Category: Alumni

In Memoriam

Published January 23, 2023

October 1 – December 31, 2022

Class	Full Name	Degrees
1899	Arthur E. Maas	BS Mining, EM Mining
1936	Oscar G. Hane	BS Electrical Engineering
1940	Charles E. Tackels Jr	BS Chemical Engineering
1942	Walfred S Werner	BS Electrical Engineering
1943	John C. Feldscher	BS Mechanical Engineering
1946	H. Bradley Johnson	BS Mining Engineering
1946	Robert L. Smith	BS Mining Engineering
1948	Louis P. Clark	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949	Russell W. Burman	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949	Angelo C. Coste	BS Chemical Engineering
1949	Gale E. Dickinson ’49	BS Chemical Engineering
1949	Thomas C. Gebhard	BS Electrical Engineering
1949	Oiva W. Hakala	BS Mining Engineering
1949	Douglas A. Kuhna	BS Mechanical Engineering
1949	Robert P. Matson ’49	BS Mining Engineering
1949	Thomas Z. Pinder	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949	Donald J. Schwalm	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1949	Vincent J. Zanella	BS Electrical Engineering
1950	James S. Apostolina	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1950	William L. Barke	BS Civil Engineering, BS Mining Engineering
1950	Philip C. Ellsworth ’50	BS Geological Engineering
1950	Carl F. Hoehner ’50	BS Mechanical Engineering
1950	Hoobert Huhta	BS Electrical Engineering
1950	Dean R. Kelly	BS Civil Engineering
1950	Wayne L. Sullivan	BS Chemical Engineering
1950	Earl C Sutherland ’50	BS Metallurgical Engineering, ’50 MS Metallurgical Engineering
1950	Clarence P. Ulstad	BS Civil Engineering
1950	Alan F. Walter	BS Civil Engineering, MS Civil Engineering
1951	David S. Hackley ’51	BS Mechanical Engineering
1951	Gerald W. Heppler	BS Civil Engineering
1951	Robert H. LeGault	BS Electrical Engineering
1951	Irving B. Perala	BS Electrical Engineering
1951	Donald I. Severson	BS Civil Engineering
1951	Arthur B. Shurtleff, Sr	BS Civil Engineering
1952	Richard J. Annesser	BS Mechanical Engineering
1952	Norbert R. Grant	BS Chemical Engineering
1952	James F. Harlin	BS Civil Engineering
1952	Jack P. Johnson	BS Civil Engineering
1952	Raymond E. Johnson	BS Mining Engineering
1952	Howard C. LaTourneau	BS Mechanical Engineering
1952	Kenneth J. Moody	BS Mechanical Engineering
1953	Frederick C. Hallgren	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1953	Ronald L. Mathwich	BS Civil Engineering
1953	Robert J. McCormick	BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Chemical Engineering
1955	Gilbert J. Mroz	BS Civil Engineering
1955	David F. Pagel ’55	BS Business Administration, ’55 BS Chemical Engineering
1956	Arnell L. Engstrom	BS Geological Engineering
1956	Samuel T. Wineman P.E.	BS Mechanical Engineering
1957	Dr. Donald L. Bullock ’57	BS Physics
1957	Loren D. Carlson ’57	BS Electrical Engineering
1957	Dr. James I. Tanis ’57	BS Geological Engineering, ’58 MS Geophysics
1958	Stuart J. Durkee	BS Civil Engineering
1959	Louis M. MacDougall	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1959	Fred G. Nardi Jr ’59	BS Electrical Engineering
1959	George E. Winn	BS Civil Engineering
1961	William C. Mitchell	BS Electrical Engineering
1961	Florian J. Mohar	BS Business Administration
1961	Loren S. Woerpel	BS Forestry
1963	Robert M. Ball	BS Civil Engineering
1963	Walter A. Grundman P.E.	BS Mechanical Engineering
1965	Roland J. McDonald Jr	BS Business Administration
1966	Dr Gary M Wenberg	BS Biological Sciences, MS Biological Sciences, PHD Biological Sciences
1967	Gian C. Taneja	BS Civil Engineering
1968	John R. Aho ’68	BS Mechanical Engineering
1968	Kenneth W. Brayman	BS Mechanical Engineering
1968	Bruce G. Douglas	BS Mathematics
1968	John L. Fisher	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1968	William H. Granger	BS Business Administration
1968	Dr. Robert B. Harper	BS Biological Sciences
1968	Robert M. Kubicki	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1968	Dennis M. Lamb	BS Forestry
1968	Robert S. Middleton P.E.	BS Applied Geophysics, MS Geophysics
1968	Jon E. Myers	BS Forestry
1968	George W. Schemm	BS Mathematics
1968	John F. Stafford	BS Applied Geophysics
1968	James S. Tulloch	BS Business Administration
1969	Gail L. Luttinen	BS Civil Engineering, MS Business Administration
1969	Michael L. Priest ’69	BS Civil Engineering
1971	Gilbert W. Cross	BS Forestry
1971	John H. Lewis	BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Business Administration
1972	Timothy Carpenter PE ’72	BS Civil Engineering, ’82 MS Civil Engineering
1972	Francis J. Gagnon	BS Electrical Engineering
1972	John C. Houston ’72	BS Applied Physics
1972	Dennis A. Leith	BS Forestry
1972	Dennis G. McGrath	BS Business Administration
1972	William C. Saad	BS Mathematics
1973	Andrew J. Grgurich	BA Liberal Arts with History Opt
1973	Lawrence C. Joiner	BS Civil Engineering
1973	David P. Zielinski	BS Mechanical Engineering
1974	George M. Hnatiuk	BS Electrical Engineering, ’77 MS Mathematics, ’78 MS Electrical Engineering
1975	Patrick Parker ’75	BS Mechanical Engineering
1978	Robin F. Righettini ’78	BS Chemistry
1983	Mary J. Connors ’83	BS Biological Sciences
1983	Nicholas J. Leiterman ’83	BS Mechanical Engineering
1983	Mark S. Pirlot ’83	BS Mining Engineering, ’83 BS Business Engineering Admin
1990	Jennifer L. Barhorst ’90	BS Business Administration
1990	Melanie R. Harmala ’90	BS Mathematics
1993	Timothy D. Gard ’93	BS Electrical Engineering
1996	Keith J. Latendresse ’96	BS Environmental Engineering
1998	Shelley B. Mois ’98	BS Mechanical Engineering
2000	Richard J. McKay ’00	BS Mechanical Engineering

