Alumni News

Author: Morgan Laajala

Summer Has Arrived!

Published
By

From Copper Harbor to White City, and from Brunette Park all the way to McClain State Park and the Breakers, there is no shortage of beautiful Superior beaches to explore in the Copper Country. As summer gears up, our historic image this month—from the Harold Putnam Photograph Collection—from Eagle Harbor, Michigan shows that while landscapes change, our love of these beautiful shorelines stands the test of time. Did you have a favorite beach to visit while you were attending Michigan Tech? Let us know in the comments!

Leave a Comment Continue Reading →

Remembering Professors Laszlo Valentyik and Sung Mook Lee

Published
By

Dr. Laszlo Valentyik, 87, a resident of Houghton passed away Friday, October 28, 2022.

He was born on September 13, 1935, in Budapest, Hungary, son of Laszlo and Erzsebet Valentyik.

Laszlo grew up in Budapest during World War II and the post-war years, and enjoyed academics, sports, and working on cars/trucks and all things mechanical. He was especially interested in table tennis and achieved the title as Hungarian National Table Tennis Champion.

Laszlo escaped from Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and immigrated to the United Kingdom.

He graduated with a Doctorate in Mining Engineering from Nottingham University and worked as an engineer for the UK government. In 1967 Dr. Valentyik accepted a position with Michigan Technological University (MTU) as a professor in the Mining Engineering Department teaching and conducting research.

In 1981 he collaborated and shared receipt of the Neil Rice award at MTU for the research publication, “Production and Evaluation of Lignite Pellets”.

In 1982 Dr. Valentyik married Louise Helene Fortin, from Quebec, Canada. They lived in Houghton and were active members of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church. In March of 2007, Helene preceded Laszlo in death following a battle with breast cancer.

Laszlo was perpetually optimistic, friendly, and immensely enjoyed connecting with people in his community. He loved gardening, winemaking, fixing vehicles, traveling and staying physically active. His intense desire for continual learning was evident in every aspect of his life. Including learning several languages such as French, German, English, Russian, and completing multiple educational certificates beyond his PhD.

He is survived by his two children Terez Valentyik (Ted) Grady and Peter Valentyik; grandchildren Ryan, Jonathan, and Sarah Grady.

Laszlo’s family plans to gather for an informal remembrance in the Alumnae Room A in the Memorial Union on the campus of MTU on Saturday, May 20th at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to stop by to share a story or memory of Laszlo with immediate family.

To view Laszlo’s obituary or to send condolences please visit memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel has assisted the family with arrangements.

Dr. Sung Mook Lee, a respected scientist, devoted father, and esteemed former member of the Houghton community, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023, in Santa Ana, California. He was 90 years old.

Sung Mook Lee

Born on March 2nd, 1933, in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Lee came to the United States after completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Yonsei University. He continued his studies at The Ohio State University, earning a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in 1961.

Dr. Lee began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at Denison University in Ohio before joining Michigan Technological University (MTU) in Houghton, Michigan, in 1965. He made significant contributions to the University, ultimately serving as the Director of the Keweenaw Research Center in 1976 and later as Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School in 1991.

Following his retirement from MTU in 2000, Dr. Lee remained active in the academic community, serving as a Visiting Scientist for the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University until 2011. He was also a proud member of the Army Science Board (ASB) during two separate stints, from 1991 to 1998 and again starting in 2008.

Dr. Lee was a dedicated public servant, providing invaluable advice on advanced science and engineering education and research to governments worldwide, including Korea, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, as well as multiple US state governments, boards, and professional societies.

His love for adventure and discovery led him to Antarctica, where he studied the physics-based structure of snow and Antarctic ice. He served on the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, the International Aviation Snow Symposium, and other professional councils. His outstanding work earned him the Antarctica Service Medal of the US Navy in 1987 and the Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service, US Army Antarctic Service Medal of the United States in 1997.

