Author: Morgan Laajala

2023 Alumni “Snow” Statue Results

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

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

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

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

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.

KRC Leads Mobility Testing for More Than 60 Years

In this glimpse back, we see researchers from the Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) hard at work on infrared testing on February 21, 1980. The KRC is a multidisciplinary outfit that is active across a broad spectrum of vehicle development. Originally established by the United States Army for deep snow mobility testing, the KRC has been involved in commercial, industrial, and military vehicle applications for over 60 years. Did you have any involvement with the center or its activities while you were a student? Share your story!

In Memoriam

October 1 – December 31, 2022

Class Full Name Degrees
1899 Arthur E. Maas BS Mining, EM Mining
1936 Oscar G. Hane BS Electrical Engineering
1940 Charles E. Tackels Jr BS Chemical Engineering
1942 Walfred S Werner BS Electrical Engineering
1943 John C. Feldscher BS Mechanical Engineering
1946 H. Bradley Johnson BS Mining Engineering
1946 Robert L. Smith BS Mining Engineering
1948 Louis P. Clark BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949 Russell W. Burman BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949 Angelo C. Coste BS Chemical Engineering
1949 Gale E. Dickinson ’49 BS Chemical Engineering
1949 Thomas C. Gebhard BS Electrical Engineering
1949 Oiva W. Hakala BS Mining Engineering
1949 Douglas A. Kuhna BS Mechanical Engineering
1949 Robert P. Matson ’49 BS Mining Engineering
1949 Thomas Z. Pinder BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949 Donald J. Schwalm BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949 Vincent J. Zanella BS Electrical Engineering
1950 James S. Apostolina BS Metallurgical Engineering
1950 William L. Barke BS Civil Engineering, BS Mining Engineering
1950 Philip C. Ellsworth ’50 BS Geological Engineering
1950 Carl F. Hoehner ’50 BS Mechanical Engineering
1950 Hoobert Huhta BS Electrical Engineering
1950 Dean R. Kelly BS Civil Engineering
1950 Wayne L. Sullivan BS Chemical Engineering
1950 Earl C Sutherland ’50 BS Metallurgical Engineering, ’50 MS Metallurgical Engineering
1950 Clarence P. Ulstad BS Civil Engineering
1950 Alan F. Walter BS Civil Engineering, MS Civil Engineering
1951 David S. Hackley ’51 BS Mechanical Engineering
1951 Gerald W. Heppler BS Civil Engineering
1951 Robert H. LeGault BS Electrical Engineering
1951 Irving B. Perala BS Electrical Engineering
1951 Donald I. Severson BS Civil Engineering
1951 Arthur B. Shurtleff, Sr BS Civil Engineering
1952 Richard J. Annesser BS Mechanical Engineering
1952 Norbert R. Grant BS Chemical Engineering
1952 James F. Harlin BS Civil Engineering
1952 Jack P. Johnson BS Civil Engineering
1952 Raymond E. Johnson BS Mining Engineering
1952 Howard C. LaTourneau BS Mechanical Engineering
1952 Kenneth J. Moody BS Mechanical Engineering
1953 Frederick C. Hallgren BS Metallurgical Engineering
1953 Ronald L. Mathwich BS Civil Engineering
1953 Robert J. McCormick BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Chemical Engineering
1955 Gilbert J. Mroz BS Civil Engineering
1955 David F. Pagel ’55 BS Business Administration, ’55 BS Chemical Engineering
1956 Arnell L. Engstrom BS Geological Engineering
1956 Samuel T. Wineman P.E. BS Mechanical Engineering
1957 Dr. Donald L. Bullock ’57 BS Physics
1957 Loren D. Carlson ’57 BS Electrical Engineering
1957 Dr. James I. Tanis ’57 BS Geological Engineering, ’58 MS Geophysics
1958 Stuart J. Durkee BS Civil Engineering
1959 Louis M. MacDougall BS Metallurgical Engineering
1959 Fred G. Nardi Jr ’59 BS Electrical Engineering
1959 George E. Winn BS Civil Engineering
1961 William C. Mitchell BS Electrical Engineering
1961 Florian J. Mohar BS Business Administration
1961 Loren S. Woerpel BS Forestry
1963 Robert M. Ball BS Civil Engineering
1963 Walter A. Grundman P.E. BS Mechanical Engineering
1965 Roland J. McDonald Jr BS Business Administration
1966 Dr Gary M Wenberg BS Biological Sciences, MS Biological Sciences, PHD Biological Sciences
1967 Gian C. Taneja BS Civil Engineering
1968 John R. Aho ’68 BS Mechanical Engineering
1968 Kenneth W. Brayman BS Mechanical Engineering
1968 Bruce G. Douglas BS Mathematics
1968 John L. Fisher BS Metallurgical Engineering
1968 William H. Granger BS Business Administration
1968 Dr. Robert B. Harper BS Biological Sciences
1968 Robert M. Kubicki BS Metallurgical Engineering
1968 Dennis M. Lamb BS Forestry
1968 Robert S. Middleton P.E. BS Applied Geophysics, MS Geophysics
1968 Jon E. Myers BS Forestry
1968 George W. Schemm BS Mathematics
1968 John F. Stafford BS Applied Geophysics
1968 James S. Tulloch BS Business Administration
1969 Gail L. Luttinen BS Civil Engineering, MS Business Administration
1969 Michael L. Priest ’69 BS Civil Engineering
1971 Gilbert W. Cross BS Forestry
1971 John H. Lewis BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Business Administration
1972 Timothy Carpenter PE ’72 BS Civil Engineering, ’82 MS Civil Engineering
1972 Francis J. Gagnon BS Electrical Engineering
1972 John C. Houston ’72 BS Applied Physics
1972 Dennis A. Leith BS Forestry
1972 Dennis G. McGrath BS Business Administration
1972 William C. Saad BS Mathematics
1973 Andrew J. Grgurich BA Liberal Arts with History Opt
1973 Lawrence C. Joiner BS Civil Engineering
1973 David P. Zielinski BS Mechanical Engineering
1974 George M. Hnatiuk BS Electrical Engineering, ’77 MS Mathematics, ’78 MS Electrical Engineering
1975 Patrick Parker ’75 BS Mechanical Engineering
1978 Robin F. Righettini ’78 BS Chemistry
1983 Mary J. Connors ’83 BS Biological Sciences
1983 Nicholas J. Leiterman ’83 BS Mechanical Engineering
1983 Mark S. Pirlot ’83 BS Mining Engineering, ’83 BS Business Engineering Admin
1990 Jennifer L. Barhorst ’90 BS Business Administration
1990 Melanie R. Harmala ’90 BS Mathematics
1993 Timothy D. Gard ’93 BS Electrical Engineering
1996 Keith J. Latendresse ’96 BS Environmental Engineering
1998 Shelley B. Mois ’98 BS Mechanical Engineering
2000 Richard J. McKay ’00 BS Mechanical Engineering

