“Giving back is essential so that future generations will have opportunities they could never imagine. Investments by alumni and friends are critical to strengthening MSOE’s ‘learn by doing’ philosophy.”

Joseph J. “Joe” Rencis ’78, ’80, alumnus and lifelong learner, credits his career mindset and success to his time at MSOE. Today, he's giving back to his alma mater on Giving Day to show gratitude for that support and to help future generations of Raiders.

On April 17, Joe is sponsoring a giving challenge to support MSOE’s SAE Baja team. He said the challenge is inspired by his time serving as a faculty advisor for the Formula SAE teams at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Tennessee Tech University.

“Supporting the Giving Day challenge for the MSOE SAE Baja Team embodies innovation, teamwork and the pursuit of engineering excellence in a challenging and competitive environment. These competitions provide students with a yearlong design, build, test and compete experience that is valuable to employers and enhances MSOE’s national reputation.”

Joe is encouraging other alumni and friends to support the challenge, which would unlock an additional $2,500 in support for the team.

As a first-generation college graduate, Joe was a trailblazer who pursued a degree in architectural and building construction engineering technology at MSOE.

After graduating with an associate degree from MSOE in 1978 and his bachelor’s degree in 1980, he earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from Northwestern University. To this day, Joe recognizes the professional background he shares with all MSOE graduates. “On the first day of the job, graduates have two feet on the ground and two hands on the problem. MSOE graduates are prepared for exceptional careers and add value to their employers immediately.”

During his career, Joe has worked on several innovative engineering projects, including an Air Force project with world-renowned professor Ted Belytschko, and gained experience at various research centers like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, NASA Glenn Research Center and Hanscom Air Force Base.

After earning his doctorate in civil engineering from Case Western Reserve, he began his academic career at WPI, becoming a tenured professor and director of engineering mechanics.

Throughout the years, Joe has held several leadership positions at universities across the country, including the department head of mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas and dean of engineering at Tennessee Tech University and Cal Poly Pomona. He also served as the interim dean of engineering at the University of Albany, SUNY and the UT Periman Basin and interim department head of mechanical engineering at UT Dallas.

Alongside his career in education, Joe also served in leadership roles for national organizations such as the Chair of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Mechanical Engineering Department Heads Committee and President of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Among his numerous recognitions for his efforts in higher education, Joe was inducted into the MSOE Wall of Distinction in 2019, the highest honor received by an MSOE graduate.

Today, Joe works as a professor and associate dean of the School of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide.

“I chose to pursue a career in higher education because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on students during this critical stage in their personal development. They will influence the world more than I could achieve alone.”