Dr. Lee was a loving father to his three children, Peter, Patty, and Janet, who have all built successful careers in science, engineering, and law. He was a dedicated husband to Chungmi Kim and always remembered his first wife, Incha Lee, the mother of his children. Dr. Lee also leaves behind his brother, Yung Mook, and sister, In Mook, and six grandchildren.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Lee had a passion for classical music and cherished attending live performances of symphony orchestras and grand operas.

Many people around the world will remember Dr. Sung Mook Lee as an extraordinary individual who dedicated his life to serving others, advancing scientific knowledge, and enriching the lives of those around him. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his warm, generous spirit will be dearly missed.

The family requests that In lieu of flowers, a donation to Crush Rett Syndrome will help lead to a cure for one of Dr. Lee’s grandchildren, who suffers from Rett Syndrome. Donations can be mailed to Crush Rett Syndrome, 602 E. Rawhide Ave., Gilbert, AZ or online at mightycause. com/donate/Crush-Rett- Syndrome.

1 Comment Continue Reading →

Celebrating Success and Driving Michigan Tech Forward

Published
By
Rick Koubuek
Rick Koubek, President

In late April, we celebrated the success of nearly a thousand graduates at our 2023 Spring Commencement exercises. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments and have every confidence that their future endeavors will reflect well on Michigan Tech.

Today, I would like to call attention to the alumni, faculty, and staff who undoubtedly contribute to the success of our graduates by providing just a few examples of the transformative work happening here on campus.

This past year,

  • Michigan Tech’s Army ROTC program and the University were unanimously selected to receive the MacArthur Award for the 2021-22 academic year. Earning the MacArthur Award means we are the No. 1 overall ROTC program and institution among the 42 universities in our Midwest Region.
  • Our men’s cross country team had their best finish in the history of the program, placing 10th at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.
  • Our men’s hockey head coach, Joe Shawhan, was named the CCHA Coach of the Year, and our Nordic ski team head coach, Tom Monahan Smith, was named CCSA Men’s Coach of the Year and shared the award for CCSA Women’s Coach of the Year.
  • President Joe Biden announced a US Department of Energy grant of $8.3 million in funding for Michigan Tech to help developing technology to recycle batteries in his remarks in Bay City, Michigan.
  • Our fall 2022 incoming first-year student class was the second-largest in University history and the most academically proficient on record as measured by high school GPA and SAT.
  • The fall 2022 Career Fair was the largest in MTU’s history.
  • Our research expenditures are up by about 8 percent over 2022’s all-time historic high.
  • And finally, last year the Michigan Tech Fund recorded its second-largest fundraising total in University history.

Behind each of these accomplishments are the men and women who drive Michigan Tech forward. They are dedicated, smart, hardworking, and passionate about our students’ success. Thank you for being part of this community and thank you for your continued support.

I hope to see you at Alumni Reunion in August.