In Memoriam for July 1 – September 30, 2022

Barr Hires Michigan Tech Grads to Solve Problems and Restore Natural Resources

L-R: Diane Biehl, Michael Spenle, Katy Lindstrom, Chris Miron

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Barr is an engineering and environmental consulting firm that has been serving clients across North America and beyond since the 1900s. The engineers, scientists, and technical specialists at Barr work together to help clients develop, manage, process, and restore natural resources. Among those employees who are making an impact on the world are Michigan Tech graduates who have found their careers at Barr.

Diane Biehl, Environmental Scientist
Diane Biehl is an environmental scientist and Barr, where her project work is both exciting and technically challenging. “Michigan Tech prepared me for Barr by encouraging and growing my love for science, by developing my work ethic, and providing numerous opportunities for me to grow as a person outside of school,” she said. “My favorite graduate experience was working under Dr. Nancy Auer, who supported me with guidance and patience.” Diane received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2011 and her Master’s in Biology in 2016.

Katy Lindstrom, Senior Environmental Engineer
Katy Lindstrom graduated from Michigan Tech in 2006 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering where she discovered her passion for hydrogeology and groundwater modeling in her geohydrology class with Dr. John Gierke. In her current role, Katy enjoys the combination of technical problem-solving and building relationships with her colleagues and clients. “Michigan Tech is phenomenal at preparing students for “real-world” application of science and engineering,” she said. “Most, if not all, of my classes included presenting technical work in presentations and/or technical writing. Both of these aspects of my job at Barr cannot be overstated.”

