Alumni News

The Spring Thaw is Coming

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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.

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West Michigan Event Report: Bowling, Hockey, and Holiday Fun

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Alumni and friends in the West Michigan area have been enjoying a variety of events, from bowling to holiday parties to cheering on the hockey team! If you’d like to follow along with what is happening in the West Michigan area, check out the West Michigan alumni Facebook page.

Bowling at Clique Lanes — September 28, 2022

Alumni enjoyed an evening of bowling at Clique Lanes, Grand Rapids. We rented the second floor with eight lanes for a two-hour bowling session. The attendance of nine bowlers was well below the expected capacity of 32 people, so there was ample space for everyone. We even had a 3-year-old in the group who used a ramp to launch his ball. Emma Zawisza ’12 organized the event.

Group of alumni bowling

Jim Crouch ’90 preparing to bowl.

Young boy bowling

3-year-old boy used a ramp to release the ball.

Holiday Party at The Mitten — December 1, 2022

To kick off the Holiday Season, a pizza and pub night was held at The Mitten Brewery in Grand Rapids. This event drew 40 people. Various gourmet pizzas, chicken wings, and delicious breadsticks gave everyone all they could eat. The Mitten Brewing Company was founded in November 2012 by lifelong friends Chris Andrus and Max Trierweiler and is located in historic Engine House No. 9. They offer a good variety of different styles of beer, so they have something for everyone’s tastes.

Michigan Tech’s Office of Alumni Engagement worked with alum host Emma Zawisza ’12 to organize the event, which also featured a drawing for door prizes with items courtesy of the Office of Alumni Engagement. One of the winners of a Husky blanket was Ron Vriesman ’78 from Spring Lake.

Michigan Tech vs. Ferris Hockey Pregame Social — January 21, 2023

About 68 people attended a pregame social at Cranker’s Brewery in Big Rapids. Coach Joe Shawhan was able to attend, mingled with alumni, and gave a game update prior to heading off to the pregame meetings and warm-ups. In front of a packed house, the nationally #14 ranked Michigan Tech Huskies tied Ferris State University Bulldogs 3-3 in an overtime game. The Bulldogs won a shootout victory following the tie.

Husky Hockey Game Watch — January 28, 2023

The game between Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan was live-streamed at Schmohz Brewing Co. The watch party went well (and we got the win 4-1 after an 0-3 loss on Friday)! Anticipated attendance was down slightly because of the weather (we got about 4″ of snow and the roads were a little sloppy) but everyone had a good time. We plan to do more events like this in the future.

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2023 Alumni “Snow” Statue Results

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Thanks to all the Michigan Tech alumni and friends who participated in the third annual Alumni “Snow” Statue Contest. Congratulations to our winners!

Multi-Day Snow Statue – Winner

1st place ribbon

Title: Mammoth Mug from Minnesota: In the Land of Ice and Snow, Nothing is Better Than Hot Cocoa
Participants: Pamela ’09 & Tyler ’11 Fincher

Two Michigan Tech alumni Pamela (2009) and Tyler (2011) unearthed a mammoth mug of hot chocolate in their backyard after a Minneapolis blizzard. Likely left behind by Paul Bunyan himself after carving the Mississippi River. Hot chocolate has long been a staple comfort food for the Fincher family during the long winter months especially now after finding Paul’s long-lost recipe. The statue was found during excavations for a bobsledding course that wraps around the mug. After a long day of sledding, Pamela and Tyler’s sons refresh themselves with a hot cup of cocoa.

The statue pays homage to Summit house (5th floor East McNair) where Tyler learned the art of snow sculpting. Of course, the copper lettering is in honor of the Keweenaw. Hidden in the statue is ancient wisdom for those who thirst.

