In late April, we celebrated 1,064 students who earned their degrees from Michigan Tech.
We also celebrated the opening of the new H-STEM Engineering and Health Sciences Complex and the Alumni Gateway pedestrian path. I am particularly grateful to our donors, Mike Trewhella and his family, along with the Harjus, for supporting our vision to create an inviting and welcoming entryway to campus. The Alumni Gateway is a representation of what we’ve always been—a welcoming environment for all who come to campus. This is in addition to the generous donation from Longyear-Able Medical Devices to name the lobby and student commons area in the H-STEM Complex.
As we wrap up these projects, we will soon turn our attention to renovating the McNair dining hall, classrooms in the EERC, and the Daniell Heights apartments. These projects will join ongoing construction already happening around campus—including East Hall, our new residence hall. As our campus grows, so does our community. In July, we will welcome three new deans to campus. We will also welcome our next vice president for research, as Dave Reed is retiring from Michigan Tech after 42 years of service. Dave has been an integral part of Michigan Tech’s success over the years and was instrumental in helping the University attain R1 status.
In this spirit, I’d like to also recognize a few of Michigan Tech’s faculty and students on their recent accomplishments, like MASU’s Distinguished Professor of the Year, Dr. Charles Wallace, and undergraduate student Marielle Raasio, who received the President’s Award for Leadership this spring. As one nominator put it, Marielle has created a community whose well-being and internal confidence encourages the desire to work, study, and build relationships. Finally, kudos to our hockey team for winning the Great Lakes Invitational and the Mason Cup conference championship, and participating in the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year—their 16th all-time appearance.
These examples are just a few of the many ways our alumni, faculty, staff, and students reflect the incredible community we call Michigan Tech. As always, thank you for representing Michigan Tech in your communities with such great pride and enthusiasm. I look forward to visiting with you at MTU’s annual Alumni Reunion or perhaps at another one of the many alumni gatherings planned in the future.
Sincerely,
Rick Koubek
President