Chris Miron, Vice President and Senior Chemical Engineer
Chris Miron is the vice president and senior chemical engineer at Barr. He says the most rewarding part of his job has been the opportunity to successfully remediate and redevelop many complex sites of environmental contamination in Michigan. Earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1988, Chris learned how to effectively work with teams of professionals to complete projects. “Michigan Tech provided me with a strong understanding of fundamental principles of chemical and environmental separation processes.”

Michael Spenle, Electrical Engineer
As an electrical engineer, Michael works on substation and renewable energy design projects which help to improve and sustain the electrical grid. “Michigan Tech prepared me for working at Barr in ways I didn’t realize,” he said. “Not only did Tech provide me with a uniquely challenging education, but I would say it’s mainly what Tech offered outside of the classroom that has helped me the most in my career such as student organizations, on-campus jobs, and career-focused opportunities like enterprise.” Michael graduated from Michigan Tech in 2016 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and a certificate in Electrical Power Engineering.

The Lonsdorf Technique

Lonsdorf and daughter Lynn
Fred Lonsdorf and daughter, Lynn

Check out this great flashback to Mont Ripley from the Daily Mining Gazette on December 26, 1958.

“Fred Lonsdorf, Michigan Tech ski coach, believes in starting skiers at the youngest age possible. Here, Fred demonstrates the downhill schussing position to his oldest daughter, Lynn. Lonsdorf has done more for skiing in Michigan and the Midwest than anyone else. He truly is the old pro of Mont Ripley and children, as well as adults, are amazed at the smoothness of the Lonsdorf technique. They clutter around him for tips and advice and probably will continue to do so for some time to come. Fred stresses one point and calls this the best tip he can give any skier or potential racer: “Get out and practice.” Lonsdorf truly practices what he preaches, because all Lonsdorf-coached skiers get plenty of practice and racing experience.”

Does anyone have any fond memories of Coach Lonsdorf, or perhaps some great stories to share from hitting the slopes with friends and family?

Remembering Professor, Dean, and Provost Max Seel

Max Seel, a professor emeritus of the physics department at Michigan Technological University, died on September 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

He was born on October 12, 1949, in Koesching, Germany, son of Andreas and Walburga Seel.

Max Seel

After receiving a Master’s Degree in Physics from the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and a PhD from the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg in Germany, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow with IBM Research in San Jose, California, and then as privatdozent at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg. Seel joined the Michigan Tech faculty as an associate professor of physics in 1986. He served as interim head of the Department of Computer Science in 1988 and was promoted to full professor of physics in 1989. In January 1990, he was named interim dean, and from 1991 to 2008 he was the dean of the College of Sciences and Arts. Seel was appointed interim provost in 2009 and provost and vice president of academic affairs in 2010. He returned to Physics in 2015 and retired in 2016.

Seel was a member of the American Physical Society, Sigma Pi Sigma, and Sigma Xi. He is the author of ninety publications and has been an invited speaker at universities, conferences, and industry laboratories in the US and Europe. His research areas were computational solid-state Physics and Quantum Chemistry.

For thirty years, he went with his boat Bavaria to Isle Royale. He played cello with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, read many books, worked with digital photography, and from time to time did oil and acrylic paintings. In his retirement, he also rediscovered building and flying remote-controlled airplanes.

Preceding him in death are his parents and brother Gerhard Seel. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Seel, his daughter Natalie (Jeremy) Lankford of Houston, TX, and Son Max (Elena) Seel of Guilford, CT, who are his children with his first wife Ingrid, grandchildren Kai, Max, and Astrid, stepson Cole Berryman of Appleton, WI, brother Andreas Seel, and four nephews Sebastian, Florentin, Benedikt, and Jonathan Seel in Germany, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dave and Kathy Manderfield and nephews Adam, Jared, and David Manderfield and niece Megan Manderfield.

Excellence Begets Excellence

By Rick Koubek, President

It’s always a delight to watch campus spring back into action as new students move in, faculty return, and classes resume. As I talk with our new students and meet with new faculty each year at this time, I am all the more cognizant of the excellence that this institution attracts and creates.

Rick Koubek
Rick Koubek, President

Over the past four years, Michigan Tech has pursued a path of excellence to become a premier national university positioned to lead the US in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Evidence suggests we are on the right track. The University has experienced unprecedented demand from prospective students, federal research agencies, employers, and the community at large.

