When Jason Schneider ’03 graduated with his degree in construction management, he never imagined the amazing impact he and a team of other MSOE grads would have on helping transform the student learning experience for future generations of Raiders.
“It’s really exciting to see this investment in the MSOE campus,” said Schneider. “The new Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center will offer a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that didn’t exist before, and when completed will be a big win for students.”
Today, Schneider serves as partner and executive vice president of construction at VJS Construction Services in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He is one of three MSOE alumni on the construction team for the new 97,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility. VJS broke ground on the project this summer, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.
“There are so many exciting aspects of this project,” said Schneider. “It’s going to transform how students learn, create new opportunities for MSOE to attract top talent and help elevate the university on a national level.”
Not only does VJS have a dedicated team constructing the new Engineering Innovation Center, they also have committed a private gift to support the project.
“MSOE is continuing its legacy as a leader in technical education by building a facility for collaborative learning across all disciplines,” said Craig Jorgensen, president and CEO of VJS. “This new center will strengthen the engineering program, and, in turn, help develop future talent for the construction industry.”
Over the past few years, the partnership between VJS and MSOE has continued to flourish. In addition to this investment, MSOE has served as a pipeline for talented construction and engineering grads for VJS, many of whom have led other renovations on campus.
Justin Gross ’07, project executive at VJS, was the project manager on the renovation of Viets Tower in 2021 and helped with the completion of University Terrace, a green space in the heart of campus, in 2022.
“The renovation of Hermann Viets Tower marked VJS’s first building partnership with MSOE and set the foundation for future collaborations,” said Gross. “I remember standing in the stairwell of Viets Tower with other project stakeholders brainstorming ideas when the architect created a ‘napkin sketch’ of the terrace. That simple moment sparked the concept which we were able to later build and bring to life.”
Senior Estimator Jennifer Kolp ’04 credits the strong foundation of her MSOE education for setting herself, fellow alumni and future grads to be exemplary in their construction careers.
“I believe the MSOE curriculum provides a strong foundation in construction techniques and project management,” said Kolp. “In tandem with the curriculum, the internship experience gives MSOE grads valuable hands-on exposure, further strengthening their skills and giving them the drive, motivation and confidence needed to succeed as they enter the workforce.”
Today, Schneider, Gross and Kolp couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center construction and can’t wait to see the visual impact it will make on campus and on the lives of the MSOE community members who benefit from the dynamic new space.
“We have a unique opportunity to help bring MSOE’s vision to life,” said Gross. “The most rewarding part will be seeing faculty and students use this innovative learning space, giving them a hands-on look at their future professions in action.”
