| Contact: Amy Hasenberg, (608) 266-2839 |
| New academic hall will position MSOE at the forefront of artificial intelligence and other technologies |
| MADISON – Governor Scott Walker today visited the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall. The new $34 million facility was funded through a gift from Dr. Dwight and Dian Diercks. The Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall will help educate students, community members, and business leaders on how to utilize artificial intelligence technology.
“This new facility is not only an investment into MSOE, it is an investment in our state’s future that will help develop our workforce while opening new doors for businesses throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest,” said Governor Walker. “Artificial intelligence is an ever-growing tool that can help create new jobs and new opportunities for our state. Thank you to Dr. Dwight and Dian Diercks for their generosity in helping build what is sure to be a powerful educational asset for Milwaukee and Wisconsin.” The Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Hall is going to be a 64,000 square foot facility that will house modern classrooms, innovative laboratories, an auditorium, and it will house a supercomputer that will help create educational opportunities for students and community members about artificial intelligence. This new hall, in addition to the college’s new Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, will help MSOE continue leading in education by preparing students for the global economy and it will give Wisconsin businesses a new competitive edge. MSOE is going to partner with businesses in the Milwaukee area once the new hall is opened. Wisconsin job creators like Foxconn, Generac, and others will benefit from this new investment because there will be more potential employees with experience in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. The university plans to help businesses throughout Wisconsin and the region. Dr. Dwight Diercks graduated from MSOE with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering in 1990. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Engineering Degree from MSOE in 2014, and he is currently serving as a regent to the university. Dr. Dwight and Dian Diercks donated $34 million to the university in 2017 to fund the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall. Both Dr. Dwight Diercks and his wife Dian were at the groundbreaking along with Chairman of the MSOE Board of Regents Dr. Dan Moceri, President of MSOE Dr. John Walz, Senior Vice President of Academics Dr. Eric Baumgartner, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and President of Uihlein/Wilson—Ramlow Stein/Architects Scott Ramlow. |
