE married Natalie Schroeder on Aug. 18, 2012.

Timothy Paladin ’11 ME married Katherine Alyinovich on Dec. 23, 2011.

Seth Pollen ’11 SE married Ashia Harter on Jan. 5, 2013.

Michael Villarreal ’11 AE married Nikolina Johannes on Oct. 20, 2012.

BirthsTo Kristi and Steven Redlich ’93 EE, a son, Carter, born on March 28, 2012.

To Bridget and Eric Barczak ’96 IE, a son, Joseph Paul, born on Jan. 8, 2013.

To Jennifer and Stephen Bichler ’00 B&CS, a son, Ira, born on Sept. 18, 2012.

ToRebeccaand Timothy Eck ’00 ME, a daughter, Lulu Victoria, born on Sept. 13, 2012.

To Sheku ’01 MSE and Janet (Brewah) Kamara ’03 NU, a son, Alimamy, born on Dec. 7, 2012.

To Jean and James Peterson ’02 B&CS, a son, Gavin James, born on Aug. 9, 2012.

To Carolina Calzada and Dr. Matthew Trussoni ’03 AE, a daughter, Alessandra Cecilia, born on Feb. 19, 2013.

To Natalie and Sumit Sehgal ’04 SE, a daughter, Mykela, born on Feb. 3, 2012.

To Beth and Eric Suminski ’05 MIS, a son, Austin, born on Aug. 19, 2012.

To Heather and Andrew Slater ’06 AE/CM, a daughter, Lydia Marie, born on Nov. 11, 2012.

To Maureen (Calderon) ’08 BE and Bjorn Johnson ’09 AE/MSST, a daughter, Faviola Alexa, born on March 24, 2012.

To Terry and Cory Powers ’08 AE, a son, Aiden, born on Sept. 5, 2012.

MSOE alumni and friends living on the east coast gathered in Washington, D.C., in November to reconnect and meet new friends. Dick Schneider ’66 (left) and Jonathan Weaver ’03.

Rosa Donat ’01 (left), Megan Romano ’03 (center) and Marie Roscoe ’03.

To Kyle and Nicole (Whitlock) Duncan ’01 B&CS, ’11 MSEM, a daughter, Aubrey Simone, born on Dec. 5, 2012.

East chapter alumni event

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


Alumni, families and friends were invited to cheer the MSOE hockey team to victory as they took on the Lawrence University Vikings in Appleton, Wis. The group met at Beefeaters Grill and Public House before the game to share some appetizers and camaraderie. (Left to right): Anne Schlies, Caroline Schlies, Fox Valley area chair Chris Schlies ’99 and Linda Schlies.

AchievementsWilliam Edstrom ’84 EE, recently published his book, Studio One for Engineers and Producers, through Hal Leonard Books.

Adam Tietyen ’90 ME, received his Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from MSOE in November 2012.

Kevin Koenigs ’93 MET, received his Master of Business Administration Degree from University of Phoenix in 2012.

Dr. Eric Durant ’98 EE/CE, was named Young Engineer of the Year by STEM Forward.

Steven Glynn ’98 BMS, was named one of The Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013. Glynn is the president and executive director of Spreenkler Talent Labs Ltd.

Ron Janzen ’99 IE P.E., was named one of The Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013. Janzen is the president and general manager of Unit Drop Forge Co. Inc.

Dean Foate ’99 MSEM, has been named as the chairman of the board of directors at Plexus Corp., Neenah, Wis.

Timothy Eck ’00 ME, was issued patent #8371893 on Feb. 12, 2013 for “Method and system for articulated character head actuation and control.”

James Onsager ’06 EE, received his Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from MSOE in November 2012.

Jeffrey Spenner ’06 ME, has earned LC appellation from the National Council for the Lighting Professions.

