Fall semester brings back many important traditions. On September 16, the 34th annual Parade of Nations and Multicultural Food Festival returns to Houghton. Since 1989, the local communities and campus groups have been celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the Keweenaw. The Parade of Nations is a cherished way to not only find common ground but also appreciate our differences. What is your favorite part of the celebration? Let us know in the comments or share a Parade of Nations memory!
Michigan Tech’s campus is in the last quiet moments of summer—another Alumni Reunion is in the books and a new class of first-year students prepares to arrive for Orientation Week. Before you know it, the rhythm of a new semester will bring vibrant energy back, along with the cream of the Keweenaw and the pride of Pasty Land… the Huskies Pep Band! Here is a glimpse back to the Pep Band spreading school spirit in the fall of 2009. Do you remember the fight song, or have another favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Dr. William W. Predebon Sr., of Houghton, retired professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, at Michigan Technological University, died unexpectedly at the young age of 80 on July 21, at UP Health System-Portage Hospital in Hancock.
Bill was born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Walter and Josephine Predebon. After high school Bill attended the University of Norte Dame where he received his bachelor’s of science in Engineering Science.
While at Notre Dame, Bill boxed for the Bengal Bouts, founded by Knute Rockne, which was a charity event whose proceeds benefited the Holy Cross missions in Bangladesh. He competed in the 155 lb division and was the boxing champion at Notre Dame in 1964. Through his undergrad, he developed lifelong friendships, and it is where he met his future wife of 56 years, Mary Ann Montgomery. Bill was in the Army/ROTC as a commander of the Irish Moroder’s Drill Team. Upon graduation, Bill was commissioned as a Lieutenant and he would eventually be promoted to Captain later in life.
He received both his master’s and doctorate from Iowa State University. In 1967, while pursuing his degrees, he married Mary Ann and they were blessed with two beautiful children, Nadine and Bill Jr. Predebon. After his PhD, he was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. He then stayed on as a civilian after his military obligation was fulfilled. In 1975, Bill and his family moved to Houghton, Michigan, where he took a job as a Professor at Michigan Technological University (MTU).
Throughout his career at MTU, Bill earned recognition for advancing engineering education. He retired in June 2022, after 25 years as the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) and nearing 47 years at the University. Under his watch, the department made great strides in conducting interdisciplinary research, growing the doctoral program, expanding research funding, and updating the curriculum and labs.
He led the ME-EM Department to rapidly evolve its educational methods, infusing into undergraduate and graduate curriculum the knowledge and critical skills to use big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in solving engineering design problems.
A Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Bill has received numerous additional honors at MTU, including membership in the Academy of Teaching Excellence; the Outstanding Service Award for his work with the student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers; the first annual Martin Luther King Award by the Black Student Organizations; and the Distinguished Teaching Award, the Honorary Alumni Award, and the Diversity Award.
Bill led efforts to create the Michigan Tech Learning Resource Center for Self-Paced Programmed Instruction, the ME-EM Engineering Learning Center, as well as a distance learning doctorate degree in mechanical engineering, and a Design Engineer Certificate program with General Motors in 2000. More than 600 GM employees earned the certificate.
He received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Michigan Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and was inducted into the Pan American Academy of Engineering, which brings together engineers from across the continent of North America, South America, and Mexico—a total of 18 countries.
Throughout his life, exercise was an important part of his lifestyle; many may know he was a fixture at the MTU Student Development Complex’s gym. He was a huge supporter of the MTU sports teams; he was a season ticket holder to volleyball, basketball, football, and ice hockey. This also was evident outside of his duties at MTU, where he was known as “Coach Wally”. He enjoyed coaching his son and teammates from little league, senior league and legion baseball. Bill was also a figure on the alpine ski hill, supporting his children’s ski endeavors in the Central United States Ski Association and Houghton High School Ski Team.
Bill was passionate about whatever he did, whether it be his strong work ethic, his family, or his devotion to faith. Throughout his life, his curiosity fueled the continued pursuit of knowledge.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Walter.
Surviving him are His wife: Mary Ann Predebon; His daughter: Nadine (Jeff Beaupre) Predebon; His son: Bill (Sheri) Predebon Jr.; His grandson: Tyler (Sarah) Brooks; His granddaughter: Madison Brooks; His half-sister: Patty Davis; His feline companion: Poe.
