One of the most important activities of the Michigan Tech Alumni Association is the recognition of the achievements and contributions of our many outstanding alumni and friends.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award – Kristina Marshall ’98 Business Administration
Kristina is the President and CEO of Winning Futures in Warren, MI, a non-profit school based goal setting, mentoring, and scholarship program for teens.
Since graduating from Michigan Tech in 1998, Kristina has grown the organization to impact 20,000 youth, awarded $1.5M in scholarships, and implemented the Winning Futures goal-setting and evidence-based life skills curriculum into 100 schools and non-profits across 30 states.
Kristina’s accomplishments have also been recognized with Crain’s “40 under 40”, Detroit Young Professional’s “Vanguard Award” and the Women Official’s Network “Wonder Woman Award” for Distinguished Youth Advocate.
Outstanding Service Award – Tanya Wareham Klain ’90 Mechanical Eng. (deceased)
Besides earning her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1990, Tanya was active in her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, Undergraduate Student Government, Residence Hall councils, the Alpine Ski Club, and was a member of the Michigan Tech Student Foundation.
After graduation, Tanya went to work for General Motors where she was a member of GM’s university relations and recruiting team. She was an ardent supporter and the designated GM key contact for the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics.
As a Tech alum, she served on the board of directors of the Alumni Association and was very active in Detroit area alumni events. In 2004, Tanya was inducted into the University’s Presidential Council of Alumnae in recognition of her professional accomplishments and University support.
Her stewardship and leadership were based on fond memories and a commitment to serve. On December 7, 2008, Michigan Tech lost a devoted alumna, a stalwart supporter, and a dear friend.
Distinguished Alumni Award –
Dr. Olive M. Cornish Kimball ‘52 General Science ’00 Honorary Doctorate of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences and John Soyring ’76 Electrical Engineering, ’06 Honorary Doctorate of Engineering
Dr. Olive M. Cornish Kimball ‘52 - Olive is a native of Calumet, Michigan and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general science (medical technology) from Michigan Tech in 1952. She also earned both a masters degree in science education and a PhD in educational psychology from Northern Illinois University, and has studied at Bryn Mawr College and Harvard University.
As CEO of the Chicago-based National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Olive was responsible for all of the agency’s operations, including accreditation of approximately 700 academic programs nationwide. She was previously an administrator and professor of allied health programs at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. Prior to her academic career, Olive worked as a scientist and researcher and has been published in numerous professional journals. She has been honored by the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professionals.
Olive served as a Michigan Tech Fund Trustee and the University has awarded her an honorary degree of Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (2000), the Board of Control Silver Medal (the first woman to receive this honor), and has inducted her into the University’s Academy of Sciences and Arts. Olive also belongs to the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters of Illinois, and volunteers at a shelter home for abused women and children.
John Soyring ’76 After graduation, John joined IBM and during his 36-year career with the company, he held a variety of technical, professional, managerial and executive positions. He later completed graduate studies in the fields of computer science, electrical engineering and business administration at the University of Minnesota and State University of New York. In 2006, he received an honorary doctorate of engineering from Michigan Tech and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Moscow University.
Before his retirement from IBM in January 2012, John was involved in global business leadership for a multi-billion dollar annual revenue portion of the IBM software business. He has now started his own firm, Sisukas Consulting LCC.
Listed as one of Tech’s most notable alumni on Forbes.com, John has been a keynote speaker on campus numerous times and was the Commencement Speaker in 2006. He also supports students through the John Soyring Annual Scholarship. John is a member of the Industry Advisory Council of the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES). He is also a member of the Michigan Tech Fund Campaign Committee and the College of Engineering Advisory Board.
These awards will be presented at the Alumni Reunion Dinner on campus, Friday, August 3. For more information on the Alumni Reunion dinner and other reunion activities, visit www.mtu.edu/reunion or contact Brenda Rudiger, brudiger@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2400.