Students, faculty, alumni, staff, and other distinguished members of the Michigan Tech College of Business community recently gathered for the College’s third annual student awards ceremony. The night of celebration included awards recognizing stand-out Business Huskies from nine undergraduate and four master’s degree programs, among other honors.
More than 25 students were also inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society, which is advised by Jonathan Leinonen, assistant dean and teaching professor. To be eligible for Beta Gamma Sigma, undergraduate juniors and seniors must be in the top 10 percent of their class, and graduate students must be in the top 20 percent. Beta Gamma Sigma has over 600 chapters, and is exclusive to AACSB-accredited institutions. AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, was founded in 1916, and provides credentials to business schools that demonstrate excellence in business education. To meet the new initiates, visit the full list of Beta Gamma Sigma inductees and members.
Graduate Awards Applaud “exceptional leadership” in “real-world challenges”
Emily Breton, ‘25 ‘26, received the Master of Science in Engineering Management Student of the Year Award. “Her ability to lead across teams, improve processes, and apply engineering principles in real-world settings truly sets her apart,” said presenter Scott Usitalo ’81.
“On campus she has demonstrated exceptional leadership as president of the Consumer Products Manufacturing Enterprise, guiding teams, managing projects, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation,” Usitalo added. After earning her master’s degree in engineering management, Breton joined Plexus Corp. as a product engineer.
Eli Johnson, ‘26, won the Applied Natural Resource Economics Student of the Year Award. “Through his work as a graduate research assistant, he has conducted advanced research on topics ranging from climate impacts on tourism to energy transitions in rural communities, using data to inform policy and decision making … He has a strong ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights for both policymakers and communities,” said presenter Kevin Wampler ’86.
Connor Zavislak ’25 ’26, was selected for the Tech MBA Student of the Year Award. “His impact extends beyond the classroom through internships with leading organizations, where he has applied continuous improvement and problem-solving skills to deliver meaningful results … It certainly was not a surprise when his first internship indicated that they would want him to come back every summer in order to offer a full time position, even though he was just finishing his first year,” said presenter Paul Stinson ’84 of Zavislak.
Zavislak served as a graduate programs ambassador, tutor, and faculty assistant, while also being involved in multiple student organizations. After completing his MBA, Zavislak accepted a position as an operations leader with Caterpillar Inc.
Jamie Meleen ‘17 won the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics Student of the Year Award. “Through extensive experience in financial operations, she has taken on roles with increasing responsibility …]Her impact both professionally and within the College reflects a dedication to excellence and continuous improvement,” said presenter Paul Hammes ’89.
Meleen currently works as the director of general accounting and banking services at Michigan Tech. In the past, she’s held roles including the assistant director of business operations for University of Wisconsin Athletics and assistant manager of internal operations at Texas A&M University.
Undergraduate Awards Celebrate Dynamic Students
Coralee Daugherty was chosen for this year’s Accounting Student of the Year Award. “As a teaching assistant and peer mentor, she has played an active role in helping fellow students navigate their courses and adjust to college life, consistently going above and beyond to create a supportive learning environment,” said presenter Hammes. “She is often cited as being an amazing admissions tour guide enthusiastically highlighting the College of Business and the amazing work being done here,” Hammes added.
Daugherty also serves as the president of the Cornhole Club and vice president of recruitment and fundraising for the Accounting Club. She’s spending this summer with Johnson Controls as an international tax intern.
Ryan Miller ’26 received the Construction Management Student of the Year Award, presented by Marie Cleveland ’82. “On campus, he has served as a College of Business Ambassador, representing the program to prospective students, and as the treasurer of the Railroad Engineering and Activities Club,” Cleveland said. “He has also contributed as a teaching assistant supporting the Student Success Committee, helping enhance the student experience. His impact has already been recognized as a College of Business Student of the Year.”
Miller has interned at both RailWorks Track Systems and the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project. After graduating, Miller accepted a position as a Project Engineer with The Boldt Company.
Tessa Bakker won the Economics Student of the Year Award. “Her involvement spans campus, from serving on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council and as a College of Business Ambassador, to coordinating major initiatives like Orientation and Winter Carnival events. She has also contributed her skills beyond campus as a board member, helping guide business decisions through data and market analysis,” said presenter Wampler. “In addition, her completion of the PAWS program reflects her commitment to supporting the well-being of fellow students.”
As president of the American Marketing Association at Michigan Tech, Bakker helped to build industry connections and expand opportunities for students. This summer, Bakker is part of the Michigan Tech Orientation Executive Staff, working as their communications coordinator.