The O’Neil-Dennis Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements and the Celebration of Life Ceremony. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
The Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 16, at 11 a.m., at the Isle Royale Ballroom in the Michigan Tech Memorial Union Building. There will be a buffet luncheon to follow. The celebration is open to the public and all are welcome to commemorate his life. Lunch will follow the ceremony, provided by the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you donate money to K-SNAG, the Copper Community Art Center, or your charity of choice.
April 1 – June 30, 2023
| Class | Full Name | Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| 1888 | John L. Harris | BS Mining, EM Mining |
| 1888 | Edmund J. Longyear | BS Mining, EM Mining |
| 1888 | Samuel A. Parnall | BS Mining |
| 1888 | William E. Parnall | BS Mining, EM Mining |
| 1932 | Wesley W. Wiechmann | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1935 | Robert J. Cosgrove | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1935 | Francis M. Jakovich | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1935 | Alfred J. Nault | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1935 | George L. Raftis | BS Chemical Engineering, BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1937 | William T. Horton | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1938 | Enno Van Gelder | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1938 | Samuel I. Wright | BS Geology, BS Mining Engineering |
| 1939 | Edward B. Connors | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1939 | Hartley R. Graham | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1939 | Albert R. Hancock | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1939 | George A. White | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1939 | Louis J. Zadra | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1940 | Loyle H. Gay | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1940 | Lucille M. Howard | BS Chemistry |
| 1940 | Ray V. Jarvi | BS Chemical Engineering, BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1940 | John Plecash | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1940 | Arnold B. Raninen | BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1940 | Oswald A. Vispi | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1941 | Ervin Bellack | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1942 | John K. Brozo | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1942 | Arvo E. Kujala | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1942 | Gerard M. Poliquin | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1942 | Roger A. Teal | ’42 BS Mining Engineering, ’51 BS Civil Engineering |
| 1942 | Norton Terry | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1943 | Alex Barvicks | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1943 | Raymond F. Cornborough | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1943 | Raymond W. Cronshey | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1943 | John O. Mandley Jr | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1943 | Frederick A. Nolte | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1943 | Clifford B. Stone | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1943 | Charles F. Wicht | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1944 | Huseyin Ozukurt | BS Civil Engineering, BS Mining Engineering |
| 1944 | William R. Penegor | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1945 | Orhan Baykal | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1945 | John D. Dawson | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1946 | Ellen N. Aslin | BS Chemistry |
| 1946 | Merrill B. Dillon | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1946 | Lawrence H. Smith P.E. | BS Mining Engineering |
| 1947 | Iris C. Ferrell | BS Chemistry, MS Chemistry |
| 1947 | Robert L. Heasley | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1947 | Donald S. Huhta | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1947 | Ralph E. Krellwitz | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1947 | Henry A. Laforet | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1947 | Lloyd A. Nault | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1947 | Joseph R. Osterman | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1947 | Howard E. Roscoe | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1947 | Richard H. Snell | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1948 | Frederick W. Coon | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1948 | Floyd G. DellaCorte | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1948 | Michael J. Dunn | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1948 | Dr. Gilbert J. Sloan | BS Physics |
| 1949 | Wesley E. Bush | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1949 | E. Hank Hamalainen | BS Forestry |
| 1949 | Richard M. Harris | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1949 | Donald J. Leonard | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1949 | Phillip A. Pearson | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1949 | Roger T. Penman | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1949 | Howard M. Pollari | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1949 | Jon R. Wiseman | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1949 | Herman P. Zanoni | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Civil Engineering |
| 1950 | Thomas E. Besemer | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1950 | Ralph G. Burgess | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1950 | John C. Christensen | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1950 | James R. Eaton | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1950 | Donald K. Holland P.E. L.S. | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1950 | Jimmie L. Jenkin | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1950 | Walter L. Johnson | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1950 | William L. Johnson | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1950 | Paul J. Kestner | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1950 | B. Kenneth Larm | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1950 | Wallace J. Lewis | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1950 | Philip A. Lindberg | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1950 | Paul A. Lundborg | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1950 | Raymond D. Peterson | BS Forestry |
