Category: Alumni Recognition

April 1 – June 30, 2022

In Memoriam for January 1 – March 30, 2022

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.

Michigan Technological University announces the appointment of Jennifer (Jung) Lucas ’09 as Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement, effective November 15. Lucas joins Michigan Tech after an extensive national search.

“I appreciate and thank the campus community, members of the Alumni Board, and the Advancement and Alumni Engagement team for their efforts in selecting Jen to lead our alumni engagement activities,” said Bill Roberts, Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “Jen has a depth of experience in fundraising and alumni relations and an exciting vision for engaging Michigan Tech Alumni. I am so pleased to welcome her to the team.” 

Lucas brings nearly 10 years of leadership and management experience in alumni engagement and annual giving to Michigan Tech. She got her start in Advancement working as a student caller for the Michigan Tech Telefund, eventually moving into the call center manager role following her graduation. She went on to work in alumni engagement and annual giving roles at several educational institutions before spending the last two years in industry relations at 3M.

“I am both honored and excited to come back and work for an institution whose mission I truly believe in,” said Lucas. “The Tech alumni community is a special one, and I hope to build on the foundation and traditions already in place while engaging in new ways with my fellow Huskies.”

Lucas will lead the University’s alumni engagement efforts including strategic planning, alumni reunion, academic affairs partnerships, and administrative oversight of the Alumni Board of Directors and regional alumni chapters.   

Examples of Lucas’s career accomplishments include maintaining an annual giving pace of over $1 million, volunteer and cross-functional team management, and extensive large-scale coordination and execution of both in-person and virtual events.

A Minnesota native, Lucas earned her B.S. in Scientific and Technical Communication graduating magna cum laude.  Jen was also a standout on the volleyball team earning many honors including all-America honorable mention and all-region. She received Michigan Tech’s Raymond L. Smith Award as the outstanding female senior student-athlete in 2009.

“Michigan Tech quite literally changed my life. My experiences as a student-athlete, Blue Key Honor Society member, and employee all are treasured memories,” said Lucas.

Lucas begins her duties on Monday, November 15. Roberts thanked Brenda Rudiger, Vice President for Advancement Services, for graciously agreeing to assist in the transition following Paula Nutini’s recent retirement.