From cheering on the Huskies football and hockey teams 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.
Michigan Tech Tailgate + Football Game vs GVSU — November 2025
Kicking off the winter season, about 60 alumni and friends gathered on the Grand Valley State University campus for a pregame tailgate ahead of Michigan Tech’s matchup with the Lakers. The event featured a pasty dinner from Vollwerth’s Meats and beverages from Schmohz Brewing Co.. The tailgate was organized by Kevin Grzelak ’89, with support from fellow alumni volunteers. In a closely contested game, Michigan Tech fell 18–15. The Huskies trailed 15–7 at halftime and outscored the Lakers 8–3 in the fourth quarter, but the late push came up short.
Husky Pregame Social: MTU Hockey at Ferris State — December 2025
Continuing the winter season, 42 alumni and friends gathered for a Husky Pregame Social ahead of Michigan Tech hockey’s matchup at Ferris State University in December 2025. Attendees enjoyed a buffet-style meal, connected with fellow Huskies, and participated in a giveaway featuring about 10 items. Head Coach Bill Muckalt stopped by during the event to greet attendees. In a strong showing on the ice, Michigan Tech defeated the Bulldogs 5–2.
Great Lakes Invitational Pregame Social and Hockey Games — December 2025
Building on a strong season of alumni engagement, Huskies gathered in Grand Rapids on Dec. 28 for a pregame social ahead of the 2025 Great Lakes Invitational at Van Andel Arena. The event was hosted by MTU Alumni Board members Steve Williams ’86 and Daniel Madrid ’10. Tech opened the tournament with a 5–2 win over the Miami RedHawks before falling 4–1 to Michigan State in the championship game.
Pickled Egg Tasting Contest — March 2026
Rounding out the winter event schedule, alumni and friends gathered in Grand Rapids for the annual Pickled Egg Tasting Contest at Schmohz Brewing Co.. Seven entries were featured, drawing 35 attendees and a wide range of flavors. Scott Schnau ’82 earned first place, Mike DeJonge ’65 in second, Robert Casier in third, and Joshua Manninen in fourth. Prize packages were provided by the Office of Alumni Engagement. The event was hosted by Jim Couch ’90, with support from alumni volunteers.
Upcoming Events
For a full list of upcoming events, including details about the 2026 West Michigan Spring Dinner, visit mtu.edu/alumni/events.
West Michigan Alumni Endowed Scholarship
The West Michigan Alumni Endowed Scholarship was established in 2009 by generous alumni and friends in the region to provide aid to students from the counties of Allegan, Barry, Lake, Kent, Mason, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa.
The endowment has now grown to nearly $130,000. This year’s recipient is Niklas, a fourth-year student.
Supporting the Scholarship
You can support students in the West Michigan area with a gift to the scholarship. Additionally, you can send a check (designate West Michigan Alumni Endowed Scholarship #5175) to:
Michigan Tech Fund
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Your gift could help even more students pursue their studies at Michigan Tech.
