We are excited to welcome all alumni and friends to campus on August 1–3 for Alumni Reunion, especially those from our honored classes: 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1984, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2014.
Join us in the festivities and celebrate Reunion from wherever you are, by sharing a Michigan Tech memory or giving a shout-out to your classmates in the comments below.
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state and the Upper Peninsula has over 40 of the structures dotting its unique waterways. Some of the lighthouses in the UP are inactive relics of the mid- to late 1800s when they were built; however, many continue to guide ships and boats safely into harbors and around dangerous areas and shoals. Summer is a great time to tour the landscapes and waterways of local lighthouses, and some even offer public tours.
Do you have a favorite lighthouse? Better yet, can you name the mystery lighthouse in the photograph from the Michigan Tech Archives? Let us know in the comments!
George W. Robinson Jr., age 78, of Ogdensburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at his home, surrounded by the love of his wife.
Survived by his devoted wife Susan Robinson, George leaves behind cherished cousins Sandy (Bill) Wilkins of Gansevoort, NY, Larry Gillis, Leonard Gillis, Dave Robinson, Steve Robinson, Stanley Robinson, and Jeanne Robinson, all of the Glens Falls area.
George was born on February 7, 1946, in Glens Falls, NY, to the late George W. and Gladys (Purdy) Robinson. He graduated from Glens Falls High School and pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in geology from Potsdam State in 1968, followed by a PhD in geological sciences from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1978.
Throughout his distinguished career, George made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy and geology. He began as a high school earth science teacher in Heuvelton, NY, from 1968 to 1974, before venturing into self-employment as a mineral dealer from 1974 to 1982. His passion and expertise led him to serve as curator of mineralogy at the Canadian Museum of Nature from 1982 to 1996 and as curator of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum and professor of mineralogy at Michigan Technological University from 1996 to 2013. Even after retirement, George continued his academic pursuits as a research associate in the department of geology for St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY.
George’s influence extended beyond his professional accomplishments. He served as an associate editor for esteemed publications such as the Mineralogical Record and the Canadian Mineralogist, and as a consulting editor for Rocks and Minerals. He was a committed member of the Rochester Academy of Science, contributing significantly to the Mineralogical Symposium.
An accomplished author, George published over 100 professional papers and popular publications, along with 8 books, including the renowned “Minerals” (Simon & Schuster, 1994). His dedication to the field was recognized with numerous accolades, including the dedication of the George W. Robinson Laboratory of Mineralogy at SUNY Potsdam in 1985, the naming of the rare lead chromate mineral “Georgerobinsonite” in his honor in 2009, and the prestigious Carnegie Mineralogical Award in 2012.
Beyond his academic pursuits, George found joy in collecting minerals and faceting gemstones, playing the piano, and birdwatching. His passions enriched the lives of those around him and left a lasting impact on the world of mineralogy and geology.
George W. Robinson Jr. will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the scientific community at large. His legacy of scholarship, dedication, and love for the natural world will continue to inspire generations to come.
As we bid farewell to George, may we find solace in the memories shared and the knowledge that his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions have been requested to the A.E. Seaman Museum at Michigan Tech. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Spring is here, but winter rules may be in effect at many local courses as they slowly open up for the season. This vintage photo of the golf course at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is a perfect snapshot to remind us of the simple pleasure of the game; good times with friends, beautiful views, and amazing courses. While Michigan Tech’s Portage Lake Golf Course may be our favorite for a scenic and pleasant 18-hole round, let us know your favorite local course in the comments.
In late April, we celebrated 1,064 students who earned their degrees from Michigan Tech.
We also celebrated the opening of the new H-STEM Engineering and Health Sciences Complex and the Alumni Gateway pedestrian path. I am particularly grateful to our donors, Mike Trewhella and his family, along with the Harjus, for supporting our vision to create an inviting and welcoming entryway to campus. The Alumni Gateway is a representation of what we’ve always been—a welcoming environment for all who come to campus. This is in addition to the generous donation from Longyear-Able Medical Devices to name the lobby and student commons area in the H-STEM Complex.
As we wrap up these projects, we will soon turn our attention to renovating the McNair dining hall, classrooms in the EERC, and the Daniell Heights apartments. These projects will join ongoing construction already happening around campus—including East Hall, our new residence hall. As our campus grows, so does our community. In July, we will welcome three new deans to campus. We will also welcome our next vice president for research, as Dave Reed is retiring from Michigan Tech after 42 years of service. Dave has been an integral part of Michigan Tech’s success over the years and was instrumental in helping the University attain R1 status.
