Alumni News

A Message from President Koubek

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Rick Koubuek
Rick Koubek, President

Greetings!

It’s always a delight to be on campus when students return for fall classes. This year’s entering class averages a 3.83 GPA and an SAT score of 1234. This is one of the largest, most diverse incoming student classes to Michigan Tech. Notably, for the second time in school history, women make up nearly 30 percent of the student body.

Speaking of extraordinary students, I’d like to congratulate our hockey team for winning the Great Lakes Invitational and the Mason Cup and going on to compete in the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year. That is a feat no other team in the conference and only five other teams nationally accomplished.

But, the winning does not stop there. Undergraduate student Marielle Raasio received the university President’s Award for Leadership this past spring, and MTU professor Charles Wallace won the 2024 Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year award.

On the academic side, our faculty have been working on a revision of our general education curriculum. The retention rate for returning students is on track to exceed 88 percent, which is a new record and highlights our intense focus on student success. We also welcomed 30 new faculty members and three new deans.

Andrew Barnard returned to Michigan Tech in July as our new vice president for research. We are excited to congratulate our Michigan Tech researchers for once again beating last year’s records. Preliminary numbers indicate over $110 million in research expenditures and a double-digit increase in research awards over 2023’s impressive number.

The annual ratings blitz season is upon us. I am proud to share the Princeton Review named MTU as the No. 2 on the list of Best Schools for Internships, No. 9 for Best Career Placement, and No. 18 for Best Schools for Financial Aid. In the Best Value Colleges category, solely based on return on investment, or ROI, Michigan Tech was ranked No. 33. These are remarkable statistics for a university of our size.

Finally, thank you to our donors. In fiscal year 2024, Michigan Tech friends and alumni contributed $48.5 million, beating our annual fundraising goal by 13 percent. And, we’ve increased our endowment by 50 percent in the past five years. This support from our alumni and donors is simply incredible and reflects a shared dedication to our students, faculty, and staff.

It’s a great time to be a Husky. I hope you can join us at one of the many alumni events planned this fall.

Sincerely,

Rick Koubek
President

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Make a Difference with the Alumni Board!

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Join a team of fellow alumni to make a difference at Michigan Tech!

The Michigan Tech Alumni Board of Directors is a group of volunteers elected from around the country to represent their fellow alumni. It sets priorities and works with the University to develop and support programs to connect alumni and support students.

Members of the Alumni Board of Directors participate in a cardboard boat race during Homecoming 2019.

Benefits of Service

  • Meet many amazing Huskies – engage with students, faculty, staff and fellow alumni and gain insight into the university’s vision for the future.
  • Find opportunities for your company to be more engaged on campus
  • Support and Inform students in your community who may be future Huskies.
  • Continue the tradition of “Huskies helping Huskies”
  • An excellent ‘excuse’ to get back to the Keweenaw twice per year.

Learn More or Nominate Someone (including yourself).

Members of the Alumni Board of Directors visited Michigan Tech’s student Mushing Club during Winter Carnival 2021.
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Where Legends Pass: Stories from Under the Bridge

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Few town and gown landmarks are more iconic in the Copper Country than the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. Opened to traffic in 1959, the bridge spans over the Keweenaw Waterway connecting the cities of Hancock and Houghton. Thanks to the nearly 100-foot clearance below when fully raised, the lift bridge has welcomed a diverse spectrum of marine traffic, from paddle boarders and kayaks to salt boats, cruise ships, and freighters.

This image from November 1965 shows the Henry Steinbrenner (2), formerly known as the Verona, passing underneath. If you have traveled under the bridge or have a favorite vessel that did, share your story in the comments!

Henry Steinbrenner (1), formerly known as the Verona, passing under the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in November 1965. Image courtesy of the Ben Chynoweth Collection held by the Michigan Tech Archives.
Henry Steinbrenner (2), formerly known as the Verona, passing under the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in November 1965. Image courtesy of the Ben Chynoweth Collection held by the Michigan Tech Archives.

About the Archives

The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).

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West Michigan Event Report: Summer 2024

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Alumni and friends in the West Michigan area have been enjoying a variety of events, including the annual Spring Dinner, baseball games, and sending off new Huskies to Houghton! If you’d like to follow along with what is happening in the West Michigan area, check out the West Michigan Alumni Facebook Page.

