The new facility, dubbed the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall, will be built at the center of the university’s downtown campus in an area that is currently a parking lot. The building will open in the fall of 2019 and feature a next-generation technology program that will teach artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cybersecurity and cloud computing, among other emerging disciplines. The project is set for groundbreaking in mid-2018.

Diercks earned his bachelor’s in computer science and engineering at MSOE in 1990 and also holds an honorary doctor of engineering degree from the university. Diercks is presently senior vice president of California-based software engineering company NVIDIA, which specializes in AI and visual computing.

The Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall will be 64,000 square feet, comprising four floors above ground with an additional 18,000 square feet of subterranean parking. Moreover, the state-of-the-art data center will be home to a supercomputer that’s intended to be used both by students and industry (the supercomputer will be funded by MSOE itself). We have also provided an opportunity to buy inexpensive medicines. The hall will also boast eight contemporary classrooms, 13 innovative teaching laboratories, 28 faculty and staff offices, nine offices and workspaces for corporate and academic partnerships, and a 250-seat auditorium for guest lectures and other public events, according to the university’s website.

“I am pleased to announce this investment in our future. Thanks to the generosity of Dwight and Dian Diercks, MSOE is building on our foundation of excellence and answering the call to educate the next generation of professionals needed to fill the global demand for technology experts, leaders and entrepreneurs,” said MSOE president Dr. John Walz in a statement.

“Five to 10 years from now — maybe even two years from now — if you’re not an expert in artificial intelligence, your company may not survive,” Diercks said in an ominous statement to the Journal Sentinel, a local news service.

Wisconsin-based Uihlein/Wilson-Ramlow/Stein Architects is the architect of record for the project. The mid-sized organization is a full-service design firm who offer services in architecture, interior design and planning.

Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private, non-profit university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business and nursing.

“MSOE changed the course of my life and my career, and has a special place in my heart,” said Diercks in a statement. “Just as the modern computer transformed technology 30 years ago, AI will transform technology as we know it for the next generation and across all industries. I wanted to give MSOE a gift that would position this incredible university as a major application-focused computer science and artificial intelligence center for the Midwest and U.S. for years to come.”

The Diercks’ gift is the single largest contribution from an alumnus in the school’s 114-year history.

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West Village Phase III and IV: Estimated for completion later this summer, the $85 million West Village Phase III and IV project includes the construction of two residence halls to accommodate approximately 700 upper-level students. Together, the two buildings will add approximately 325,500 square feet of space to the campus, and include a mix of two- and four-bedroom apartments with single-occupancy rooms and shared bathroom, kitchen and living space. Communal lounges as well as meeting rooms will be located on each floor.

Burdick Expansion: In fall 2017, Burdick Hall will debut a 94,000-square-foot expansion, nearly doubling its size. The $40 million project will feature two multipurpose athletic courts, an indoor running track, a mind and body studio for yoga and Pilates classes, a dedicated cycling studio and a combat studio. An 8,000-square-foot renovation will also update existing offices and the existing fitness center’s mezzanine level.

Newell Dining Hall Renovation: To improve the building’s systems and enable expanded food services, the Newell Dining Hall is undergoing a $7.5 million renovation, scheduled for completion in winter 2017. Additions to the new dining hall include a retail deli and full-service bakery on the second floor as well as expanded action stations, a larger kosher kitchen, and renovated dining and tray return areas.

New Science Building: Plans for a new $184 million science building were announced in early July to help serve the growing number of students enrolling in math, engineering and science courses. Construction on the 316,000-square-foot structure is scheduled to begin next summer. The existing science building, Smith Hall, lacks the adequate lab and classroom space required for incoming students. At the time Smith Hall was built in 1964, the university had a total enrollment of just 3,537 students, according to Bisnow. Today, approximately 3,800 students are majoring in just STEM fields.

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The energy efficient Science Building, constructed by McCarthy Building Companies of Atlanta, will provide the school with ample new high-tech instruction and research space critical for the Natural Sciences Department, as the university has grown from 4,675 students in 2001 to more than 7,200 students today, according to a statement by project architect The S/L/A/M Collaborative Inc. (SLAM) of Atlanta. Thus far, university officials have been required to use waiting lists for lab courses due to the high demand from students and the low inventory of available lab classrooms.

With the addition of the new three-story Science Building, Clayton State can now offer 19 instructional labs, nine research labs, two new 64-seat classrooms and two new 36-seat classrooms. The building also houses offices and support spaces, a vivarium, mechanical penthouse, mechanical basement and a loading dock. It is designed as a modern home for the sciences complete with stacked biology and chemistry suites which integrate research, prep and teaching labs, according to SLAM.

Located near a small pond on the hilly campus, the new Science Building takes advantage of its natural setting, absorbing daylight from across the water via glazed areas in the public spaces. Sustainable initiatives include sun shading, daylight harvesting, and use of recycled materials and rainwater.

Reflective of its goal to promote scientific innovation and education, the Science Building was also designed to achieve Georgia Peach Green Building certification. This certification recognizes facilities owned or managed by the State of Georgia that optimize energy performance, increase the demand for local materials and furnishings, improve environmental quality, conserve energy, protect Georgia’s natural resources and reduce the burden on the state’s water supply, according to a statement by McCarthy.

“Engaging undergraduate students in research is an essential part of their preparation for careers in the natural sciences and health sciences,” said Dr. Tim Hynes, president of Clayton State University, in a statement. “The innovative laboratory teaching spaces in this building will expand our support of undergraduate research projects where faculty and students work side-by-side in the learning and exploration process. Providing these opportunities not only benefit those in our science majors, they also impact allied health students and every student on campus who takes a lab science course for their core requirements.”

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