As winter carries on, winter sports and recreation are in full swing. Michigan Tech students have been lucky that when the snow won’t stop and the lakes and ponds freeze over, there is still plenty to entice you to go outside. In addition to on-campus fun like broomball and skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Ripley, the tradition of big lake ice fishing has been a favorite through the decades. This image from The Daily Mining Gazette Photograph Collection from February 1966 shows ice fishing on L’Anse Bay on Lake Superior. Did you ever go ice fishing when you were at Tech? What was your most memorable catch? Let us know in the comments!
July 1 – December 31, 2025
| Class Year | Full Name | Degrees | Year of Death |
| Tobe J. Strong | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) | 2025 | |
| 1941 | Louis A. Panek | BS Geology, BS Mining Engineering | 2019 |
| 1942 | Marvin R. Jackson | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2021 |
| 1943 | John M. Haivala | BS Mining Engineering | 2006 |
| 1945 | Billy J. Ellerthorpe | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2014 |
| 1946 | Erick A. Lohela | BS Electrical Engineering | 2003 |
| 1947 | Haig A. DeMire | BS Civil Engineering | 1996 |
| 1947 | James G. Vorhes | BS Mechanical Engineering, HON Hon Doctor of Engineering | 2025 |
| 1948 | Lawrence R. Eisenhart | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2013 |
| 1948 | Roman A. Reiner | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 1974 |
| 1948 | Thomas Walker | BS Mining Engineering | 2014 |
| 1949 | Lester O. Drumm | BS Forestry | 2018 |
| 1949 | Walter J. Grimsby | BS Civil Engineering | 1985 |
| 1949 | Frederick H. Gygax | BS Electrical Engineering | 2013 |
| 1949 | James W. Hamblen | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2013 |
| 1949 | Carl Heikkinen | BS Electrical Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering | 1994 |
| 1949 | Robert W. Kaufman | BS Civil Engineering | 2015 |
| 1949 | Leslie J. Luder | BS Electrical Engineering | 1969 |
| 1949 | Keith A. Main | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2015 |
| 1949 | George T. Quayle | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2015 |
| 1949 | Frederick W. Stone | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1949 | Russel B. Terracall | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2004 |
| 1950 | Edward J. Fassbender | BS Civil Engineering | 2021 |
| 1950 | Arthur W. Hall | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1950 | Ruth H. (Holmio) Koski | BS General Science | 2025 |
| 1950 | Lyle G. Munson | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2014 |
| 1950 | Edward J. Pawlowski | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2022 |
| 1950 | Robert J. Sylvester | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2012 |
| 1951 | George L. Durfee | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2024 |
| 1951 | Willard S. Johnson | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1951 | Allen D. Kennedy | BS Business Engineering Admin, MS Metallurgical Engineering | 2024 |
| 1951 | Edward M. Laczynski | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2012 |
| 1951 | Joseph C. Leighton | BS Mining Engineering | 2022 |
| 1951 | Clinton S. Morey | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2009 |
| 1951 | Albert Schwencer | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1951 | Guy W. Wesson | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1951 | Fred J. Zeglen | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2021 |
| 1952 | Ralph F. Gasperich | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1952 | David E. Maranz | BS Geological Engineering | 2025 |
| 1952 | Richard J. Scanlan | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2007 |
| 1953 | Wayne W. Bidstrup | BS Chemical Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1954 | Paul J. Leach | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1955 | Rodney H. Carlson | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1955 | Keith R. Montambo | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1956 | Paul R. Carr | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1956 | Phyllis M. (Legault) Gildersleeve | BS Physics | 2025 |
| 1956 | Robert C. Jacobs | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1956 | Richard J. Langlois | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1956 | Norman C. Peterson | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1957 | Rodney A. Bernardin | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1957 | Gene R. Gauthier | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2021 |
| 1957 | Lowell T. Jacobs | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1957 | Daniel E. Somes | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1957 | John W. Steeves | BS Geological Engineering | 2011 |
| 1958 | Ralph D. Falconer | BS Geological Engineering | 2025 |
| 1958 | Walter E. Hagglund | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Mining Engineering | 2025 |
| 1958 | Stanley J. Klima | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1958 | Donald D. Markwardt | BS Mining Engineering | 2025 |
| 1958 | Thomas K. Stanlick | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2017 |
