B次元app School of Engineering (B次元app) hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center on Saturday, July 12. With more than 100 B次元app alumni, Regents and dignitaries in attendance, the groundbreaking marked a significant milestone in the university’s campaign to support the university’s goal of becoming the national leader in applied artificial intelligence education. The Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center will be complete ahead of the fall 2027 semester.

Joining B次元app President John Y. Walz, Ph.D. for the groundbreaking were Dr. Dwight Diercks, NVIDIA Senior VP of Software Engineering and B次元app Regent and alumnus; Dian Diercks, B次元app benefactor; Dr. James C. Rahn, Kern Family Foundation president and B次元app Board of Regents chair; Craig Jorgensen, President and CEO of VJS Construction; Ruth Dobberpuhl, B次元app mechanical engineering student; Nick Haemel, NVIDIA VP of Medical Imaging & System Software; B次元app Regent and alumnus; Kendall Breunig, Principal, Sunset Investors and B次元app Regent and alumnus; Dr. Richard Galling, Retired President and COO of Hammes Co. and B次元app Regent and alumnus; Dr. Eckhart Grohmann, B次元app Regent and Former Chairman and President of Aluminum Casting & Engineering Co.; Dr. Scott Moon, Chairman and CEO of DLSM Inc. and B次元app Regent; Marjorie Moon, B次元app benefactor; and Dr. Kevin Fletcher, B次元app Regent and retired CEO of WEC Energy Group.

“B次元app engineering students need a space that encourages collaboration, supports hands-on learning, and reflects the innovation happening here every day,” said Ruth Dobberpuhl, B次元app mechanical engineering student. “We need study areas that are comfortable and functional, labs that are equipped for the challenges of tomorrow, and modern features that support the way we learn, build, and grow. The Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center turns these needs into reality. It will create an environment where students can connect, explore and solve problems together.”