Sincerely,

Rick Koubek
President

Continue Reading →

In Memoriam

Published
By

January 1 – March 31, 2023

Class Full Name Degrees
1946 George C. Tackels P.E. BS Civil Engineering
1947 Robert C. Hendrickson BS Metallurgical Engineering
1947 Leland G. Rodgers Jr BS Metallurgical Engineering
1948 Clinton A. Phalen ’48 BS Mechanical Engineering
1949 Anthony B. Bartoszek BS Forestry
1949 Samuel W. Cota BS Electrical Engineering
1949 James B. Vittone BS Mechanical Engineering
1950 Marvin V. Lefens BS Civil Engineering
1950 Robert M. Swanson BS Mechanical Engineering
1950 Paul T. Watts BS Chemical Engineering
1951 Fransis J. Siller BS Civil Engineering
1952 Jack P. Johnson BS Civil Engineering
1953 Charles D. Anderson BS Mechanical Engineering
1953 Victor M. Castro BS Civil Engineering
1953 John F. Pohlman BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Mechanical Engineering
1953 Wallace G. Renn BS Mechanical Engineering
1954 William O. Drummond BS Civil Engineering
1954 Elmer F. Werhane BS Forestry
1955 William S. Burke BS Mining Engineering
1955 John M. Smuk BS Chemical Engineering
1955 Daniel L. Stember BS Civil Engineering
1956 Arthur S. Hamman BS Forestry
1956 George T. Matthews BS Metallurgical Engineering
1956 Thomas R. Valentine Sr P.E. ’56 BS Civil Engineering
1957 Harlan B. Niles BS Geological Engineering
1957 Jack F. Shefchik BS Civil Engineering
1958 Paul A. Erickson BS Mechanical Engineering
1958 Ulyses S. St Arnold BS Forestry
1959 Robert G. Langlois BS Civil Engineering
1959 Wilfred J. Phillips BS Electrical Engineering
1960 Thomas R. Forsch ’60 BS Chemical Engineering
1960 Alvin J. Gebeau, Jr. ’60 BS Mechanical Engineering
1960 Ronald O. Harma BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Metallurgical Engineering, MS Metallurgical Engineering
1960 Thomas W. Schmucker BS Mining Engineering
1961 Richard P. Baker BS Civil Engineering
1961 Col. James L. Baushke Ret. BS Civil Engineering
1961 Merton F. Dibble P.E. BS Metallurgical Engineering
1961 Dr. Robley H. Morrison III BS Mathematics
1961 Walter W. Tacke P.E. BS Civil Engineering
1962 Anthony F. Raimondo BS Mechanical Engineering
1962 Carl G. Schwenk ’62 BS Geological Engineering, ’65 BS Geophysical Engineering
1962 Kerry S Shoemaker BS Chemical Engineering
1963 John M. Gogin BS Forestry
1963 Jon H. MacLeod P.E. BS Applied Physics
1963 Julio C. Raphel BS Electrical Engineering
1963 Darryl K. Tubbs BS Geological Engineering
1964 James E. Belmore ’64 BS Business Administration
1964 Ronald J. Gerlock BS Metallurgical Engineering
1964 Ronald O. Kay BS Mechanical Engineering
1965 James A. Niemi BS Civil Engineering
1965 Dr. Joseph L. Roti Roti BS Physics
1966 Paavo K. Alasimi ’66 BS Chemistry
1966 Daniel D. Astleford BS Electrical Engineering
1967 William H Webb BS Mechanical Engineering
1968 Mark J. Arnold BS Business Administration
1968 Alan D. Bockrath BS Business Administration
1969 L. James Barnard ’69 BS Metallurgical Engineering
1969 Timothy D. Burtrum BS Electrical Engineering, MS Business Administration
1969 Leon J. Draxler BS Mathematics
1969 William J. Gobert P.E. BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Civil Engineering
1970 Ted A. Brzezinski BS Mechanical Engineering
1971 Joseph Mark Krcmarik BS Civil Engineering
1971 Terry M. Lane BS Forestry
1972 Rodney J. Klingenberg BS Electrical Engineering
1973 Ross H. Jury ’73 BS Business Administration
1973 Scott J. McKeough BS Electrical Engineering
1973 Kenneth G. Van Kley PE BS Mechanical Engineering
1974 Robert W. Duncan III BS Business Administration
1974 Murli L. Hinduja BS Chemical Engineering
1975 Kathleen L. Parker ’75 BA Liberal Arts
1975 Gerald J. Ryszka ’75 BS Forestry
1976 James N. Lehman ’76 BS Civil Engineering
1977 Richard W. Dobie ’77 MS Biological Sciences
1977 Zoe Ann R. Vicory ’77 AAS Nursing Technology
1978 Steven R. Vanden Brink ’78 BS Civil Engineering
1979 Phillip J. Hendrickson ’79 BS Mining Engineering
1980 David T. Windmuller ’80 BS Mechanical Engineering
1981 Gilbert A. Brown ’81 BS Forestry
1983 Kathryn R. Rautio ’83 AAS Mechanical Design Eng Tech
1984 Kevin P. Erickson ’84 BS Electrical Engineering
1984 Geoffry C. Kotila ’84 BS Business Administration
1985 Susan A. Gillespie ’85 BA Liberal Arts with History Opt
1985 Keith E. Moyle ’85 BS Electrical Engineering
1991 Sharon I. Joles ’91 BS Chemistry, ’95 MS Chemistry
1992 Jeffrey J. Morse ’92 BS Forestry
1993 Douglas W. Stage ’93 BS Chemical Engineering
1994 James T. Green ’94 AAS Forest Technology, ’96 BS Forestry
1997 Matthew E. McPherson ’97 BS Mechanical Engineering
2007 Jill M. Recla ’07 BS Bioinformatics