| 1950 | William H. Reinhardt | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1950 | James E. Tollar | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | Jerry R. Allen | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1951 | John O. Anderson | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | Donald G. Chinnery P.E. | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1951 | William H. Glidden | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | John R. Jackson | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | James J. Messink | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1951 | Ronald J. Pearce | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | George A. Premo | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1951 | William H. Risteen | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | Charles R. Thurner | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1951 | Lt. Col. David G. Uitti | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1951 | Zygfried R. Wolanski | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1952 | Muriel F. Blankenship | BS General Science |
| 1952 | Robert J. Denzer | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1952 | Wilber C. Farmer | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1952 | Leo C. Fende | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1952 | Mary K. Froehlich | BS General Science |
| 1952 | William C. Green | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1952 | Kenneth W. Heehn | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1952 | Raymond W. Marttila | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1952 | Arthur A. Nacke | BS General Science |
| 1952 | Carl F. Roser | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1952 | R. Clarke Stanley | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1953 | Gerald T. Baker | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1953 | Richard J. Barabino | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1953 | Kenneth A. Grenquist | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1953 | Jack L. Richards | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1953 | Reginald Skiles | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1953 | Wesley K. Tervo | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1954 | Charles S. Anderson | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1954 | Dr. David M. Knowles | BS Geological Engineering, MS Geology |
| 1954 | Kenneth M. Kulju | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1954 | Joseph W. Rosenbery | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1955 | Bruce S. Karinen | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1956 | Dr. James A. Bailey | BS Forestry |
| 1956 | Howard O. Barikmo | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1956 | Charles A. Elkert | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1956 | Thomas A. Gildersleeve | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1956 | David L. Goulette P.E. | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1956 | Jack R. Karpinen | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1956 | John D. Latva | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1956 | Donald J. MacDougall | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1956 | William A. Mossner | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1957 | Peter L. Fryzel | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1957 | John W. Koski | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1957 | Edgar J. Kushan | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1957 | Fabian D. LaTocha P.E. | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1957 | Charles P. Mulcahey Jr | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1957 | Edsel L. Walitalo | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1958 | Eugene S. Dipzinski | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1958 | Martin J. Feira | BS Business Administration |
| 1958 | Paul C. Hendrickson | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Leslie L. Henriksen | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1958 | Marvin J. Hyma | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Joseph G. Kirk | BS Business Administration |
| 1958 | Alvin R. Krick | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Ernest F. Kuhary Jr | BS Business Administration |
| 1958 | Jerry W. Oja | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Carleton O. Pederson | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Donald V. Revello | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1958 | Calvin R. Rushford | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Floyd W. Schnell | BS Chemistry |
| 1958 | Gary R. Steiner | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1958 | Conley O. Swee | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1959 | John R. Becker | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1959 | Charles E. Guy | BS Geological Engineering, MS Nuclear Engineering |
| 1959 | Ronald J. Hernke | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1959 | Dr. Harry E. Hootman P.E. | BS Chemistry, MS Nuclear Engineering |
| 1959 | Donald N. Hopper | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1959 | Wilbur W. Jarvis Jr | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1959 | Donald D. Johnson | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1959 | Vernon A. King Jr | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1959 | James K. Lee | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1959 | John J. Osborne | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1959 | James M. Rasmussen | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1959 | Robert W. Rushford | BS Business Administration |
| 1959 | Jens E. Simonsen | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1960 | Frederick R. Appleton | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1960 | Gary B. Fort | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1960 | Thomas C. Fredrickson | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1960 | Raymond J. Gimmey | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1960 | Richard E. Locke | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1960 | John W. Paige P.E. | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1960 | David L. Shiroda | BS Business Administration |
