The MSOE community is saddened by the loss of Matthew W. Fuchs ’63, H’05, P.E., who passed away on Aug. 2, 2026. Fuchs’ impact on the university spans generations. As a dedicated educator, respected engineer and proud alumnus, he devoted his life to helping students succeed and strengthening the programs that continue to shape the engineering and construction professions today.

Fuchs earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MSOE in 1963 and later completed a Master of Science in Civil Engineering at UW-Milwaukee in 1979. He joined the MSOE faculty in 1965 and quickly became a driving force within the university. In 1972, he became chair of the Architectural Engineering and Building Construction Department, a role he held for 30 years. He later served as interim program director for construction management before retiring in 2003.

His influence can still be seen across campus. Fuchs played important roles in the planning and development of major campus projects including the Kern Center, Campus Center, Walter Schroeder Library, Alumni Center and Regents Hall (known today as Mellowes Hall).

Students were always at the center of his work. Over the years, Fuchs advised and mentored countless students through organizations such as Triangle Fraternity, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Associated General Contractors, and the Architectural Engineering Student Society. He worked hard to bring industry professionals into the classroom and involved them in student projects and program development, believing that a strong connection between education and practice was essential to student success.

“Matt was chair of the department when I was student at MSOE,” said Dr. DeAnna Leitzke ’98, ’08, chair of MSOE’s Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department. “I remember him for his willingness to always take time and listen to us. His influence on me as a student inspired me to apply for my current role. When I became chair, Matt reached out to congratulate me and offered to mentor me. He stopped by campus several times during the past three years to check in and make sure that the department was adjusting to all the change. He prioritized attending the CAECM awards banquet and enjoyed meeting all the seniors who were nominated for the Matt Fuchs award. We will miss his mentorship, quick wit and unwavering focus on our students. He laid the foundation for a department that values collaboration, integrity and stewardship. We are the department we are today because of the culture that he created.”

Outside MSOE, Fuchs built a distinguished career as a professional engineer and construction leader. His experience included work with Crane Manufacturing and Service, All-State Industrial Crane, Harnischfeger Corporation, Fuchs Engineering & Associates, Rhombic-8 Associates and 3-D-8 Inc. After retiring from MSOE, he went into business with his son, Bill ’86, as Total Team Construction LLC. His expertise ranged from structural steel systems and construction estimating to business management, machine design and construction management.

Fuchs’ contributions and accomplishments earned him numerous honors throughout his career. Among them were the MSOE Alumni Award in 1963; WSPE Triple “E” Award (Educator of the Year) and the National Society of Professional Engineers-Northeast Section: Educator of the Year in 1988; Associated General Contractors-Greater Milwaukee Chapter: Special Distinguished Community Service in 1994; AIC National Heisman Trophy Award in 1995-96; AIC-Wisconsin Chapter: President’s Award in 1996; induction to the MSOE Wall of Distinction in 1998; MSOE Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2000; AIC National Klinger Constructor Education Award and ASCE/AEI National Fellow in 2001; AIC National Fellow in 2002; and MSOE Honorary Doctor of Engineering in 2005.

Each year, MSOE’s Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management Department holds a banquet to honor its students’ accomplishments and its industry partners. Fuchs is always a central figure at the event with outstanding fourth-year students receiving the Matthew W. Fuchs CAECM Student Award. The award is presented annually to a soon-to-be graduate in the department who has demonstrated volunteerism, compassion, leadership, extracurricular involvement and professionalism—the hallmarks that guided Fuchs throughout his career. It is the highest recognition the CAECM Department can confer on one of its students.

Fuchs leaves behind a legacy as an educator, engineer, mentor and leader. He will be remembered for his generosity, guidance and commitment to others, which made a lasting difference in countless lives. His contributions helped shape MSOE as we know it today, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

The Fuchs family has shared that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fuchs’ honor may be made to the Matthew Fuchs Student Award Fund, which benefits students in MSOE’s CAECM Department. To give online, visit https://give.msoe.edu/g/donation, type Fuchs into the search field, and click on the award name.