Former Michigan Tech professor and advisor Frank Chernosky ‘55 was an early advocate for sustainability principles. His leadership and mentorship of students during his tenure starting the 1960s until his untimely death in 1971 had a great impact on many.
In memory of Chernosky, Mike ‘69 and Karen Gregory established the Frank Chernosky Award in Climate Leadership in 2021.
“When I was a student in the 60’s, the concept of sustainability was championed by Frank Chernosky and Duane Thayer,” said Gregory. “That was before the EPA existed. What better way to remember Frank and help solve the planet’s climate issues than to support a scholarship in his name to assist students studying and researching ways to achieve sustainability.”
Marc Levier ‘71 ‘77 joins Gregory underscoring the impact Chernosky had on his life.
“Frank Chernosky was the professor I admired most. He was the person I looked to for guidance as a student and as a young man who was finding his way in life,” said LeVier. “A field trip to nearby Empire and Republic iron ore mines in my first class with Frank opened my eyes to the mining industry, and I was hooked.”
LeVier also recalled Chernosky as a practitioner of his craft, working in the summer months doing test work for mining companies or in the field working on assigned projects. “Frank brought his students current knowledge and problem-solving skills for real issues. His lectures kept you engaged and wanting more.”
Chernosky’s widow Fay is happy to see Frank’s connection to Michigan Tech continue. “Frank was all about his alma mater. He worked diligently to provide his students with the best education possible to succeed in their profession of metallurgical engineering specializing in mineral processing. His industrial experiences provided him the knowledge to convey the skills he knew they would need.”
The first award will be granted for the 2022-23 academic year. Clare Fidler has been named the first recipient. “I’m honored and thrilled to have been chosen for the Frank Chernosky Award in Climate Leadership,” she said. “I feel I could make a positive impact on the world by focusing on a career in sustainability. Addressing climate issues involves not only environmental questions, but a human, social, and economic ones as well. I feel passionate about tackling problems in all of those aspects of life in order to ensure a sustainable world and future.
“I’m thankful especially for the professional development opportunities that this award will help guide me through. I feel that learning from experts in a real-world setting will aid my understanding of current strategies in addressing climate issues and help me start applying those tactics in my own career much faster.”
Fidler will not only receive $6,400 in scholarship assistance for the upcoming year, but she’ll also receive a professional development and applied work fund of $1,600.
For more details on how to support this scholarship or students like Clare, contact Bryant Weathers.
