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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Stories of Service: Histories from Military Service Collected During Appreciation Weekend

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Hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement, Military Service Appreciation Weekend was held on campus May 2–3, 2025, to recognize and celebrate members of the Michigan Tech community who have served in the US Armed Forces.

The weekend featured presentations, open houses, a guided tour of the Keweenaw Research Center (KRC), and opportunities for connection over shared meals and activities. Alumni were also invited to contribute their personal reflections on military service, careers, and the lasting impact of a Michigan Tech education.

Below are highlights from those conversations. Each profile offers a deeper look at the careers and contributions of our alumni, and how Tech helped shape their path. Click through to read each full story.

Shawn Cantlin '82

Shawn Cantlin ’82

Shawn Cantlin graduated from Michigan Tech in 1982 with a degree in chemical engineering. Cantlin found his path through Army ROTC, was commissioned at graduation, and after advancing from brigade chemical officer to platoon leader, earned a master’s in nuclear engineering in 1988. His career then took him from designing nuclear weapons in the Army to serving as a nuclear expert for counter weapons of mass destruction in Washington, D.C. Cantlin retired from the Army in 2004 as a lieutenant colonel, and again from national security work in 2023.

David Gothard '71

David Gothard ’71

David Gothard ’71 earned his BS in Forestry from Michigan Tech and was commissioned into the US Air Force through ROTC. He flew B-52 bombers out of KI Sawyer Air Force Base and later held assignments at Wright-Patterson, Wurtsmith, and the Pentagon, where he served as lead project officer for the B-1 program and deputy program executive officer for fighters and bombers. Gothard retired as a colonel after working on the B-2 stealth bomber program and continued to support the Department of Defense as a contractor.

David Ouillette '71 '73

David Ouillette ’71 ’73

David Ouillette ’71 ’73 served in the US Air Force as a dental technician, with assignments that took him from Alaska to North Carolina. He enrolled at Michigan Tech eight years after enlisting and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry. A lifelong learner, Ouillette later returned to Houghton to work for Michigan Tech, from where he retired in 2000.

david schuster

David Schuster ’63

David Schuster ’63 earned his civil engineering degree from Michigan Tech before serving as a medical construction liaison officer in the US Air Force—including a year-long assignment in Vietnam. Recruited from the private sector to oversee the expansion of Ohio State University’s medical complex, Schuster transitioned to the Air Force Reserve and pursued an MBA. He later went to work for himself and ran his family’s petroleum business for 19 years while remaining active in both the Reserve and his community.

Jerry Luoma

Dr. Jerry Luoma ’65 ’67

Jerry Luoma ’65 ’67 grew up in Calumet and stayed close to home for college, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan Tech. Commissioned through Army ROTC, Luoma served in the Michigan National Guard and was deployed during the 1967 Detroit riot. He was later called to active duty, with deployments to Germany and Vietnam, where he commanded engineering units. After his service, Luoma returned to Tech as a math instructor but soon decided to pursue medicine. He completed his MD at the University of Michigan and returned to Calumet, where he spent 35 years as a family physician and medical director.

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Summers at Michigan Tech

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Since the earliest days of Michigan Tech, campus life has taken on a different rhythm in the summer. Many students head home, faculty go on research trips, and a new season of special programs begins—like sports camps, summer youth programs, and field schools. This is true today, just as it was in the early 1900s.

This great image from the University Archives’ Negative Collection, dated June 1, 1911, shows a group of summer field students preparing for a trip into one of the local mines—lunch buckets and all!

What summer experiences did you have as a student? Did you participate in summer sessions or special programs during your time at Michigan Tech? Let us know in the comments!

A group of almost two dozen summer field students in 1911 walking down a dirt-covered road on their way to the local mine.

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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Beaches of the Keweenaw

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Beachcombing days have returned to the Keweenaw! While the shorelines can be explored in all seasons, they are much more welcoming in the warmer months. This image from the University Archives’ Harold Putnam Collection shows a peaceful reflection at Eagle Harbor Beach in the mid-twentieth century.

Do you prefer the softer, more poetic beach experience—looking within or searching for beach glass? Or perhaps the more animated experience of splashing in the waves and skipping stones? Let us know your favorite Keweenaw beach and beachfront activities in the comments!

A visitor sitting on a rock enjoys a peaceful reflection at Eagle Harbor Beach in the mid-twentieth century.

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: Winter 2024–25

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From cheering on the Huskies hockey team to enjoying delicious pickled eggs, alumni and friends in the West Michigan area have been enjoying a variety of events this winter! If you’d like to follow along with what is happening in the West Michigan area, check out the West Michigan Alumni Facebook Page.

Husky Pregame Social: MTU Hockey at Ferris State — November 2024

Kicking off the season, West Michigan Huskies gathered in Big Rapids for a pregame social ahead of Michigan Tech’s matchup against Ferris State. Around 80 alumni and friends met at Cranker’s Brewery, where they enjoyed good company and an exciting game preview from Head Coach Joe Shawhan before he headed off to pregame meetings and warm-ups.

The energy carried over to the rink, where the Huskies came out strong, scoring three goals in less than a minute during the first period. They held their lead through the second and third, skating away with a 3-1 victory and improving to 4-0 in CCHA play. Goaltender Derek Mullahy was outstanding in net, stopping 36 shots in one of the season’s standout performances.

It was a fantastic way to start the season—thanks to everyone who joined us!

