Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall to position MSOE
at forefront of artificial intelligence education and next generation technologies

On Monday, April 23 at 2 p.m., Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) will break ground on its new academic facility at 1025 N. Milwaukee St. The $34 million Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall has been funded by a donation from MSOE Regent and alumnus Dr. Dwight Diercks and his wife, Dian.

The gift marks a bold step forward for the university. With the addition of Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall, and its new Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, MSOE will be positioned at the educational forefront in artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, cyber security, robotics, cloud computing and other next-generation technologies. MSOE will be a national educational leader in this transformative technology space and will apply AI to deepen and enhance the current disciplines of study at the university: engineering, business and nursing.  

A short program will feature remarks from Dr. John Walz, MSOE President; Dr. Dan Moceri, Chairman, MSOE Board of Regents; Dr. Eric Baumgartner, MSOE VP of Academics; Dr. Dwight Diercks, Senior Vice President, NVIDIA; Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker; Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. A ceremonial groundbreaking will take place immediately following the program.  

Dr. Diercks earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering at MSOE in 1990. He also holds an Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the university. Today, Diercks serves as senior vice president at NVIDIA, a California-based technology company and global leader in AI, supercomputing and visual computing.  

Uihlein/Wilson – Ramlow/Stein Architects are the project developers and Mortenson is the construction manager.