MSOE Fall Commencement Featured Noted Alum
| Published: 11/16/2008 |
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Fifty undergraduate and 12 graduate students in engineering majors, the Rader School of Business and the School of Nursing received their bachelor's or master's degrees at Milwaukee School of Engineering's (MSOE) Fall Commencement on Nov. 22 at the Kern Center.
Ernest W. Wirtanen, noted MSOE alumnus and supporter, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Engineering and delivered the keynote address at MSOE's Commencement. Wirtanen received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from MSOE in 1941. He moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1953 with his wife and two sons. It was there he started Wirtanen Electrical Ltd., a major rental service company that provides temporary electrical power and supporting products. In 1999, he established the Wirtanen Electric Training Foundation in memory of his son George. The school provides free electrical training to unemployed and underemployed Albertans, and has graduated nearly 350 students since 2001.
Wirtanen has generously helped MSOE upgrade a laboratory with sophisticated new equipment, making it one of the most state-of-the-art in the country. His gift enables MSOE to better prepare students studying electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer engineering. The new Ernest W. Wirtanen Laboratory affirms MSOE as an undergraduate education leader in electric power machinery, controls and systems.
"This is a paradox in my life, because I came here to give something back, and then this happens," said Wirtanen as he received the honorary doctor of engineering. "When I graduated in 1941 with my degree I didn't know where my career would go. But recently I've been reviewing my career and it all comes back to my time here [at MSOE] and my degree in electrical engineering." Giving advice to the new graduates, Wirtanen said, "Don't hide your talents under a bushel. Make yourself known in conversations, and you'll find that most people want to help. You must have confidence in your own ability."
Christopher Riedl of Milwaukee was the class respondent/valedictorian. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology. "There is no such word as can't," said Riedl. This saying from his grandfather was the theme of Riedl's address to his fellow graduates. Reflecting on the many sources of inspiration students have along their journey, Riedl said going forward, "We need to believe in ourselves no matter what the odds. We must not forget to be faithful to the cause of truth. We must never stop dreaming."
VIP Excellence in High School Teaching Awards
The following high school teachers received the VIP Excellence in High School Teaching Award from MSOE at its November Commencement. These teachers were nominated by their former students.
Leni Dietrich
Greendale High School
(now principal of Highland View Elementary School)
Greendale, Wis.
Nominated by: Andrea J. Batzler, B.S. in nursing
Nancy Knapp
Catholic Memorial High School
Waukesha, Wis.
Nominated by: Jacob Bartes, B.S. in construction management
Brenda Larson
Menomonee Falls High School
Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Nominated by: Matthew Wanke, B.S. in management information systems