In Memoriam for October 1 – December 31, 2022

Continue Reading →

Time and Talent Initiative a Perfect Fit for Green

Published
By

To say Dan Green ’83 is passionate about connecting with Michigan Tech students and sharing his experiences is an understatement. He volunteers in numerous ways, sharing his story and experience to help the next generation of Huskies succeed.

Dan Green

“I know all this stuff, and I didn’t want it to go to waste when I retired,” said Green. “It’s so energizing to be able to share with current students to help them understand better what to expect after graduation.”

The reconnection to Tech all started two years ago for Green, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1983. Dean Johnson, dean of the College of Business, was working with volunteers Jenny Johnson and Scott Pattullo ’81 in looking for alumni willing to share how they had used their degree.

“Two weeks later, I was on campus guest lecturing in a classroom,” said Green. “On the way home, I was asking why we weren’t doing more of this.”

Green’s experience comes from a career in the banking and financial technology industries. He worked the first half of his career at credit unions, specializing in mortgage banking. While working for Boeing Employees Credit Union, Green was involved in a startup called Prime Alliance, a FinTech specializing in mortgages.

“BECU was building this software for themselves, but after showing it to other credit unions, a company was formed. After acquisitions and by the time I left, it was a $100 million business.”

He credits former professors Jim Gale, Tom Merz, Terry Munson, and others with being influential in his education. An econometrics class was a light bulb moment as it tied all the pieces together on “how to pull important pieces of information from a pile of numbers.”

Green believes there is a lot of untapped potential with the Time and Talent program. “I had been gone from Tech for 40 years before Jenny contacted me. I got to thinking that there have to be a lot of us with a lot to offer—not necessarily in terms of money, which is important, but in terms of human capital. Experience. Time.”

Green has found it easy to form connections with students because of the shared Michigan Tech experiences—the remote location and traditions. “You kind of can’t help but have things in common,” he said.

Green met his wife, Jane Mooney ’83 at Michigan Tech. Her experience with Summer Youth Programs as a child led to her attending Tech as a student. The Greens have committed to volunteering for a full week during SYP each summer.

“It’s one of my favorite weeks of the year,” he says.

The goal moving forward is to expand Time and Talent to develop alumni and student connections across all departments.

Jennifer Lucas (Jung) ’09, Tech’s Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement, lauds the work of Green and Johnson. She encourages others to get others involved.

“It is our mission in the Office of Alumni Engagement to provide meaningful programs for our alumni to connect with each other and the University, and the Time and Talent initiative that Dan is championing is a perfect example of that. It’s a pleasure for our team to offer opportunities to our amazing alumni who are willing to share their wisdom directly with current students to come back to campus for a guest lecture. We are so lucky to have Dan working side by side with us on this, and are very grateful to him and to Jenny for the effort they put in!

“We look forward to growing this initiative by enabling more alumni to join our Time and Talent roster, and being able to match them with the right classes and student groups on campus.”

More information, visit: mtu.edu/alumni/volunteer/time-talent.