Multi-Day Snow Statue – Runner Up

2nd Place Ribbon

Title: Cup of Global Warming Soup
Participants: Susan Conradson ’94 and Erica Conradson

The statue started during the Christmas blizzard when we made two stacks of snow (4′ and 5′ high) with the intention of making a large mug of coffee and doughnut. Then came the warm-up… and rain. The statue turned into a small cup of coffee and half of a donut. And then came more warmth and rain… and the doughnut turned into the handle of what we titled “A Cup of Global Warming Soup”. Then came even more rain… and the statue is gone. The statue should be labeled “perseverance” which relates to the Michigan Tech experience. We are just going for participation points!

24-Hour Snow Statue – Winner

First place ribbon

Title: Snowman Encampment: Sugar Cookies and Toasted ‘Mallows for the Snowman’s Soul
Participants: Ben Thompson ’09, Aspen Thompson, Drew Vettel ’05, Maeda Vettel, Jackson Vettel

Another statue was built while on a friend vacation to the heart of enemy territory, Marquette. We spent a morning playing in the snow with the kiddos, including sledding down the hill and building a small statue of winter treats that warm our hearts. There is a platter of sugar cookies, a hot cocoa mug, and a snowman bravely using his own arm to roast a marshmallow over ice logs and sculpted snow flames. A snow brick wall protects him from the Lake Superior gales.

24-Hour Snow Statue – Runner Up

Title: Welcome to McDonalds’
Participants: Emily McDonald ’12, Carl Baker ’84, and future Huskies Elliott (3) and Margie (1) McDonald

This year’s theme was an easy one for our family since we are the McDonalds! We wanted to bring to life a classic menu item from the fast food chain of our namesake. Our favorite part of building this statue was making the three pickles that can be seen on the front and the right side.

Other Material “Snow” Statue – Winner

1st place ribbon

Title: Pasties, Pickled Eggs, & Pints, Providing Energy for Many a Frigid Tech Night!
Participants: Steven Williams ’86, Lisa Williams ’88, Becca Williams ’22, Libby Williams ’22

Our statue pays tribute to three Michigan Tech and Upper Peninsula staples that have sustained many a Tech student throughout the brutal Houghton winters – Pasties, Pickled Eggs, and Pints. Being highly consumable, they perfectly fit this year’s theme of “Tasty Foods for Wintry Moods”. This statue is constructed in Cadillac, MI out of alternative materials. Desiring to limit waste, the statue is made completely of food products, ice, snow, and birdseed. Served on a large ice platter, the bird seed-filled pasties have been baked golden brown, the pickled eggs were molded from suet cakes, and the specially constructed ice pints are filled with sunflower seed “KBC Widowmaker Black”, topped with a snowy head. Once documented, the statue will become a tasty offering for our feathered and furry friends!

Other Material “Snow” Statue – Runner Up

Title: The Caterpillar Became Even More Full from the Food He Ate at Carnival!
Participants: Kathryn Stone ’19 and Derek Stone ’19

The inspiration for this statue comes from the OG food lover – the Very Hungry Caterpillar from Eric Carle’s classic children’s book of the same name. For most of the book, the caterpillar is in pursuit of food, until the last page when he finally meets his fill. Winter Carnival is always filled with delicious food traditions from student organizations, so we imagined all of the food this character would indulge in if he decided to visit Houghton.

Our caterpillar is eating his way across campus at Winter Carnival All-Nighter! He starts with hot chocolate (and mini marshmallows) at the IRHC Cocoa Shack. He also enjoys all-you-can-eat pancakes with Air Force ROTC, hot dogs from His House Ministries, chili from USG, GSG, and the Office of Alumni Engagement, and fried Oreos from the Pep Band. Of course, his trip to the UP is not complete without a pickled egg and a pasty!

Since snow is difficult to come by in Alabama, this statue is made from modeling clay.

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KRC Leads Mobility Testing for More Than 60 Years

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Students working at KRC

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!

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In Memoriam

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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

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

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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.

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The Lonsdorf Technique

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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?

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In Memoriam

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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

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Remembering Professor, Dean, and Provost Max Seel

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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.

Max 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.

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