Spring Dinner — May 2024

Michigan Tech alumni and friends in the West Michigan area attended the annual Spring Dinner, held this year at Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada. The keynote speaker for the evening was Audra Morse, chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. Serving as interim dean of the College of Engineering at the time, Morse spoke on various topics, including recent changes taking place on campus and numerous ongoing research projects. Tech alumnus Kevin Grzelak ’89, who helped to host the event, served as emcee. Michigan Tech Alumni Board of Directors Vice President Emma Zawisza ’12 ’16 awarded three door prizes, courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement.

Guests seated for dinner

Guests seated for dinner

Door prize winner Evan Franzel '24

Door prize winner Evan Franzel ’24

Keynote speaker Audra Morse, Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Keynote speaker Audra Morse, Professor and Chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Whitecaps Baseball Game + BBQ — June 2024

Michigan Tech alumni and friends gathered at LMCU Ballpark for a barbecue before a Saturday night baseball game between the West Michigan Whitecaps and Dayton Dragons. Alumni event host John Gutierrez ’94 was joined by over thirty guests, who enjoyed a delicious buffet and had the opportunity to win MTU-branded door prizes. The Whitecaps scored eight unanswered runs as the offense came alive in an 8–4 comeback victory over the Dragons in front of 7,023 fans on Star Wars Night Saturday.

Alumni event host John Gutierrez ’94 greeted guests and gave away door prizes, courtesy of Alumni Engagement Office

Alumni event host John Gutierrez ’94 greeted guests and gave away door prizes, courtesy of Alumni Engagement Office

Alumni gather at the 1st Base Pavilion for barbecue before the Whitecaps game

Alumni gather at the 1st Base Pavilion for barbecue before the Whitecaps game

New Student Send-Off — August 2024

West Michigan alumni helped send off first-year students to Houghton with an event at Millennium Park in Walker. Regional Admissions Manager Tom Hampton was assisted by colleague Jennifer Todd in organizing the gathering, which drew nearly 200 attendees, including 70 incoming students and their family members. Kona Ice served gourmet shaved ice and Schmohz Brewery provided root beer.

There were several alumni and existing students present to share their stories with new students. Each of the new students had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share something about their field of interest, and what they are looking forward to at Michigan Tech. Following introductions, the students gathered for a group photo that marked the beginning of their exciting adventures at the University.

Welcome to Michigan Tech, Class of 2028!

Group picture of incoming class of 2028 students from West Michigan area

Group picture of incoming class of 2028 students from West Michigan area

New students each introduce themselves

New students each introduce themselves

Regional Admissions Manager Jennifer Todd, and alumni hosts Emma '12 '16 and Adam '16 Zawisza assist with check-in and door prizes

Regional Admissions Manager Jennifer Todd, and alumni hosts Emma ’12 ’16 and Adam ’16 Zawisza assist with check-in and door prizes

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Share Your Writing Center Memories!

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From late-night study sessions to finishing that final paper, we all remember when a little extra help made all the difference. For many Tech students over the past 50 years, that help came from the Michigan Tech Writing Center.

Founded in 1975 as the Language Skills Lab, the Writing Center has evolved in various ways since opening. Currently located in 107 Walker, the Writing Center is host to Michigan Tech’s Student Newspaper The Lode and the Creative Writing Club. It serves hundreds of visitors each year and employs student coaches from 13 different majors.

Nancy Grimm, Professor Emerita and former Writing Center director, played a key role in raising the center to national recognition. Reflecting on its mission, she once said, “Our goal has always been to help students find their voice and gain confidence in their writing.”

Today, we’re inviting alumni to share their Writing Center experiences. Did you have a favorite coach or a memorable experience that shaped your writing journey? We’d love to hear your stories!

Please share your memories in the comments below or email the Writing Center at writingcenter@mtu.edu.

Humanities Professor Emerita Nancy Grimm meets with one of her students in April 1994.
Nancy Grimm meets with one of her students in April 1994

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Celebrating 10 Years of the Husky Statue

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Celebrate the 10th birthday of the Husky statue from wherever you are. Share a comment and tell us why you chose to purchase a paver and what Michigan Tech means to you.

Located across from the J. R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, a larger-than-life, nine-foot-tall bronze Husky statue stands proudly on a Baraga County boulder, surrounded by benches, planters, and paver stones. The great campus tradition was unveiled on October 13, 2014, with nearly 1,000 people in attendance including the Pep Band, Husky student-athletes, faculty, staff, and community members.