Leave a Comment Continue Reading →

The Spring Thaw is Coming

Published
By

While there is still plenty of snow on the ground, our flashback image reminds us that the spring melt is coming! Pictured here is the Redridge Steel Dam during a flood stage on Easter Sunday 1941. The pressure of the water was so great that the gates of the spillway began to collapse one by one until there were none left out of the six that were holding water back. The mighty waters of the Keweenaw’s waterfalls are sure to be at peak flow later this semester. Did you have a favorite place to go chasing waterfalls in your days at Tech? Share in the comments.

Leave a Comment Continue Reading →

West Michigan Event Report: Bowling, Hockey, and Holiday Fun

Published
By

Alumni and friends in the West Michigan area have been enjoying a variety of events, from bowling to holiday parties to cheering on the hockey team! If you’d like to follow along with what is happening in the West Michigan area, check out the West Michigan alumni Facebook page.

Bowling at Clique Lanes — September 28, 2022

Alumni enjoyed an evening of bowling at Clique Lanes, Grand Rapids. We rented the second floor with eight lanes for a two-hour bowling session. The attendance of nine bowlers was well below the expected capacity of 32 people, so there was ample space for everyone. We even had a 3-year-old in the group who used a ramp to launch his ball. Emma Zawisza ’12 organized the event.

Group of alumni bowling

Jim Crouch ’90 preparing to bowl.

Young boy bowling

3-year-old boy used a ramp to release the ball.

Holiday Party at The Mitten — December 1, 2022

To kick off the Holiday Season, a pizza and pub night was held at The Mitten Brewery in Grand Rapids. This event drew 40 people. Various gourmet pizzas, chicken wings, and delicious breadsticks gave everyone all they could eat. The Mitten Brewing Company was founded in November 2012 by lifelong friends Chris Andrus and Max Trierweiler and is located in historic Engine House No. 9. They offer a good variety of different styles of beer, so they have something for everyone’s tastes.

Michigan Tech’s Office of Alumni Engagement worked with alum host Emma Zawisza ’12 to organize the event, which also featured a drawing for door prizes with items courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement. One of the winners of a Husky blanket was Ron Vriesman ’78 from Spring Lake.

Michigan Tech vs. Ferris Hockey Pregame Social — January 21, 2023

About 68 people attended a pregame social at Cranker’s Brewery in Big Rapids. Coach Joe Shawhan was able to attend, mingled with alumni, and gave a game update prior to heading off to the pregame meetings and warm-ups. In front of a packed house, the nationally #14 ranked Michigan Tech Huskies tied Ferris State University Bulldogs 3-3 in an overtime game. The Bulldogs won a shootout victory following the tie.

Husky Hockey Game Watch — January 28, 2023

The game between Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan was live-streamed at Schmohz Brewing Co. The watch party went well (and we got the win 4-1 after an 0-3 loss on Friday)! Anticipated attendance was down slightly because of the weather (we got about 4″ of snow and the roads were a little sloppy) but everyone had a good time. We plan to do more events like this in the future.

Leave a Comment Continue Reading →

2023 Alumni “Snow” Statue Results

Published
By

Thanks to all the Michigan Tech alumni and friends who participated in the third annual Alumni “Snow” Statue Contest. Congratulations to our winners!

Multi-Day Snow Statue – Winner

1st place ribbon

Title: Mammoth Mug from Minnesota: In the Land of Ice and Snow, Nothing is Better Than Hot Cocoa
Participants: Pamela ’09 & Tyler ’11 Fincher

Two Michigan Tech alumni Pamela (2009) and Tyler (2011) unearthed a mammoth mug of hot chocolate in their backyard after a Minneapolis blizzard. Likely left behind by Paul Bunyan himself after carving the Mississippi River. Hot chocolate has long been a staple comfort food for the Fincher family during the long winter months especially now after finding Paul’s long-lost recipe. The statue was found during excavations for a bobsledding course that wraps around the mug. After a long day of sledding, Pamela and Tyler’s sons refresh themselves with a hot cup of cocoa.

The statue pays homage to Summit house (5th floor East McNair) where Tyler learned the art of snow sculpting. Of course, the copper lettering is in honor of the Keweenaw. Hidden in the statue is ancient wisdom for those who thirst.