| 1958 | Arthur R. Viens | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1959 | Donald J. Hebert | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1959 | George F. Lehrer | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1959 | John G. Safar | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1960 | James C. Carroll | BS Geological Engineering | 2025 |
| 1960 | Donald R. Stauffer | MS Physics, BS Physics | 2025 |
| 1960 | Henry F. Ware | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1961 | Maurice M. Bowers | MS Civil Engineering, BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1961 | David J. McLaughlin | BS Engineering Physics | 2025 |
| 1961 | Jerome H. O’Mara | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1961 | Albert F. Reeve | BS Geological Engineering | 2025 |
| 1961 | Norman W. Remington | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1961 | George G. Weller | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1962 | Sharon L. (Gore) Duca | BS Engineering Physics | 2025 |
| 1962 | Michael J. Foote | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1962 | Evelyn J. Lescelius | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1962 | John F. Pirkl | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1962 | Glenn H. Pyhtila | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1962 | Paul R. Rawnick | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2024 |
| 1962 | Kenneth D. Shalda | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1962 | William A. Smedlund | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1962 | Thomas K. Walker | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1963 | James H. Batdorff | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1963 | William J. Bystrom | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1963 | James R. Gosz | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1963 | John R. Herbst | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1963 | Keith G. Kienitz | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1963 | Philip E. Klemett | BS Applied Physics | 2024 |
| 1963 | Donald J. Secor | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1964 | David B. Arial | BS Mathematics | 2025 |
| 1964 | Allen W. Davis | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1964 | Emil A. Klemett | BS Applied Physics | 2025 |
| 1964 | Stephen J. Pribish | BS Mathematics | 2025 |
| 1964 | Margaret A. (Kelly) Reichhardt | BS Medical Technology | 2024 |
| 1964 | Alan R. Webster | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1964 | Klaus P. Wilden | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1965 | Jerry D. Grenfell | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1965 | Richard A. Salonen | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1965 | Douglas W. Scheuneman | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1965 | Ralph J. Sheffer | AAS Mechanical Engineering Tech. | 2024 |
| 1966 | William J. Beres | BS Business Administration, BS Geophysical Engineeing | 2025 |
| 1966 | Joseph A. DeWinter | BS Business Engineering Admin, BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1966 | Stephen M. Dyer | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1966 | Donald S. Holmes | BS Biological Sciences | 2025 |
| 1966 | Kenneth V. Naples | BS Chemistry | 2025 |
| 1966 | John H. Sigwart | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1966 | Daniel J. VanAbel | BS Civil Engineering, MS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1967 | John L. Donnan | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1968 | Leonard W. Beesley | BS Biological Sciences | 2025 |
| 1968 | Jack D. Bultema | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1968 | Harold D. Bushfield | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1968 | Dennis J. Jones | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1968 | Wayne A. Nash | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1968 | Robert R. Tiura | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1969 | Roderick K. Davey | MS Mining Engineering | 2025 |
| 1969 | Robert H. Guichard | BS Geological Engineering | 2025 |
| 1969 | Richard C. Hermann | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1969 | Weldon P. Moore | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1969 | Frederick J. Trombley | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1969 | Robert L. Western | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1970 | William R. Freed | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2023 |
| 1970 | Daniel F. Shauger | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1971 | David R. Bezotte | BS , BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1971 | Gary M. Byrnes | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1971 | Harry T. Eichinger | BS Civil Engineering, BS Business Engineering Admin | 2025 |
| 1971 | Daniel C. Schrauben | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1971 | Janet K. (Lackermann) Stewart | BS Mathematics | 2025 |
| 1972 | Thomas M. Fraser | BS Chemistry | 2024 |
| 1972 | Richard J. Kempa | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1972 | Peter E. Marth | BS Metallurgical Engineering, MS Metallurgical Engineering | 2026 |