In Memoriam for July 1 – September 30, 2022

Barr Hires Michigan Tech Grads to Solve Problems and Restore Natural Resources

Published December 8, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

L-R: Diane Biehl, Michael Spenle, Katy Lindstrom, Chris Miron

Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Barr is an engineering and environmental consulting firm that has been serving clients across North America and beyond since the 1900s. The engineers, scientists, and technical specialists at Barr work together to help clients develop, manage, process, and restore natural resources. Among those employees who are making an impact on the world are Michigan Tech graduates who have found their careers at Barr.

Diane Biehl, Environmental Scientist
Diane Biehl is an environmental scientist and Barr, where her project work is both exciting and technically challenging. “Michigan Tech prepared me for Barr by encouraging and growing my love for science, by developing my work ethic, and providing numerous opportunities for me to grow as a person outside of school,” she said. “My favorite graduate experience was working under Dr. Nancy Auer, who supported me with guidance and patience.” Diane received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2011 and her Master’s in Biology in 2016.

Katy Lindstrom, Senior Environmental Engineer
Katy Lindstrom graduated from Michigan Tech in 2006 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering where she discovered her passion for hydrogeology and groundwater modeling in her geohydrology class with Dr. John Gierke. In her current role, Katy enjoys the combination of technical problem-solving and building relationships with her colleagues and clients. “Michigan Tech is phenomenal at preparing students for “real-world” application of science and engineering,” she said. “Most, if not all, of my classes included presenting technical work in presentations and/or technical writing. Both of these aspects of my job at Barr cannot be overstated.”

Chris Miron, Vice President and Senior Chemical Engineer
Chris Miron is the vice president and senior chemical engineer at Barr. He says the most rewarding part of his job has been the opportunity to successfully remediate and redevelop many complex sites of environmental contamination in Michigan. Earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1988, Chris learned how to effectively work with teams of professionals to complete projects. “Michigan Tech provided me with a strong understanding of fundamental principles of chemical and environmental separation processes.”