In this spirit, I’d like to also recognize a few of Michigan Tech’s faculty and students on their recent accomplishments, like MASU’s Distinguished Professor of the Year, Dr. Charles Wallace, and undergraduate student Marielle Raasio, who received the President’s Award for Leadership this spring. As one nominator put it, Marielle has created a community whose well-being and internal confidence encourages the desire to work, study, and build relationships. Finally, kudos to our hockey team for winning the Great Lakes Invitational and the Mason Cup conference championship, and participating in the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year—their 16th all-time appearance.
These examples are just a few of the many ways our alumni, faculty, staff, and students reflect the incredible community we call Michigan Tech. As always, thank you for representing Michigan Tech in your communities with such great pride and enthusiasm. I look forward to visiting with you at MTU’s annual Alumni Reunion or perhaps at another one of the many alumni gatherings planned in the future.
Sincerely,
Rick Koubek
President
The years go by, but some things never change. This flashback image to Shelden Avenue shows a slushy spring day in downtown Houghton, reminiscent of the spring weather this year. This image from the Earl Gagnon Collection is undated, but there are many landmarks and vintage cars that might allow an alum to help us identify the year of this photograph! What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
Alumni and friends in the West Michigan area have been enjoying a variety of events, from volunteering at the zoo to cheering on the Huskies, and enjoying delicious pickled eggs! If you’d like to follow along with what is happening in the West Michigan area, check out the West Michigan Alumni Facebook Page.
Some alumni in the West Michigan area volunteered to hand out goodies to children attending the “Boo at the Zoo” event at John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids. They dressed in Halloween attire and socialized with the children and their families. Zoo staff set up booths and provided the goodies. It was a very cold day, but that did not keep them from having more than 1000 children stop by for treats!
To kick off the holiday season, a pizza and pub night was held at The Mitten Brewery in Grand Rapids in conjunction with our monthly meeting. This event drew 29 people. Various gourmet pizzas and delicious breadsticks gave everyone all they could eat. The Mitten Brewing Company—located in historic Engine House No. 9—was founded in November 2012 by lifelong friends Chris Andrus and Max Trierweiler. Their variety of beers offers something for everyone’s tastes.
Emma Zawisza ’12 ’16 helped host the event and attendees had the opportunity to score Michigan Tech swag, courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement. Anne Barton and Dave Cox ’76 won a classic Husky banner.
Michigan Tech alumni and friends, along with Head Coach Joe Shawhan, gathered on December 28 for the 2023 Great Lakes Invitational (2023) pregame social, hosted by the Michigan Tech Alumni Board of Directors. The social took place at Peppino’s Downtown Sports Grille, just a short walk from Van Andel Arena, before the Huskies took on Alaska Fairbanks. Michigan Tech branded door prizes were awarded, including signed hockey jerseys and GLI apparel and tumblers, courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement. The Huskies won the first game against Alaska Fairbanks, 3–2.
On December 29, the Huskies took on Michigan State for the GLI championship. The game ended in overtime play with a 3–3 tie. The Huskies won the shoot out for a final score of 4–3.
Hosts included current Michigan Tech Alumni Board members: Steve Williams ’86, Tonya Moore-Bouchard ’96, Britta Anderson ’15 ’23, Michelle Wazny ’10, Emma Zawisza ’12 ’16, and Diane Cesarz ’94, and Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement Jordan Shawhan.
Everyone enjoyed this event and made several comments on the great social and great games!
Holly Grzelak, daughter of Kevin ’89 and Lynn Grzelak, and a current mechanical engineering student, represented Michigan Tech at the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Alpine Women’s Giant Slalom National Championship race in Lake Placid, New York. In one of the largest races held to date with 150 female athletes, she placed 33rd. Congratulations, Holly!
After a four-year break, the annual pickled egg contest took place at Schmohz Brewery in Grand Rapids. This year, we had five entries and approximately 20 people attended the event. All the eggs were great, so it was difficult to pick a single winner. However, by a slight margin, the first-place winner was Robert Casler. Mike Dunphy ’03 took second place, and third place went to Joshua Manning ’12. It was a great event and everyone enjoyed eating many pickled eggs and drinking Schmohz beer. Jim Crouch ’90 hosted the event. The Office of Alumni Engagement provided the prizes.
One of the benefits of being a Michigan Tech student is you are never more than a few minutes away from lakes and rivers for endless spring recreation. March is an especially great time for Brown Trout and Lake Trout fishing. The great undated image from the Brockway Photograph Collection shows off some of the trophy fish that are possible in our sportsman’s paradise. Do you have a favorite honey hole that you fished while you were here? Let us know your angler’s secrets in the comments!