In fall 2022, our incoming first-year student class is on track to be the second largest since 1984 and is on par for the most academically proficient on record (back to 1991) measured by high school GPA and SAT. And, thanks to the efforts of faculty researchers like Raymond Shaw, who received over $3.5 million in grants from the National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy, the University’s research expenditures hit a historic high. Accomplishments like this punctuate the need for growth.

The Vision 2035 Campus Plan, which was completed in early 2022, ensures that Michigan Tech remains equipped for the academic and research demands of tomorrow. In April, the University broke ground on our new H-STEM Complex, which will support integrated educational and research programs in health-related technological innovations. Future capital projects include the Center for Convergence and Innovation, renovations to our academic spaces, and new on-campus residential housing, along with others.

But, Michigan Tech’s reach extends beyond teaching and research in the Keweenaw. In fall 2021, we met demand from our community partners by opening a satellite office in Traverse City. These efforts complement Michigan Tech’s existing partnerships with Northwestern Michigan College and collaborations with Traverse City’s K-12 educational system, to better meet the economic development needs of the region.

This is on top of employers’ growing demand for Michigan Tech graduates. Job placement rates six months post-graduation average 94 percent. Payscale reports midcareer earnings of $120,900 annually for Michigan Tech graduates. And hiring managers say many of their brightest engineers are from MTU.

Our graduates go on to become the world’s leading CEOs and business leaders. In 2021-22, our supporters graciously donated a near all-time high of $47.01 million—6.87 percent more than last year’s impressive total of $43.98 million and the second-largest fundraising year in MTU history. Their vote of confidence in our programs, students, and research supports our move into an era of growth for Michigan Tech.

As a result, our community and state will enjoy innovations that make life better through our Tech Forward research. Our campus community will enjoy the modern conveniences of updated facilities, classrooms, and technologies. Our students and faculty will reap the benefits of donor support through scholarships, professorships, endowed chairs, and other forms of philanthropy. And finally, we will all be part of a more inclusive and diverse community by growing our student and teaching populations.

The state of Michigan, our region, and our country should demand nothing less.

Thank you for your continued support of Michigan Tech.

Remember Lecturer Robert K. Snortland

Robert K. Snortland, 87, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Portage Pointe in Hancock, MI.

He was born a twin on April 6, 1935, in Sharon, ND, son of the late Olaus E. and Ethel (Kloster). He was raised in Sharon and then graduated from the University of North Dakota. He moved to California to begin his life-long passion for teaching. He also worked as a design draftsman in the Aerospace Industry in California.

Robert K. Snortland
Robert K. Snortland, Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

In 1960, he was united in marriage to Edith Mellor. They moved to North Dakota, where Bob received his Master’s Degree from UND. He had an illustrious career as an educator, winning awards, chairing a national committee, and completing two sabbaticals. His career took him to Michigan Technological University as a lecturer, where he retired in 1997.

Bob was passionate about life, not letting a single moment pass him by. His zest overflowed to everyone he met, as he brought a smile to all. Bob led by example, modeling compassion, love, and tolerance to all. He enjoyed woodworking, leather crafting, vegetable gardening, games, pets, music/dancing, snowshoeing, and friends. Bob was a man of deep faith, teaching Sunday School and serving as grandparents (with Edith) at Fortune Lake Bible Camp. Throughout his life, Bob was a member of the Masons, Eastern Star, Sons of Norway, ASEE, and many other organizations.

Bob is survived by his wife: Edith; daughter: Karin (Donna) and son Karl; His grandsons: Chad (Haley), Eric, and twin, Richard.

Google Drive Changes for MTU Alumni Effective January 1, 2023

As a reminder, Google has made some changes regarding storage that will affect Michigan Tech Alumni. On January 1, 2023, Michigan Tech alumni will no longer have access to Google Drive and Google Photos. Starting January 1, 2023, any files stored in Drive or Photos under your @mtu.edu account will be marked for deletion.

This does not affect your @mtu.edu email address. Your email account will continue to work as it does today.

Between now and January 1, 2023, there are several options for moving your content, whether it’s by downloading or transferring to another Google account.

If you have any questions about these changes or need assistance, we can help. Contact IT at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.