Michael Spenle, Electrical Engineer
As an electrical engineer, Michael works on substation and renewable energy design projects which help to improve and sustain the electrical grid. “Michigan Tech prepared me for working at Barr in ways I didn’t realize,” he said. “Not only did Tech provide me with a uniquely challenging education, but I would say it’s mainly what Tech offered outside of the classroom that has helped me the most in my career such as student organizations, on-campus jobs, and career-focused opportunities like enterprise.” Michael graduated from Michigan Tech in 2016 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and a certificate in Electrical Power Engineering.

The Lonsdorf Technique

Published December 7, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

Lonsdorf and daughter Lynn — Fred Lonsdorf and daughter, Lynn

Check out this great flashback to Mont Ripley from the Daily Mining Gazette on December 26, 1958.

“Fred Lonsdorf, Michigan Tech ski coach, believes in starting skiers at the youngest age possible. Here, Fred demonstrates the downhill schussing position to his oldest daughter, Lynn. Lonsdorf has done more for skiing in Michigan and the Midwest than anyone else. He truly is the old pro of Mont Ripley and children, as well as adults, are amazed at the smoothness of the Lonsdorf technique. They clutter around him for tips and advice and probably will continue to do so for some time to come. Fred stresses one point and calls this the best tip he can give any skier or potential racer: “Get out and practice.” Lonsdorf truly practices what he preaches, because all Lonsdorf-coached skiers get plenty of practice and racing experience.”

Does anyone have any fond memories of Coach Lonsdorf, or perhaps some great stories to share from hitting the slopes with friends and family?

Vollwerth’s Hot Dogs—A Husky Favorite

Published November 9, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

Two students eating Vollwerth's hot dogs

From Huskies tailgates to campfires, or maybe a quick snack between classes, nothing quite satisfies like a Vollwerth’s hot dog! These two students are enjoying the King of Meats circa 1968. What is your favorite bite from this beloved local business?

In Memoriam

Published October 14, 2022

By Wes Frahm

Alumni

July 1 – September 30, 2022

Class	Full Name	Degrees
1929	Cmdr. Edwin C. Davis, U.S.N. (Ret)	BS Mining, MS Metallurgy
1938	Edward A. Maki	BS Mechanical Engineering
1940	George B. Darling	BS Mining Engineering
1942	Robert J. Racine	BS Chemical Engineering
1943	Edgar W. LeBoeuf	BS Chemical Engineering
1947	William C. Bleimeister	BS Civil Engineering
1947	Arthur A. Dorffi	BS Mechanical Engineering
1948	Charles J. Haslam Jr	BS Mining Engineering
1949	Dee L. Dibble	BS Chemical Engineering
1949	Arthur R. Tinetti	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1950	Grant K. Cornell, P.E., USAFR L/C	BS Mechanical Engineering
1951	Fransis J. Siller	BS Civil Engineering
1952	John B. Eisenlord P.E.	BS Engineering Physics
1953	J. James Brozzo	BS Chemical Engineering
1953	LtCol Kenneth B. Dungey Ret.	BS Forestry
1953	Norman E. Pietsch	BS Civil Engineering
1953	Erich B. Rabe	BS Mechanical Engineering
1953	William A. Richards	BS Mechanical Engineering
1953	Donald I. Rohrbach	BS Mechanical Engineering
1953	Garland J. Tartaron	BS Chemical Engineering
1954	Frank J. Klima	BS Mining Engineering
1954	Jacqueline A. Rabe	BS General Science
1954	Capt. Albert R. Socha USN (Ret)	BS Civil Engineering
1954	Ronald W. Whiton	BS Mining Engineering
1955	William C. Schwarting	BS Forestry
1958	Claire R. Enerson	BS Forestry
1958	Robert E. Wiele	BS Mechanical Engineering
1959	John F. Lundberg	BS Forestry
1959	Daniel L. Rivard	BS Mechanical Engineering, HON Hon Doctor of Engineering
1959	Col. Thomas K. Sheldon (Ret)	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1959	Robert P. Youngquist	BS Electrical Engineering
1960	Galen H. Harrison	BS Electrical Engineering, MS Electrical Engineering
1960	Dr. Lee P. Hunt, Deacon	BS Chemistry, MS Chemistry
1961	Ronald E. Evans	BS Mechanical Engineering
1964	George A. Mackey P.E.	BS Civil Engineering, MS Business Administration
1965	John C. Garland	BS Civil Engineering
1967	Richard J. Kirkbride	BS Metallurgical Engineering
1970	Walter J. Justice Jr.	BS Mechanical Engineering
1970	Michael F. Wilmers	AAS Civil Engineering Technology, BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Civil Engineering
1973	Wayne H. Neumann	BS Chemical Engineering
1977	David R. Puvogel	BS Mechanical Engineering
1979	Eric J. Vial	BS Electrical Engineering
1980	Charles L. Joffee	BS Business Administration
1984	David C. Aittama	AAS Civil Engineering Technology
1988	Thomas N. Lamb	BS Civil Engineering
1989	Mark R. Caron	BS Electrical Engineering
2008	Jed E. Hammond	BS Business Administration
2019	Collin J. Hagan	BS Forestry