| 1960 | Michael J. Sullivan | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1960 | James J. Wisniewski | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1961 | Carlo J. Cattarello | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1961 | Scott S. Collins Jr | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1961 | Donald E. Fritzsche | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1961 | Carl V. Hajek | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1961 | Rodney S. Kopish | BS Engineering Physics |
| 1961 | Louis N. MacDonald | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1961 | William J. Newsted | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1961 | Dewayne H. Thompson | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1962 | R. James Federighe | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1962 | Lt. Col.Paul E. Gauthier, (Ret) | BS Business Administration |
| 1962 | Thomas A. Heuss | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1962 | Clarence H. Hoppe | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1962 | Robert S. Ray | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1963 | Maj. Thomas N. Daniele (Ret) | BS Mathematics |
| 1963 | Geoffrey G. Huggins | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1963 | William E. Mokomela | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1963 | Gordon W. Somsel | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1963 | Charles W. Streicher | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1964 | W. J. Fournier | ’64 BS Civil Engineering, ’65 BS Business Engineering Admin |
| 1964 | James C. Gauss | BS Chemistry |
| 1964 | Joseph Guzek | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1964 | R. Thomas Johnson | BS Business Administration |
| 1964 | Howard L. McKee | BS Business Administration |
| 1964 | Daniel J. Meddleton | BS Business Administration |
| 1964 | Jack R. Rose | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1964 | James H. Schopf | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1964 | Larry C. Tohm | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1964 | Sterling P. Toman | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1965 | John R. Brauer | BS Forestry |
| 1965 | Paul D. Fritz | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1965 | Vinodrai P. Sompura | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1966 | Thomas J. Freeman | BS Physics |
| 1966 | Rakesh K. Kansal | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1966 | Curtis G. Larsen | BS Business Administration |
| 1966 | Steve E. Soltis | BS Business Administration |
| 1966 | Bruce M. Usimaki | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1966 | Rev. Francis Zakshesky | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1967 | Richard Z. Bladek | BS Chemistry |
| 1967 | John D. Cress | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1967 | Robert L. DeLong | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1967 | Jussi T. Lapinoja | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1967 | Philip P. Marcotte | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1967 | Earl L. Pound | BS Business Administration |
| 1967 | Denis L. Richards | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1967 | Dennis G. Tachick | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1968 | Ronald D. Brown | MS Chemistry |
| 1968 | David A. Dreisbach | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1968 | Thomas A. LaRue | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1968 | Patrick E. Mullins | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1968 | Thomas E. Nowak | BS Biological Sciences |
| 1969 | Karl D. Bergquist | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1969 | Clifton T. Dawley | BS Medical Technology |
| 1969 | Roy S. Etelamaki | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1969 | Robert E. Fairbanks | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1969 | Gordon H. Mitchell | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1969 | Donald L. Schwandt | BS Forestry, ’71 MS Forestry |
| 1970 | Lundy J. Castro | BS Mathematics |
| 1970 | Joseph A. Krismanick | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1970 | Gary V. Martin | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1970 | John C. Moden | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1970 | William K. Wilke | BS Forestry |
| 1971 | Gary M. Brazo | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1971 | Dr. David R. King | ’71 BS Applied Physics, ’71 BS Business Engineering Admin, ’81 MS Mechanical Engineering, ’85 PHD Mechanical Engineering |
| 1971 | David L. Soncrant | BS Business Administration |
| 1971 | F. Walter Turino | BS Mathematics |
| 1971 | David L. Zelinski | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1972 | Loren L. Howerter | MS Civil Engineering |
| 1972 | Catherine L. Priest | BS Biological Sciences |
| 1972 | Kathryn E. Wirtala C.P.A | ’72 BS Mathematics, ’79 BS Business Administration |
| 1973 | Robert C. Bosio |
BS Mechanical Engineering, ’75 MS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1973 | Larry G. Bowerman | AAS Forest Technology |
| 1973 | Gary H. Goll | BS Business Administration |
| 1973 | Pamela J. Hoopes | BS Medical Technology |
| 1973 | Craig B. Lindquist | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1973 | Jeffrey S. Newman | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1974 | Terry G. Broemer | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1974 | William A. Compton | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1974 | Michael R. Haapala | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1974 | Stanley R. Johns | BS Forestry |
| 1974 | Henry Klukos Jr | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1974 | Darwin J. Kuch | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1974 | Dr. Thomas A. Naegele | BS Biological Sciences, ’79 MS Biological Sciences |
| 1974 | Mary A. Nye | BS Biological Sciences |
| 1974 | James M. Paternoster | ’75 BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1975 | Michael A. Graf | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1975 | Neil W. Nitschka | BS Forestry |
