MSOE: T. Michael Bolger, J.D. to receive honorary degree during MSOE Spring Commencement

During Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Spring Commencement, 376 undergraduate and 27 graduate students in engineering majors, the Rader School of Business and the School of Nursing will receive their diplomas. The ceremony will take place Saturday, May 29 at the Kern Center.

Speaker/Honorary Degree Recipient

T. Michael Bolger, J.D., president and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin, will deliver the keynote address and receive an Honorary Doctor of Business and Economics degree during MSOE’s Commencement.

Bolger has enjoyed an extensive and influential career spanning nearly 40 years. A native of Minocqua, Wis., he received a B.A. in philosophy from Marquette University in 1961, after which he was accepted to Marquette University School of Medicine (now the Medical College). In 1968 he entered Northwestern University Law School where he received his J.D. degree with honors in 1971 and joined Quarles & Brady law firm after graduation. Bolger served as a partner at Quarles & Brady before being named president and CEO of the Medical College in May 1990.

Since he assumed the presidency, the college has seen a 594 percent increase in operating budget, a 382 percent increase in externally funded research and training grants and a 1,482 percent increase in endowment, among other recognitions. Bolger is seen as a national authority of health care law and led many civic campaigns, including the campaign for Milwaukee’s $100 million theater district project. He also assisted in creating permanent endowments to fund statewide public and community health programs. Under his leadership, more than $73 million from Medical College’s Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin program have been used to support education, research and academic and community partnership projects.

“The practices of medicine and medical discovery are among the most-noble callings to which a human being can aspire and achieve,” said Bolger. He recently announced plans to retire as the Medical College president in June 2010, when he will assume the title and office of President Emeritus.

MSOE is an independent university with 2,600 students. MSOE offers 17 bachelor’s degrees and nine master’s degrees in the engineering, engineering technology, architectural engineering and building construction, computer, business and health-related fields. The university has a national academic reputation; longstanding ties to business and industry; dedicated professors with real-world experience; and extremely high placement rates and starting salaries. MSOE graduates are well-rounded, technologically experienced and highly productive professionals and leaders.