In MemoryMargaret Bahr ’38 NUJames Cross ’47 RHACTRichard Kirschling ’47 RHACTJames McKelvey ’47 REFRDonald Peters ’47 RHACTJohn Gall ’48 RHACTCarl Paulsgrove ’48 WELDIrvin DeBolt ’49 RHACTWorthington “Bill” Greene ’49 EEBertrand Sibley Jr. ’49 EEJack Tipton ’50 RHACTJames Walker ’50 ELTNTMelvin Heyse ’51 WELDLyle Vollmer ’51 RTTHoward Race ’52 EEWarren Bretthauer ’54 RTSGeorge Dobrowalski ’54 EELawrence Mattelig ’55 MT

Harold Lowe ’56 RTSRichard Conlon ’57 EELlewellyn “Lew” Hintz ’57 EERonald Lingard ’57 RHACTRichard Pardon ’58 INDTRobert Rebhorn ’58 INDTWilliam Wren ’58 ECETClark Zastrow ’58 ECETAlvin Remscheid ’59 EEEdward Wayo ’64 AIMArthur McVitty ’65 EEEugene Moehling ’67 MEWilliam Timmer ’70 MSEMLawrence Hanley ’71 ECETJohn Knade ’72 EEKenneth Ingalls ’73 EET, ’77 MSEMClemens Schultz ’74 EEJoseph Schuld ’81 EET

Gregory Whittier ’84 IM

Joshua Kemp, MIS junior, passed away on Dec. 4, 2012. While a student at MSOE he was employed as an assistant systems administrator in the Information Technology Department. He is deeply missed by the MSOE community. His father RichardKemp’74isanMSOEgraduate and his late brother RichardalsoattendedMSOE.

Andrew B. “Andy” Schmirler, professor emeritus, passed away on Dec. 24, 2012. Schmirler was a professor in MSOE’s Mathematics Department, where he taught for 43 years before retiring in 1999. He was a member of the Mathematical Association of America and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army.

Wisconsin chapter event

ALUMNI ON THE MOVE


Alumni skate and chili event

We never know who has more fun at the annual skate and chili event, the kids or the adults! Participants skated with members of MSOE’s hockey team and enjoyed a hearty meal of chili after working up an appetite. For more photos from the event, visit www.msoe.edu/alumni/events_and_news/past_events.

Growing painsBrian Gronski ’91 was born with a green

thumb, one he inherited largely from his father. “My dad was a huge gardener,” said Gronski, “and thanks to him I didn’t eat a store-bought vegetable until college.” After graduating with honors from MSOE with an electrical engineering degree, Gronski took a position with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) where he eventually led a department of nearly 100 people. In 2010, however, he was caught in downsizing at WPS.

Throughout his career he never lost his love for farming, and losing his job gave him the impetus to pursue his love full time. “My wife and I were looking to get into agriculture, but didn’t know what direction to go in. We found a certified organic farm that was for sale and took it as a sign, and in November 2011 we bought it.”

Gronski admits, leaving the comforts of a steady salary was hard. “I was 20 years into my career with benefits and a retirement

account. So yeah, it was scary to step out on my own. At the same time, you have to do what you love. Now, I’ve never worked so hard, made so little and had so much fun in all my life.”

Groché Organic Farms in Suamico, Wis., is 144 acres of community-supported agriculture, meaning families can buy into the farm on a membership basis and receive one week’s supply of organic vegetables for 16-24 weeks. “We have a strong belief that people need to be reconnected to agriculture and understand where their food comes from,” said Gronski. In addition, families can spend quality time at the farm, which includes the first organic eight-acre corn maze and pumpkin patch in the state.

His engineering degree has helped him throughout his career. “Engineering is problem solving. Every day there’s a new challenge, so I use the problem-solving methods I learned at MSOE to understand

the cause and effect to find a solution. All the disciplines I learned at MSOE I still use to some extent. I also took an entrepreneur class and some other small business classes that have all helped me to grow as a small business owner.”

