Rising sophomore mechanical engineering major Luke Finet is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom are graduates of MSOE.

Growing up, Luke’s father and grandfather included him in projects they were working on which piqued his interest in engineering. He helped his father complete house and car repairs and spent time on his grandfather’s farm fixing and building things while learning problem-solving skills. 

“For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by how things worked and wanted to fix anything broken,” said Luke.

When it came time for Luke to decide where to attend college, his father and grandfather’s experiences at MSOE did play a part in his decision. Still, Luke made sure to forge his own path and go where he felt most set up for success in reaching his academic goals and dreams. Now, all three share the bond of attending MSOE.

“I think it’s really cool to share this connection with my dad and grandfather. When I walk down the halls to get to my next class, I sometimes think about how they would have walked down the same halls years ago. It reminds me of their influence on my life and helps me stay motivated to do my best in my studies.”

Luke’s father Dan graduated from MSOE in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He enjoyed his time at MSOE as a member of the cross country team where he broke the 8K run school record and was a member of the SAE Formula team, just like Luke currently is. Dan was drawn to the university for the small class sizes, relationships with professors and because of his father-in-law’s recommendation. 

“Having three family members attend MSOE has created a bond between us that is strong and deep,” said Dan. “It's fun to visit the ever-expanding campus, share relatable stories, celebrate excellent advancements and rejoice in the legacy that MSOE has forged in us.”

Grandfather Ron was the first of their family to attend MSOE and graduate in 1973 with an associate of applied science in computer engineering technology and then earn his bachelor's degree in industrial management in 1974. He attended MSOE due to the university’s reputation and faculty with industry experience. While at MSOE he fondly remembers time spent reading or napping between classes in the B building during below zero winter days and trips to RadioShack with Amateur Radio Club.

“I am proud of my son-in-law Dan who chose MSOE to prepare him for a fulfilling mechanical engineering career,” said Ron. “From the time that my grandson Luke was born, he showed an intense interest in all things mechanical and just had to know how everything worked. It came as no surprise that he also chose to attend MSOE, even after I warned him about the multitudes of lab reports and term papers that he would be writing every week! I am so proud to have had a part in their decisions. Luke has nine other young siblings so there is a very good chance that he will not be the last of the Finet clan to walk the halls of MSOE.”

As Luke gets ready for his sophomore year, he will spend the summer as a manufacturing engineering intern where he’ll get to utilize his passion for fixing and improving things and solving problems.  Outside of school and his internship, Luke enjoys tinkering in the workshop, playing his violin and spending time with his family in their hometown of Darien, Wisconsin.