The statue at the center of Husky Plaza has been a visible and lasting tribute to the spirit of Michigan Tech. Over the past 10 years, the Husky statue has served as a location for events, a welcome spot for campus guests, a backdrop for photos, and a meeting spot between friends. The tradition will continue for many years to come. The dedication of the John Rovano Plaza in October 2013 launched the Alumni Way project, which has continued to grow and span across campus with the Husky statue, the Clock Tower (donated by the William (Bill) ’69 and Ilene Bernard Jr. Family), and the Alumni Gateway Arch which was made possible through a lead gift from Mike Trewhella ’78.

The statue was made possible by a gift from the late Dan Lorenzetti and wife Joan Lorenzetti and their family. Additional contributions to the Husky Plaza came from Roland Huhtala ’74 and Pete ’53 and Shirley Meyers.

More than 1,000 alumni and friends left their mark on Michigan Tech with personalized, engraved stones that encircle Husky Plaza. If you purchased a paver, we invite you to leave a comment sharing what made you decide to purchase a paver and what Michigan Tech means to you.

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Fall Flashback: A Campus View from 1962

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Just like the seasons, Michigan Tech’s campus has a way of evolving over time. As enrollment, technology, and campus needs shift, so does the architecture that makes campus function. This fall image from 1962, found in the Archives postcard collection, shows a view that’s quite different from what you’d see today.

Can you name this building and spot the differences between 1962 and 2024? We’d love to hear your thoughts—let us know in the comments!

A campus view from 1962
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Reminiscing on K-Day Traditions

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With Reunion behind us and summer quickly fading, classes will soon begin and K-Day is just around the corner.

Today’s image takes us back to K-Day 2009, when the event was still held at McLain State Park. Whether it was the excitement of outdoor activities, the chance to meet new friends, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, K-Day is a cherished tradition that has always been a fantastic way to kick off the semester and build community among students.

As we look forward to this year’s K-Day on September 6, we’re reminded of how K-Day has left lasting impressions on many of us. What were your favorite K-Day moments? Do you have any advice for incoming first-year students? Share your stories in the comments!

K-Day 2009 at McLain State Park
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Umbargers Consistent in Giving Back to Tech

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Alison (Springer-Wilson) ’11 and Adam ’09 Umbarger have more than a dozen consecutive years of giving back to support Michigan Tech. We recently caught up with Alison to find out where that passion for their alma mater comes from.

Alison ’11 and Adam ’09 Umbarger

What was your Michigan Tech experience like?
I loved my experience at Michigan Tech. The school was small enough to know my professors, but large enough to offer a lot of interesting classes. I took Spanish and German as well as all the Chemical Engineering classes. I also ran Cross Country and Track and Field and had a great time competing for Michigan Tech and running on the Tech Trails. Adam and I were both involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where we met.

How did Michigan Tech help you in your life/career?
While I can’t say I use calculus or thermodynamics in my career, I feel like the skills learned in my Michigan Tech classes have served me well in my engineering career. Communicating effectively, presenting well, and knowing how to make good engineering decisions based on the information available to you are all things that I learned at Michigan Tech and have honed after I left Tech. I will also say that living in Appleton, Wisconsin, there are a lot of Michigan Tech grads in the area. When I meet someone else who graduated from Michigan Tech, it’s an easy conversation starter since every alumni I have talked to enjoyed their time at Michigan Tech.

Why do you give back to Michigan Tech?
Michigan Tech gave us so many good experiences and we think others should have the chance to get a degree from Michigan Tech.

What areas of campus do you give to and why?
We usually give to the Annual Fund so the money can be used where it is most needed.

Why is it important to you to be consistent in giving every year?
We are happy to give back to an institution was important to us in so many ways. Giving to Michigan Tech is a line-item in our budget every year, and I make sure I fill out the company match as well.

What are your current employers/job titles?
I am an engineering team leader at a Kimberly Clark pilot facility. Adam is a campus staffer for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Where do you live, and how often have you made it back to campus?
We live in Appleton, Wisconsin. We take our young kids back to the Michigan Tech area usually twice a year–once in the summer to eat thimbleberries and go hiking and once in the winter for cross country skiing. I have been back to recruit several years and Adam occasionally returns to the area for bike race or to speak at the MTU InterVarsity chapter.

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Alumni Reunion 2024: Honored Class Year Slideshow

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Last weekend, Michigan Tech celebrated Alumni Reunion 2024, bringing together graduates from a variety of decades, including our honored class years: 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2014. The following photos were displayed in a slideshow at various events throughout the weekend. We invite you to explore the slideshow below and relive the special moments that have shaped our Michigan Tech community.

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