When you think of Michigan Technological University, there is one tradition that stands out amongst the rest: Winter Carnival. Its reputation is second only to the University’s outstanding academic reputation and job placement rate.
Winter Carnival is organized and run by Michigan Tech’s premier student leadership organization, Blue Key National Honor Society. Blue Key’s mission at Tech is “to organize and coordinate Winter Carnival in a fair and equitable manner to serve the surrounding community.” The organization strives for excellence in academics, development of leadership, and service to the community. Student volunteers in Tech’s Blue Key chapter put their leadership acumen on display every year as they successfully plan, fundraise, organize, and execute the University’s most time honored tradition.
While the lack of snow certainly made this year’s edition historic, Blue Key and Michigan Tech had another milestone reason to celebrate Winter Carnival 2024. Blue Key recently received a generous gift from Elizabeth (Schumacher) Pulick ’88 and Michael Pulick ’86. The former Blue Key members know how important the student experience is to Michigan Tech Huskies. They wanted to make a gift to Michigan Tech that supported all students and the community by endowing Winter Carnival. The funds Blue Key will receive from the endowment will go directly to supporting the annual costs of putting on a major community event plus a scholarship for the Blue Key president.
“Blue Key was special for me,” said Elizabeth. “It allowed me to be a leader and hone those skills working with people.”
Michael added, “Blue Key put me into situations like managing a budget and meeting with community leaders and the media. It was pressure that I hadn’t felt before. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun.”
“This was a genuine surprise and absolutely wonderful,” said Joe Dlugos, a senior environmental engineering student and current president of Blue Key. “This gift will not only help Blue Key, but everyone who enjoys Winter Carnival.”
“We will be able to provide students with scaffolding, shovels, and lighting for snow statues,” said Dlugos. “We have plans to add fire pits for people to stay warm during the all-nighter. The possibilities are endless, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the Pulicks for their support.”
The Pulicks credit their experience in Blue Key and as Michigan Tech students for amplifying their personal growth. “We always talk to others about how special Tech is,” said Michael. “We want Winter Carnival to go on forever, and hope this gift takes some of the pressure off of students in Blue Key.”
Elizabeth echoed the sentiments. “We are really passionate about the student experience and wanted to pay back what we received. We’re excited to help Blue Key make Winter Carnival better for the whole community.”
Annually, Winter Carnival occurs the second weekend in February with events including snow statues, broomball, stage revue, royalty competition, human dog sled races, and Michigan Tech hockey. The event not only brings students, alumni, and the community together, but it also has a considerable economic impact on the Keweenaw.
Laura Bulleit, vice president for student affairs, underscored the significance of Blue Key and Winter Carnival. “The impact of Winter Carnival isn’t limited to just a fun weekend for our students. It’s so much more than that. It is a major draw for alumni, families, and tourists, and has an enormous impact on our local economy. Very few student organizations have the opportunity to plan and execute something as large as Winter Carnival. To know that it’s our students, and not faculty and staff, who are behind all of this really highlights the capability and excellence of our Michigan Tech students.”
Blue Key has put on Winter Carnival for 90 years. The Pulicks’ gift helps ensure that Blue Key has the resources to continue the tradition into the future.
“This endowment will preserve one of Tech’s most well-known traditions in perpetuity,” said Bill Roberts, vice president for advancement and alumni engagement. “I’m so glad the Pulicks have led the way with this gift that will ensure Winter Carnival for generations to come.”
Michigan Tech’s endowment is a collection of funds which were given by donors to provide support to Michigan Tech in perpetuity. When an endowment gift is received, it is placed in a long-term investment fund. The investment returns generated from that principal are used on a continual basis while the principal is preserved for the future. The endowment provides the University with future financial stability.
Others may join the Pulicks to further support the Blue Key endowment with a one-time or annual gift. Those interested can contact the Office of Gift Planning at 906-487-3325.
In the wake of an unseasonably warm Winter Carnival, it makes sense to wonder what season we are really in! The snow that usually lingers until late spring, and even early summer in the deep woods, is nearly nonexistent so spring seems right on the horizon. Even though broomball, skiing, and other winter sports have been scarce this year, it is still possible to get some fresh air by hiking the trails or a good old-fashioned game of mud ball! When the weather gets warmer and the snow starts to go, what is your favorite thing to do in the Copper Country? Let us know in the comments.