In Memoriam for April 1 – June 30, 2022

Remembering Professor, Dean, and Provost Max Seel

Published October 5, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

Max Seel, a professor emeritus of the physics department at Michigan Technological University, died on September 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

He was born on October 12, 1949, in Koesching, Germany, son of Andreas and Walburga Seel.

After receiving a Master’s Degree in Physics from the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and a PhD from the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg in Germany, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow with IBM Research in San Jose, California, and then as privatdozent at the University of Erlangen-Nuernberg. Seel joined the Michigan Tech faculty as an associate professor of physics in 1986. He served as interim head of the Department of Computer Science in 1988 and was promoted to full professor of physics in 1989. In January 1990, he was named interim dean, and from 1991 to 2008 he was the dean of the College of Sciences and Arts. Seel was appointed interim provost in 2009 and provost and vice president of academic affairs in 2010. He returned to Physics in 2015 and retired in 2016.

Seel was a member of the American Physical Society, Sigma Pi Sigma, and Sigma Xi. He is the author of ninety publications and has been an invited speaker at universities, conferences, and industry laboratories in the US and Europe. His research areas were computational solid-state Physics and Quantum Chemistry.

For thirty years, he went with his boat Bavaria to Isle Royale. He played cello with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, read many books, worked with digital photography, and from time to time did oil and acrylic paintings. In his retirement, he also rediscovered building and flying remote-controlled airplanes.

Preceding him in death are his parents and brother Gerhard Seel. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Seel, his daughter Natalie (Jeremy) Lankford of Houston, TX, and Son Max (Elena) Seel of Guilford, CT, who are his children with his first wife Ingrid, grandchildren Kai, Max, and Astrid, stepson Cole Berryman of Appleton, WI, brother Andreas Seel, and four nephews Sebastian, Florentin, Benedikt, and Jonathan Seel in Germany, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dave and Kathy Manderfield and nephews Adam, Jared, and David Manderfield and niece Megan Manderfield.

Excellence Begets Excellence

Published September 9, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

By Rick Koubek, President

It’s always a delight to watch campus spring back into action as new students move in, faculty return, and classes resume. As I talk with our new students and meet with new faculty each year at this time, I am all the more cognizant of the excellence that this institution attracts and creates.

Over the past four years, Michigan Tech has pursued a path of excellence to become a premier national university positioned to lead the US in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Evidence suggests we are on the right track. The University has experienced unprecedented demand from prospective students, federal research agencies, employers, and the community at large.

In fall 2022, our incoming first-year student class is on track to be the second largest since 1984 and is on par for the most academically proficient on record (back to 1991) measured by high school GPA and SAT. And, thanks to the efforts of faculty researchers like Raymond Shaw, who received over $3.5 million in grants from the National Science Foundation and the US Department of Energy, the University’s research expenditures hit a historic high. Accomplishments like this punctuate the need for growth.

The Vision 2035 Campus Plan, which was completed in early 2022, ensures that Michigan Tech remains equipped for the academic and research demands of tomorrow. In April, the University broke ground on our new H-STEM Complex, which will support integrated educational and research programs in health-related technological innovations. Future capital projects include the Center for Convergence and Innovation, renovations to our academic spaces, and new on-campus residential housing, along with others.

But, Michigan Tech’s reach extends beyond teaching and research in the Keweenaw. In fall 2021, we met demand from our community partners by opening a satellite office in Traverse City. These efforts complement Michigan Tech’s existing partnerships with Northwestern Michigan College and collaborations with Traverse City’s K-12 educational system, to better meet the economic development needs of the region.