Autumn Steffens ’26 was the recipient of the Engineering Management Student of the Year Award. “On campus, her leadership spans multiple organizations, including serving as the treasurer for Steel Bridge, vice president of the Women’s Rugby Club, and secretary for the American Society for Engineering Management. Across each role, she has shown commitment to teamwork, organization, and results,” said presenter Cleveland.
In the past, Steffens interned with companies including Mercury Marine and Miron Construction, leading cross-functional teams, supporting product launches, and contributing to high-impact engineering projects. Steffens now works as a program manager at Boeing Defense.
Connor Johnson ’26 was selected for the Finance Student of the Year Award, presented by Dan Green ’83. “Through experience in private wealth management, [Johnson] has conducted equity research, contributed to key projects, helped translate financial insights into actionable strategies … His ability to balance academics, involvement, and professional experience highlights his dedication and work ethic,” said Green.
Johnson was actively involved in multiple student organizations, including the Finance Club, Economics Club, Enterprise, and a national championship broomball team. He’s gained experience through multiple internships, when he worked as a property management specialist with Bret Russell Inc., and as a private wealth management summer analyst with Verde Capital Management.
Allyana Grochowski won the Management Student of the Year Award. “[Grochowski] has demonstrated strong leadership, organization, and a commitment to serving others both on and off campus,” said presenter Stinson. “As a teaching assistant, she has supported student learning while managing multiple project teams and helping facilitate course operations. Her leadership extends across campus as president of Collegiate DECA and Treasurer for Cru, where she has played a key role in organizing events and supporting student engagement.”
Outside of the classroom, Grochowski has also served as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a volunteer firefighter.
Carissa Chow received the Marketing Student of the Year Award. “Through her involvement in Collegiate DECA and the American Marketing Association, she has actively engaged in building campaigns, collaborating with teams, and strengthening marketing initiatives on campus,” said presenter Usitalo.
Chow also works as a coach in the Michigan Tech Writing Center and is the Marketing Team co-Lead for the Michigan Tech Supermileage Systems Enterprise.
Pierce Miller ‘26 won the Management Information Systems Student of the Year Award. Pierce gained technical skills and experience in applying technology to practical problems while working as a software development intern with M.J. Electric. Miller was also a leader on the Michigan Tech football team and a College of Business ambassador.
“His ability to bring people together, apply technology effectively, and lead with purpose sets him apart,” said presenter Carrie Schaller ’87.
Outstanding Student in Business Studies U.P. Economic Opportunity
Marguerite Goldman ’26 was chosen for the Outstanding Student in Business Award. “Her commitment to experiential learning extends beyond the classroom. Through internships in accounting and consulting, and her current role with the Small Business Development Center, she has worked directly with clients, applying financial analysis and problem-solving skills to real business challenges,” said presenter Scott Pattullo.
“Throughout her time in the College of Business, she has consistently sought out opportunities to apply what she has learned in meaningful ways…She now continues that impact as a teaching assistant, mentoring students and helping them build both technical skills and professional confidence.”
As a student, Goldman was part of the Applied Portfolio Management Program, helping to manage a multimillion-dollar investment portfolio. She also conducted undergraduate research on economic opportunities in the Western Upper Peninsula, and was actively involved in several other student organizations.
Teacher of the Year Puts Students First
The College of Business student awards are decided by a committee of faculty and staff. However, the Teacher of the Year Award is unique, with the annual winner selected through a vote by students.
This year’s winner is Jodie Dompier ’19, assistant teaching professor of accounting information systems. Dompier has a master’s in accounting from Michigan Tech and years of experience in information systems.
“She is truly the most kind and understanding person around,” said one student of Dompier. “She has a very welcoming classroom environment. She always puts the student first.”
“She is an amazing professor that truly wants her students to succeed not just for her own benefit, and is willing to put in the time for students who also put in the effort,” said another student.
“The way she teaches is interactive and easy to follow … If you have questions, can’t read the board, or her pace isn’t right for you, she happily adjusts her teaching to make sure everyone can understand,” said another student who voted for Dompier. “She asks students how they are and is always happy to talk when not actively teaching. It’s so easy to tell how passionate she is about her profession and it positively impacts her teaching.”
Look for an interview with Dompier about her teaching style, the new competitive Excel club she started, and what she learned as a student from two legendary College of Business faculty members in an upcoming College of Business Q&A.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 award winners!
About the College of Business
The Michigan Tech College of Business prepares tomorrow’s business professionals through STEM-infused, AACSB-accredited degree programs and minors. The college offers nine bachelor of science programs in accounting, business analytics, construction management, economics, engineering management, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing; and four master of science programs in accounting and analytics, applied natural resource economics, engineering management, and the TechMBA®.
Questions? Contact us at business@mtu.edu. Follow the College of Business on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
