Just like the seasons, Michigan Tech’s campus has a way of evolving over time. As enrollment, technology, and campus needs shift, so does the architecture that makes campus function. This fall image from 1962, found in the Archives postcard collection, shows a view that’s quite different from what you’d see today.
Can you name this building and spot the differences between 1962 and 2024? We’d love to hear your thoughts—let us know in the comments!
With Reunion behind us and summer quickly fading, classes will soon begin and K-Day is just around the corner.
Today’s image takes us back to K-Day 2009, when the event was still held at McLain State Park. Whether it was the excitement of outdoor activities, the chance to meet new friends, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, K-Day is a cherished tradition that has always been a fantastic way to kick off the semester and build community among students.
As we look forward to this year’s K-Day on September 6, we’re reminded of how K-Day has left lasting impressions on many of us. What were your favorite K-Day moments? Do you have any advice for incoming first-year students? Share your stories in the comments!
Alison (Springer-Wilson) ’11 and Adam ’09 Umbarger have more than a dozen consecutive years of giving back to support Michigan Tech. We recently caught up with Alison to find out where that passion for their alma mater comes from.
What was your Michigan Tech experience like?
I loved my experience at Michigan Tech. The school was small enough to know my professors, but large enough to offer a lot of interesting classes. I took Spanish and German as well as all the Chemical Engineering classes. I also ran Cross Country and Track and Field and had a great time competing for Michigan Tech and running on the Tech Trails. Adam and I were both involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where we met.
How did Michigan Tech help you in your life/career?
While I can’t say I use calculus or thermodynamics in my career, I feel like the skills learned in my Michigan Tech classes have served me well in my engineering career. Communicating effectively, presenting well, and knowing how to make good engineering decisions based on the information available to you are all things that I learned at Michigan Tech and have honed after I left Tech. I will also say that living in Appleton, Wisconsin, there are a lot of Michigan Tech grads in the area. When I meet someone else who graduated from Michigan Tech, it’s an easy conversation starter since every alumni I have talked to enjoyed their time at Michigan Tech.
Why do you give back to Michigan Tech?
Michigan Tech gave us so many good experiences and we think others should have the chance to get a degree from Michigan Tech.
What areas of campus do you give to and why?
We usually give to the Annual Fund so the money can be used where it is most needed.
Why is it important to you to be consistent in giving every year?
We are happy to give back to an institution was important to us in so many ways. Giving to Michigan Tech is a line-item in our budget every year, and I make sure I fill out the company match as well.
What are your current employers/job titles?
I am an engineering team leader at a Kimberly Clark pilot facility. Adam is a campus staffer for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Where do you live, and how often have you made it back to campus?
We live in Appleton, Wisconsin. We take our young kids back to the Michigan Tech area usually twice a year–once in the summer to eat thimbleberries and go hiking and once in the winter for cross country skiing. I have been back to recruit several years and Adam occasionally returns to the area for bike race or to speak at the MTU InterVarsity chapter.
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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.
