Alumni News

Author: Jordan Shawhan

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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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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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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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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