Great Lakes Invitational Pregame Social and Hockey Games — December 2024

As the holiday season approached, West Michigan Huskies kicked off GLI weekend with a pregame social at Peppino’s Bar and Grille on Ionia, hosted by Michigan Tech Alumni Board members Tonya Moore-Bouchard ’96, Steve Williams ’86, Emma Zawisza ’12 ’16, and Daniel Madrid ’10.

Around 250 Huskies gathered to enjoy a special Michigan Tech menu featuring delicious pizza, Husky-themed food, and drinks. After socializing, the group made the short walk to Van Andel Arena, where the tournament began with Michigan Tech taking on Western Michigan. The game went into overtime, with the Broncos winning 4–3.

Tech faced Northern Michigan on Monday and claimed third place with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan in the final to become the 2024 Great Lakes Invitational champions. Van Andel Arena was sold out with 10,000 fans each day and will host GLI again in December 2025.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we hope to see you next year!

Pickled Egg Tasting Contest — March 2025

The annual pickled egg-tasting contest at Schmohz Brewery in Grand Rapids drew over 45 attendees and featured 12 delicious entries. With so many great flavors, choosing winners wasn’t easy! In the end, Lori Crouch took first place, followed by Scott Schnau ’82 in second and Mike DeJonge ’65 in third. The top three received prizes from the Office of Alumni Engagement at Michigan Tech.

Attendees enjoyed plenty of pickled eggs, Schmohz beer, and alumni camaraderie. Jim Couch ’90 organized the event with help from his daughter, Jenna ’18, and the Office of Alumni Engagement provided door prizes for guests.

Jim Crouch with Flat Blizzard cut-out.
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Do You Remember When?

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Spring is a season of change—though this year, the snow seems to be sticking around a little longer than it did in 1955! This photograph from the Michigan Tech University Archives’ Earl Gagnon Collection captures a sunnier springtime scene in downtown Houghton.

Speaking of change, take a look at how the cars are parked. Notice anything different? That’s right—Shelden Avenue was once a two-way street! Does anyone know when it switched to one-way?

Share your answers—and any other memories of downtown Houghton—in the comments!

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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Winter, Spring, and Everything In Between

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We are at the mid-point of the semester, where the weather can’t decide if it’s winter or spring. Sunny days of melting snow lead into March snowstorms, so we must be ready for all contingencies. But that doesn’t stop the fun! This photo from March 8, 1914, from the Archives’ Brockway Photograph Collection, shows a family who took the time to snowshoe and have a snowy picnic with their dog on one of those unpredictable spring-or-winter days.

As you reflect on your favorite winter and spring outdoor activities from your time as a Husky, we’d love to hear your stories in the comments! And as campus transitions into a new season, consider helping today’s students make their own unforgettable memories. Michigan Tech’s 24-hour giving challenge, Give Back to the Pack, is coming up on April 8-9—join us in supporting the next generation of Huskies!

A family with their dog enjoys a picnic in the snow after snowshoeing on March 8, 1914.

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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Navigating Campus Winters

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While snow is a welcome sight for those who enjoy outdoor sports and recreation, not all winter activities are fun and games. Some require dedication and hard work—like snow removal! Thankfully, we have tools to help: the Yooper scoop, steel shovels, and for the really big jobs, heavy equipment.

Our flashback image takes us back to the winter of 1950, when the area’s first mechanical snowblower was deployed. Ernest C. Schmidt of Oskar proudly poses with the machine on Liminga Road, taking a break from clearing snow for the Houghton County Road Commission.

Today, modern plows and high-powered snowblowers keep our roads and sidewalks clear. But we’d love to hear—how did you navigate campus through the snow when you were a student? Let us know in the comments!

Ernest C. Schmidt of Oskar with the first Snow Blower in the winter of 1950–51.

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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Celebrate Alumni Reunion 2025

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Alumni Reunion 2025 will be from July 31–August 2, and we look forward to celebrating with all alumni and friends, especially those from our honored classes: 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015. While we eagerly wait for the weekend to arrive, we encourage alumni from our honored classes and anyone attending to share their excitement and memories from wherever they are! What are you most looking forward to during Reunion Weekend? What is your favorite memory from your time as a student? Who are you looking forward to reconnecting with? Do you recognize yourself, or any friends in the photos? Share in the comments!

If you have photos that you would like to share from your time on campus, please email them to alumni@mtu.edu. We will use them in future Reunion promotions and include them in the slideshow that plays during the weekend.

Do you have a recent milestone you would like to share with the Michigan Tech alumni community? Check out Class Notes—your go-to source for reading about the latest happenings in the lives of fellow alumni, including new jobs, promotions, retirements, news coverage, awards, government appointments, and weddings… and share your own!

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Memories Aglow in Ice and Snow

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As we prepare for Winter Carnival, we’re excited to share a preview of the upcoming University Archives display that will be featured during the Alumni Social + Winter Carnival Exhibit on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, hosted by Michigan Tech’s Office of Alumni Engagement, with staff from the University Archives and current student members of the Blue Key Honor Society, will feature a special limited-time exhibit.

Titled Memories Aglow in Ice and Snow, this special exhibit will showcase vintage photos, yearbooks, memorabilia, and pictorials—especially those keepsakes that celebrate the iconic snow statues and outdoor fun from Winter Carnivals gone by.

The image below comes from the Michigan Tech Centennial book—a sneak peek of the upcoming exhibit and a wonderful example of snowy craftsmanship that we think Goldilocks would agree is just right. Do you recognize the year this statue was created, or have a favorite Winter Carnival memory to share? Let us know in the comments!

Winter Carnival statues depicting scene of Goldilocks and the Three Bears

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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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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