| 1975 | Jeffrey B. Smith | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1976 | Bradley K. Abel | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS), AAS Electromechanical Eng Tech |
| 1976 | Kevin M. Claire | BS Biological Sciences |
| 1976 | Edward D. King | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1976 | Joseph D. Kovacich | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1976 | Walter D. Lehman | BS Civil Engineering, ’77 MS Civil Engineering |
| 1976 | Charles K. Ludwick | BS Forestry |
| 1976 | Leslie W. Niemi | BS Metallurgical Engineering, ’77 MS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1977 | Thomas R. Asiala | ’84 BS Civil Engineering |
| 1977 | James J. DeSautelle | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1977 | James P. Felch | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1977 | Howard E. Herrygers | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1977 | Scott B. Holland | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1977 | Susan W. Jennings | BS Fish Biology |
| 1978 | Bryan E. Carlson | AAS Forest Technology |
| 1978 | David A. Crockett | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1978 | Kathy P. Rice | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1978 | Laura M. Rock | AAS Nursing Technology |
| 1978 | Dr. David E. Ugwu | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1978 | John H. Williams | BS Computer Science |
| 1979 | Robert G. Carter | BS Applied Physics |
| 1979 | Laura M. Grossman | BS Business Administration |
| 1979 | Dianne S. Ledel | BS Medical Technology |
| 1979 | Steven J. Long P.E. | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1979 | Jeffrey F. Tempas | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1980 | Robert K. Barnes | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1980 | Keith G. Kraft | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1980 | Kathleen E. Mullen | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1980 | Douglas A. Shown | BS Forestry, ’82 MS Forestry |
| 1980 | Timothy D. Williams | BS Forestry |
| 1981 | Emile J. Tayar | MS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1982 | Daniel A. Boucher P.E. | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1982 | Jeffrey L. Crane | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1982 | Jerald L. Elya | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1982 | Gregory J. LaBonte | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1982 | James E. Nave | BS Electrical Engineering, ’86 MS Electrical Engineering |
| 1982 | Loretta Shea | BS Business Administration |
| 1982 | Michael D. Wank | BS Mechanical Engineering, ’85 MS Engineering Mechanics |
| 1983 | Richard P. Gallagher | BS Business Administration |
| 1983 | Kevin J. Munson | BS Electrical Engineering, ’84 MS Electrical Engineering |
| 1983 | Kevin C. Traven | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1983 | Lesa D. Wilke | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1984 | Franck Green | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1984 | Kimberly A. McGuire | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1984 | S/Amn.Guy J. Rabey | BS Chemistry, ’93 BS Medical Technology |
| 1985 | Gary M. Bianchi | BS Chemical Engineering |
| 1985 | Andrew H. Porter | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1986 | Linda S. Crump | AAS General Studies, ASC General Studies |
| 1986 | Kurt J. Muehlmann | ’87 BS Economics |
| 1986 | Steven J. Shorkey | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) |
| 1986 | Lisa A. Taavola | BS Biological Sciences, BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1987 | Mark J. Foley | ’89 BS Business Administration |
| 1987 | Michael J. Massey | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 1987 | Ingrid B. Shepherd | BS Scientific & Tech Comm (BS) |
| 1987 | Gerald D. Solgat | BS Metallurgical Engineering |
| 1990 | Joseph B. McDonald | BS Computer Science |
| 1990 | Julie A. Smith | ’90 BS Business Administration |
| 1992 | Christopher C. Zank | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 1994 | Mark N. Mackie | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1996 | Brooke A. Werner | BS Geological Engineering |
| 1997 | Scott F. Assenmacher | BS Civil Engineering |
| 1997 | Carolyn R. Hunter | BS Surveying |
| 1997 | Li Liu | MS Civil Engineering |
| 1997 | Cynthia A. Thurston | BS Engineering-Mechanical Design |
| 2000 | Paul A. Daniels | BS Surveying |
| 2000 | Laura M. Hivala | BS Environmental Engineering |
| 2000 | Craig A. Pelletier | BS Electrical Engineering |
| 2009 | John C. O’Neil | BS Computer Science |
| 2012 | Alex Kaidan | BS Mechanical Engineering |
| 2013 | Brian K. Kaufman | BS Chemical Engineering |
Alumni Reunion is less than a month away and we can’t wait to welcome you to campus. Reunion is a time to reflect on our connections to campus, strengthen our connections to one another, and share our Husky heritage! To get you excited for Reunion, we have a few photos to spark your memory (and a sneak peek of the Honored Classes Exhibit that will be featured in the Library during the weekend), including football coach Omer LaJeunesse, prepping for the Mankato State Game in mid-September 1958, a mid-century Brockway Mountain vista, and campus scenes from 1983. What places are you most excited to visit this year during Reunion? What memories are you excited to share? Let us know in the comments!
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!
Spring semester is over, but winter rules are still in effect! Here’s a glimpse back to the first tee at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Golf Course in the 1930s. Did you have a favorite place to hit the links in the Copper Country? Let us know in the comments.
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.
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.
The weather is warming up, which means t-shirts, shorts, and of course, volleyball in the mud! As winter comes to a close and we welcome spring, the common campus spaces and the local trails, beaches, and woods offer much outdoor fun. What was your favorite spring activity on campus? Perhaps you recognize someone in this picture, Spring Fling circa 2000.
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.
