Category: Memories and Nostalgia

In Memoriam

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

In Memoriam for January 1 – March 31, 2023

Reflecting on Connections

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!

Summer Has Arrived!

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!

Remembering Professors Laszlo Valentyik and Sung Mook Lee

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 Spring Thaw is Coming

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.

KRC Leads Mobility Testing for More Than 60 Years

In this glimpse back, we see researchers from the Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) hard at work on infrared testing on February 21, 1980. The KRC is a multidisciplinary outfit that is active across a broad spectrum of vehicle development. Originally established by the United States Army for deep snow mobility testing, the KRC has been involved in commercial, industrial, and military vehicle applications for over 60 years. Did you have any involvement with the center or its activities while you were a student? Share your story!

The Lonsdorf Technique

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?