| 1972 | Kenneth D. McPhail | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1972 | William C. Stewart | BS Forestry | 2022 |
| 1973 | Michael P. Connors | BS Mathematics | 2025 |
| 1973 | Robert A. Herzog | BS Chemistry | 2025 |
| 1974 | Fredric L. Kinney | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2024 |
| 1974 | David R. Strong | BS Mathematics, MS Mathematics, MS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 1974 | David H. Thomas | BA Liberal Arts with History Opt | 2025 |
| 1975 | David P. Baukus | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1975 | John D. Kruse | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS), BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1975 | Mary L. Sikorsky | AAS Nursing | 2025 |
| 1975 | George T. Spray | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1976 | Richard P. Nelson | BS Medical Technology | 2024 |
| 1977 | Dennis D. Neitzke | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1978 | James C. Kibby | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1978 | Thomas L. Ringwelski | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1978 | David W. Wilson | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1979 | Michael F. Martin | BS Mining Engineering | 2025 |
| 1979 | Sandra L. Toivonen | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1980 | Henry C. Hahnke | BS Metallurgical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1981 | Ralph C. Eckerberg | BS Electrical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1981 | William K. Rodewald | AAS Electrical Eng Tech (AAS) | 2025 |
| 1981 | Donald F. Stephanic | BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1981 | Peter G. Warren | BS Computer Science | 2017 |
| 1982 | Janie A. Guiliani | BS Mining Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1982 | Michele M. Long | BS Medical Technology | 2025 |
| 1982 | Linda L. VanOrden | BS Economics | 2025 |
| 1983 | David R. Harris | BS Forestry | 2025 |
| 1987 | Cynthia L. Robison | BS Scientific & Tech Comm (BS) | 2025 |
| 1987 | Steven T. Sundberg | BS Electrical Engineering | 2019 |
| 1988 | Orlando V. Balcarcel | BS Chemistry | 2025 |
| 1988 | Dianne M. Bennink | BS Scientific & Tech Comm (BS) | 2025 |
| 1988 | Dean E. Buchman | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1988 | Michael S. Cicholski | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1989 | Linda M. Beck | BS Computer Science | 2025 |
| 1990 | William B. Chapel | MS Rhetoric & Tech Communication, PHD Rhetoric & Tech Communication | 2025 |
| 1990 | Jeffrey N. Neumeier | BS Chemical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1990 | Bruce D. Verduyn | BS Computer Science | 2025 |
| 1991 | Dean A. Anderson | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1991 | Derek M. Christianson | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1992 | Todd M. Albert | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2020 |
| 1995 | Matthew R. Bellgowan | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 1995 | Brian M. Pospeck | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 1995 | Jeffrey L. Robinson | BS Biological Sciences | 2025 |
| 1995 | Kevin N. Spano | BS Engineering Technology | 2025 |
| 1999 | Bridgett R. (Mason) Karkkainen | BS Business Administration | 2025 |
| 2000 | Kristen M. (Olsen) Farrell | BS Civil Engineering | 2025 |
| 2003 | Dean R. Massey | BS Electrical Engineering, PHD Mechanical Eng | 2024 |
| 2006 | Hiedi K. Hietala | BS Biological Sciences | 2025 |
| 2007 | Jeremy G. Heidbrier | BS Mechanical Engineering | 2025 |
| 2010 | Gabrielle J. Hansen | BS App Ecol & Environ Sci | 2025 |
| 2012 | Matthew W. Smith | BS Civil Engineering, BS Surveying Engineering | 2025 |
| 2014 | Jonathan M. Graves | BS Electrical Engineering, CERT Hybrid Elec. Drive Vehicle Eng | 2025 |
| 2015 | Alida C. Mau | MS Applied Ecology | 2025 |
| 2016 | Larissa A. Grundmanis | BS Psychology | 2025 |
| 2018 | Michael D. Elbert | MEG Engineering, GRCERT Hybrid Elec. Drive Vehicle Eng | 2025 |
| 2022 | Zachary S. Froelich | BS Forestry | 2025 |
In Memoriam for January 1 – June 30, 2025
As we prepare for Winter Carnival 2026, we’re excited to share a preview of the upcoming University Archives display that will be featured during the Alumni Social + Winter Carnival Exhibit on Saturday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Including the special limited-time display, the event will feature coffee, donuts, and will be staffed by Michigan Tech’s Office of Alumni Engagement, the University Archives, and current student members of the Blue Key Honor Society.
Be sure to take time to view the Archives display, titled “Snowy Themes and Festive Scenes: Photos and Memorabilia of Carnivals Gone By,” which will feature photographs, memorabilia, and Winter Carnival pictorials. Images like this statue construction scene from 1974 will adorn the tables in the library’s East Reading Room and an archivist will be on hand to answer questions.
If you have a favorite Winter Carnival memory to share, or can help tell the tale of this photo, let us know in the comments!
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).
Do you remember your first trip up (or down) Mont Ripley?
