November 9, 2026

Day: November 9, 2026

Trains in the Copper Country

Published November 9, 2026

Alumni

Who remembers when the Soo Line used to roll through the Copper Country?

This great image of the big locomotive for the Soo is on its way out of Calumet down to Lake Linden in November 1975. The locomotive itself was dedicated in September of that year and was put immediately into service, moving about all the facets of the Soo track ownership. On this particular Houghton County visit it was manned by Engineer George Hokenson, Brakeman Tom LeGault, Fireman Ken Stenson, Conductor Fancis Beaudry, and Brakeman Wilbert Kuopus.

If you have any fond memories of the Soo Line, or any other trains from the Copper Country, let us know in the comments!

President’s Corner — November 2026

Published November 9, 2026

By Wes Frahm

Alumni

It’s a fine time to be a Michigan Tech Husky. We celebrated the success of a $350 million capital campaign and the Chang K. Park Center for Student Wellness groundbreaking in early October. Our hockey season is off to a great start. The football team took home the Miner’s Cup for the 16th time in a row. And, the autumn colors finally peaked a couple weeks ago across the Keweenaw, thanks to an unseasonably warm fall.

As the seasons shift, we are continually grateful for those whose steadfast support advances Michigan Tech’s mission. Thanks to our donors, Michigan Tech established 97 new endowed scholarships and fellowships. More than a quarter of our students (26.7 percent) now receive donor-funded financial aid and Michigan Tech’s Blue Key National Honor Society, the Outdoor Adventure Program and the Mont Ripley ski hill each received significant endowments. During the campaign, 11 new endowed faculty and chair positions were created. The University received significant support for research facilities, including a $5 million gift from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Finally, several capital improvements are either finished or currently under construction across campus, including the Chang K. Park Center for Student Wellness and the Alumni Gateway Arch.

These gifts are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our donors to enhance the student experience at Michigan Tech. During this season of thanksgiving, we express our gratitude to you for all you do. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rick Koubek

President