This is on top of employers’ growing demand for Michigan Tech graduates. Job placement rates six months post-graduation average 94 percent. Payscale reports midcareer earnings of $120,900 annually for Michigan Tech graduates. And hiring managers say many of their brightest engineers are from MTU.

Our graduates go on to become the world’s leading CEOs and business leaders. In 2021-22, our supporters graciously donated a near all-time high of $47.01 million—6.87 percent more than last year’s impressive total of $43.98 million and the second-largest fundraising year in MTU history. Their vote of confidence in our programs, students, and research supports our move into an era of growth for Michigan Tech.

As a result, our community and state will enjoy innovations that make life better through our Tech Forward research. Our campus community will enjoy the modern conveniences of updated facilities, classrooms, and technologies. Our students and faculty will reap the benefits of donor support through scholarships, professorships, endowed chairs, and other forms of philanthropy. And finally, we will all be part of a more inclusive and diverse community by growing our student and teaching populations.

The state of Michigan, our region, and our country should demand nothing less.

Thank you for your continued support of Michigan Tech.

Remember Lecturer Robert K. Snortland

Published September 9, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

Robert K. Snortland, 87, passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Portage Pointe in Hancock, MI.

He was born a twin on April 6, 1935, in Sharon, ND, son of the late Olaus E. and Ethel (Kloster). He was raised in Sharon and then graduated from the University of North Dakota. He moved to California to begin his life-long passion for teaching. He also worked as a design draftsman in the Aerospace Industry in California.

In 1960, he was united in marriage to Edith Mellor. They moved to North Dakota, where Bob received his Master’s Degree from UND. He had an illustrious career as an educator, winning awards, chairing a national committee, and completing two sabbaticals. His career took him to Michigan Technological University as a lecturer, where he retired in 1997.

Bob was passionate about life, not letting a single moment pass him by. His zest overflowed to everyone he met, as he brought a smile to all. Bob led by example, modeling compassion, love, and tolerance to all. He enjoyed woodworking, leather crafting, vegetable gardening, games, pets, music/dancing, snowshoeing, and friends. Bob was a man of deep faith, teaching Sunday School and serving as grandparents (with Edith) at Fortune Lake Bible Camp. Throughout his life, Bob was a member of the Masons, Eastern Star, Sons of Norway, ASEE, and many other organizations.

Bob is survived by his wife: Edith; daughter: Karin (Donna) and son Karl; His grandsons: Chad (Haley), Eric, and twin, Richard.

Google Drive Changes for MTU Alumni Effective January 1, 2023

Published September 9, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

As a reminder, Google has made some changes regarding storage that will affect Michigan Tech Alumni. On January 1, 2023, Michigan Tech alumni will no longer have access to Google Drive and Google Photos. Starting January 1, 2023, any files stored in Drive or Photos under your @mtu.edu account will be marked for deletion.

This does not affect your @mtu.edu email address. Your email account will continue to work as it does today.

Between now and January 1, 2023, there are several options for moving your content, whether it’s by downloading or transferring to another Google account.

If you have any questions about these changes or need assistance, we can help. Contact IT at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Scholarship In Memory of Rachel Wussow

Published September 8, 2022

By Morgan Laajala

Alumni

On May 27, 2021, Michigan Tech’s beloved Student Affairs colleague, mentor, and friend of so many, Rachel Wussow, passed away after spending over half her life fighting the effects of cancer. Rachel worked at Michigan Tech from 2006-2014 in housing and student activities. For all that knew Rachel, she was a bright light who loved the students she worked with and supervised.

Jen Julien from Houghton, MI, wrote on May 28, 2021
Rachel touched so many lives during her leadership roles at Michigan Tech. Many of us were influenced so heavily by her spunky personality, “get it done” attitude, and genuine care for student success. So many lives are better served by having been influenced by her.

A scholarship fund has been set up for students who best demonstrate their ability to participate in leadership development programs and community service, two areas of campus that Rachel cared deeply about. This is just one more way for the legacy of Rachel Wussow to continue to support the students she loved.

To make a gift to The Rachel Wussow Memorial Scholarship, please make a gift to fund 5619, or use the pre-populated giving form here.

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