.msoe For more information, visit www.grocheorganicfarms.com


CalendarApril15 BoardofRegents’meeting17 Accepted Student Day17 Great Books Dinner and Discussion18 Continuing Studies and Outreach Information Session19-20 Gallery Night and Day at the Grohmann Museum20 Open House25 Health and Wellness Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.,

Kern Center ArenaMay2 Last Lecture Series: Dr. Owe Petersen6 GrandOpeningofthenewRuehlowNursingComplex8 Student Leadership Dinner15 Great Books Dinner and Discussion24 Born of Fire: Scenes of Industry from the Westmoreland

Museum of American Art opens at the Grohmann Museum

25 SpringQuarterends/Commencement27 Memorial Day holiday, campus offices closed30 Alumni Fifth Thursday eventJune6 Continuing Studies and Outreach Information Session 10 President’s Golf Outing12 Great Books Dinner and DiscussionJuly8-13 Private College Week8-26 Summer programs for high school students11-14 SummerintheCityAlumniReunion15 BoardofRegents’Meeting26-27 Gallery Night and DayAugust22 Continuing Studies and Outreach Information Session 26 Regents’GolfOuting29 Alumni Fifth Thursday event

Thanks to our 2013 Email Ambassadors!Many thanks to the alumni listed below who participated in the Email Ambassador Program, where MSOE alumni email high school seniors who have been accepted into next year’s freshman class. Anyone interested in participating next year should contact Cathy Varebrook at (414) 277-4523 or [email protected].

Sarah Alt ’99Andy Blau ’09Monica Block ’07Jackie Bohman ’05Mike Brzeski ’07Steve Buss ’04Brittney Christensen ’09Jesse Daily ’01Gary Gavin ’02Stephanie Johnson ’00Dave Knight ’03

Zachary Krueger ’06Mike Lannan ’06Janelle Leafblad ’00Melissa Meyer ’06Chaning Ogden ’09CraigRekowski’07BrandonRosner’02RyanSmaglik’10Patrick Thomas ’01Jonathan Weaver ’03Lexee Zutz ’03

bit.ly/163zOaH

ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE

Engineers, business professionals and nurses meet challenges every day. A generous alumnus has issued a new challenge to the MSOE community in our 110th anniversary.

MSOE has just received a challenge grant to celebrate our 110th year. We need your help today to meet this anniversary challenge.

MSOE Regent Chairman Alan Ruud ’69 has pledged to match every gift, new gift, increased gift; including corporate matching gifts – up to $110,000 total - made between now and June 30, 2013. This cumulative contribution of $220,000 to the Annual Fund will enable MSOE to provide enhanced academic and scholarship opportunities for our students.

Go to www.msoe.edu/makeagift/, scan the QR code below or use the enclosed envelope to mail your gift.

Dimensions Spring 2013Milwaukee School of Engineering1025 North BroadwayMilwaukee, WI 53202-3109Change Service Requested

bit.ly/FollowMSOE

Get MSOE news delivered to your inbox! Sign up to receive E-news or Family Ties, MSOE’s electronic newsletters for alumni andfriends,atwww.msoe.edu/alumni/orwww.msoe.edu/parents/family_ties.shtml,respectively.

Join us online:

Spring is in the air, which can only mean one thing –Summer intheCityisalmosthere!Reunitewitholdfriends,meetfellowMSOE alumni and attend a variety of events during the annual fun-filled reunion weekend.

Kick off the festivities by participating in Storming the Bastille, theannual5-krun/two-milewalkonThursdaynightaspartofBastille Days. Meet friends and other alumni at MSOE’s Werwath Mall to pick up your T-shirt and water bottle before heading to the starting line.

Other events throughout the weekend include a Harley-Davidson Museum tour, an interactive discussion about America’s economy hostedbytheRaderSchoolofBusiness,campustours,ahistoricMilwaukeeRiversightseeingcruise,andmore.

The classes of ’63 and ’88 from MSOE and MCGHSN will be honored,aswellasMSOERegentKathyRuehlow’72whowillreceive the Distinguished Alumna of the Year award.

Watchyourmailboxorvisitwww.msoe.edu/alumniformoreinformation. See you in July!

July 11-14, 2013

Summer in the City

msoe dimensions - spring 2013

Documents

email address

msoes website msoe

changes of address

address panel

dimensions x spring

msoe bsee graduates

joellen burdue

forefront of engineering