Multi-Day Snow Statue – Runner Up

2nd Place Ribbon

Title: Cup of Global Warming Soup
Participants: Susan Conradson ’94 and Erica Conradson

The statue started during the Christmas blizzard when we made two stacks of snow (4′ and 5′ high) with the intention of making a large mug of coffee and doughnut. Then came the warm-up… and rain. The statue turned into a small cup of coffee and half of a donut. And then came more warmth and rain… and the doughnut turned into the handle of what we titled “A Cup of Global Warming Soup”. Then came even more rain… and the statue is gone. The statue should be labeled “perseverance” which relates to the Michigan Tech experience. We are just going for participation points!

24-Hour Snow Statue – Winner

First place ribbon

Title: Snowman Encampment: Sugar Cookies and Toasted ‘Mallows for the Snowman’s Soul
Participants: Ben Thompson ’09, Aspen Thompson, Drew Vettel ’05, Maeda Vettel, Jackson Vettel

Another statue was built while on a friend vacation to the heart of enemy territory, Marquette. We spent a morning playing in the snow with the kiddos, including sledding down the hill and building a small statue of winter treats that warm our hearts. There is a platter of sugar cookies, a hot cocoa mug, and a snowman bravely using his own arm to roast a marshmallow over ice logs and sculpted snow flames. A snow brick wall protects him from the Lake Superior gales.

24-Hour Snow Statue – Runner Up

Title: Welcome to McDonalds’
Participants: Emily McDonald ’12, Carl Baker ’84, and future Huskies Elliott (3) and Margie (1) McDonald

This year’s theme was an easy one for our family since we are the McDonalds! We wanted to bring to life a classic menu item from the fast food chain of our namesake. Our favorite part of building this statue was making the three pickles that can be seen on the front and the right side.

Other Material “Snow” Statue – Winner

1st place ribbon

Title: Pasties, Pickled Eggs, & Pints, Providing Energy for Many a Frigid Tech Night!
Participants: Steven Williams ’86, Lisa Williams ’88, Becca Williams ’22, Libby Williams ’22

Our statue pays tribute to three Michigan Tech and Upper Peninsula staples that have sustained many a Tech student throughout the brutal Houghton winters – Pasties, Pickled Eggs, and Pints. Being highly consumable, they perfectly fit this year’s theme of “Tasty Foods for Wintry Moods”. This statue is constructed in Cadillac, MI out of alternative materials. Desiring to limit waste, the statue is made completely of food products, ice, snow, and birdseed. Served on a large ice platter, the bird seed-filled pasties have been baked golden brown, the pickled eggs were molded from suet cakes, and the specially constructed ice pints are filled with sunflower seed “KBC Widowmaker Black”, topped with a snowy head. Once documented, the statue will become a tasty offering for our feathered and furry friends!

Other Material “Snow” Statue – Runner Up

Title: The Caterpillar Became Even More Full from the Food He Ate at Carnival!
Participants: Kathryn Stone ’19 and Derek Stone ’19

The inspiration for this statue comes from the OG food lover – the Very Hungry Caterpillar from Eric Carle’s classic children’s book of the same name. For most of the book, the caterpillar is in pursuit of food, until the last page when he finally meets his fill. Winter Carnival is always filled with delicious food traditions from student organizations, so we imagined all of the food this character would indulge in if he decided to visit Houghton.

Our caterpillar is eating his way across campus at Winter Carnival All-Nighter! He starts with hot chocolate (and mini marshmallows) at the IRHC Cocoa Shack. He also enjoys all-you-can-eat pancakes with Air Force ROTC, hot dogs from His House Ministries, chili from USG, GSG, and the Office of Alumni Engagement, and fried Oreos from the Pep Band. Of course, his trip to the UP is not complete without a pickled egg and a pasty!

Since snow is difficult to come by in Alabama, this statue is made from modeling clay.

Leave a Comment Continue Reading →