There is a hint of snow in the air, offering hope that Mont Ripley will soon be open. This vintage image from winter 1958 features Michigan Tech ski coach Fred Lonsdorf and his daughter Lynn on the slopes. A familiar face on the ski hill in the mid 20th century, Lonsdorf was respected by all who came to learn from him. His best advice: “Get out and practice!”
Did you ever take a ski lesson from Fred? Share your favorite Mont Ripley memories with us in the comments!
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).
Have you ever seen a rocket launch from the tip of the Keweenaw? Or hiked out to the site where it all happened?
Tucked away at the northernmost point of the Keweenaw Peninsula—accessible for those with the inclination to get out there—lies a memorial plaque where NASA rockets once soared into the sky. The Keweenaw Rocket Range, part of project WEBROC, was active through the 1960s until it was decommissioned in 1971 and the land was transferred to Michigan Tech.
But it wasn’t all high-powered launches, research, and data collection. Life at the rocket range and the Michigan Tech Keweenaw Field Station had its everyday moments too. This photo from the Michigan Tech Archives captures a chilly November day in 1965, with Lenard Williams and Mike Brian taking a brief pause to warm up a cup of coffee before getting back to their research. The image is one of several connected to the Keweenaw Rocket Range and project WEBROC.
Do you remember ever seeing a launch? Have you made the trek to the site? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments!
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).
Fall midterms are over, and the academic calendar marches on toward finals week. Yet, we can’t forget to look ahead—because spring enrollment waits for no one!
This flashback image to October 1994 from the University Archives shows students in the enrollment area preparing for the next trimester. The battle in the scheduling arena took many forms, and rumors of line trades, bribes, and class swaps still echo in the Archives. Who else remembers the thrill (and chaos) of class scheduling week?
Share your favorite scheduling story in the comments—and let us know which class was worth all the effort to get into!
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).
Campus is buzzing with energy as students come back for the start of the fall semester. Move-In was a huge success with the highly anticipated opening of East Hall. Wadsworth Dining Hall also has a fresh look. Staff from Student Support and Mentorship recently moved into the newly renovated Alumni House, and several updated classroom spaces will come online in the next few weeks.
This year’s entering class is one of the largest in the last 40 years and the first to participate in Tech’s new Essential Education program, an innovative core education curriculum. The program builds a 21st century skill set crucial for our students to become leaders who can respond to the increasingly frequent technological changes impacting our economy and society.
In planning campus initiatives for the coming year, we will continue to focus on the shaping of Tech Forward 2.0. And, as part of our continued efforts to align institutional priorities with transformative community impact, Wayne Gersie will lead Michigan Tech’s application for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement.
Michigan Tech is in a position of strength because of the past and present work of our faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends. I have the utmost confidence in our future, knowing that we are supported by the strong network of MTU’s alumni and friends. Thank you for helping to make Michigan Tech such a special place.
Sincerely,
Rick Koubek
President
The fall semester has arrived and campus is buzzing with the start of a new school year. It’s the perfect time to revisit and celebrate the fifth anniversary of one of our all-time favorite posts, Things I Learned at Michigan Tech.
Because some things you really have to experience to understand, Things I Learned at Michigan Tech is an inspired collection of Tech wisdom, laugh-out-loud memories, and heartfelt comments from Huskies around the world.
Take a moment to dive back in, enjoy the memories, and join us as we kick off a new semester by sharing your own nuggets of Tech wisdom in the comments.
What’s one thing YOU learned at Michigan Tech that’s stuck with you?
Photo courtesy of the Archives’ MTU Campus Scenes Vertical Photo File.
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).
Huskies, start your engines!
Reunion is behind us, and fall is almost here, so students will be heading to campus for the first time or returning to Houghton in full force over the next few weeks. Many students rely on the open road to get back to campus, but travel to the University for fall classes takes many forms—from prop planes to fast cars and motorcycles to the good old bus line.
When you were returning to fall classes, how did you arrive in style for day one of the semester or trimester? Let us know in the comments!
About the Archives
The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections houses a wide variety of print, graphic and manuscript resources related to the history and culture the Copper Country and Michigan Technological University. If you would like to research in the archives, appointments are available from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Appointments may be requested by calling (906) 487-2505 or by filling out the request form on the archives website. If you have any questions regarding archives services, collections, or remote research help, please reach out to (906) 487-2505 or e-mail us at copper@mtu.edu. The Michigan Tech Archives can also be found on Facebook (Michigan Tech Archives), Instagram (@michigantecharchives), and X (@mtuarchives).