Construction is underway on Hermann Viets Tower, a living-learning community for MSOE students. Thanks to continuing philanthropic support of our donors, the $37 million project features a major renovation and expansion of Roy W. Johnson Residence Hall. The living-learning community will encourage academic success and give students with similar academic, social and personal interests the opportunity to live together, collaborate and share experiences. When work is completed, the hall will be renamed the Hermann Viets Tower in honor of the late Dr. Hermann Viets, MSOE’s fourth president. The goal is to have the renovated facility open for the fall 2021 term. If you would like to learn more about the Viets Tower project and ways you can support MSOE, please contact MSOE development staff at development@msoe.edu.
Living-learning communities (LLCs) are unique housing groups that allow students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and enable the university to continue fostering the growth of the MSOE Mindset, which identifies graduates as leaders of character; responsible professionals; passionate learners; and value creators. LLCs create comprehensive in- and out-of-class learning environments that offer heightened levels of student engagement with faculty, peers and their own learning.
Regarded as a high-impact educational practice, LLCs have shown demonstrated impact on student engagement, retention, graduation and personal success by integrating students into a community of like-minded learners. The new space will help MSOE to continue attracting high-caliber students from around the globe, improve student satisfaction, and give them a residential experience to match the quality of the education they are receiving.
The transformation will include 48 additional rooms and a series of two-story collaboration hubs constructed in a southern-facing, glass enclosed addition overlooking the Milwaukee skyline. Modernized rooms and living spaces will be flexible and designed to serve the diverse needs of all students. New restrooms and a central study area will round out each floor. The ground floor will provide innovative spaces designed to support interdisciplinary education. The third floor of the Campus Center has been transformed into the Robert Spitzer Dining Commons and serves as the primary dining space for resident students, commuters, faculty, staff and visitors.
When work is completed, the hall will be renamed the Hermann Viets Memorial Tower in honor of the late Dr. Hermann Viets, MSOE’s fourth president
An exterior rendering of Hermann Viets Tower.
An exterior rendering of Hermann Viets Tower.
The entrance into the tower will be open and inviting to welcome students and visitors.
Collaboration hubs will encourage participation and teamwork for students in group projects, assignments, or study time.
Collaboration hubs will encourage participation and teamwork for students in group projects, assignments, or study time.
There will be additional spaces to serve students.
Extra rooms and spaces will be open to students in the tower to accommodate their educational demands.
Additional seating and study spaces will be apparent throughout the tower.
Modernized rooms and living spaces will be flexible and designed to serve the diverse needs of all students.
Study lounges will be on every floor, just steps away from the students' dorm rooms.
Contact the Residence Life Office:
(414) 277-7400 or living@msoe.edu
Get an inside look at the Viets Tower construction with Urban Milwaukee.
Dr. Hermann Viets served as president of MSOE from 1991 until his retirement in 2015. He was only the fourth president in the 114-year history of MSOE. Under his leadership, the campus footprint grew dramatically and the university added several degree programs that fueled enrollment. In his retirement, he continued to serve MSOE as a member of the Board of Regents.
During Dr. Viets’ presidency, MSOE implemented new programs including several undergraduate international study-abroad programs and a baccalaureate two-degree program. The university added Bachelor of Science degrees in actuarial science, biomolecular engineering, civil engineering, construction management, nursing, and software engineering. New Master of Science degrees also were added, including perfusion, nursing, an MBA, MBA in education leadership and MBA in STEM leadership.
From the expanded campus to the new degree programs, and from the finest leadership to the humble personality, we will always remember and honor the legacy that Dr. Viets has on our campus.
