Tag: CEGEAcademy

Eight Distinguished Inductees Honored at 2025 CEGE Academy Ceremony

Published October 30, 2025

News

CEGE Academy inductees stand together on stage at Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center, dressed in formal and business attire, smiling for a group photo following the 2025 Academy Induction Ceremony. — The eight exceptional leaders who were inducted into Michigan Tech’s Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Academy during a ceremony held September 29, 2025, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

Michigan Tech’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering proudly welcomed eight exceptional leaders into its prestigious Academy of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering during an induction ceremony held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

Established in 1993, the Academy recognizes outstanding alumni and friends of the department who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and service in their professions and communities. Election to the Academy is among the department’s highest honors—acknowledging individuals who not only advance the field of engineering but also invest deeply in mentoring future generations and supporting Michigan Tech.

2025 CEGE Academy Inductees

Matthew Bissett smiles for a professional portrait wearing a blue checkered blazer, light blue shirt, and glasses, photographed against a warm-toned abstract background during the 2025 CEGE Academy Induction Ceremony at Michigan Tech.

Matthew Bissett (Honorary Member)
Chief Executive Officer and President, Atwell, LLC
Matt Bissett leads Atwell, LLC as CEO and President after starting as an intern 27 years ago. A licensed professional surveyor in more than 15 states, he has guided the company’s national growth in infrastructure, energy, and land development. Bissett continues to support surveying education through contributions to Michigan Tech, Ferris State, and Northern Michigan College.

Michael Erickson poses for a professional portrait wearing a gray collared shirt and blue plaid jacket, standing before a warm-toned abstract background during the 2025 CEGE Academy Induction Ceremony at Michigan Tech.

Michael Erickson (’94, ’95)

Senior Vice President / Principal Engineer, Arcadis
Michael Erickson is Senior Vice President and Principal Engineer at Arcadis and a national expert in sediment management and water quality modeling. His leadership has shaped remediation projects exceeding $2 billion in construction value. Based in Calumet, he has served on CEGE’s Professional Advisory Board and the Houghton County Planning Commission.

Karol L. Grove, wearing a sage green blouse and a beaded necklace with a silver floral pendant, smiles for a professional portrait taken during the 2025 CEGE Academy Induction Ceremony at Michigan Tech.

Karol L. Grove, PS, CFM (’84)

Owner, Alpine Land Surveying, Inc.
Karol Grove is a Professional Land Surveyor and Certified Floodplain Manager, licensed since 1993 and owner of Alpine Land Surveying, Inc. With over 30 years of experience, she has served on the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Board for nearly three decades and chaired both the state Licensing Board for Surveyors and the Michigan Future City Competition. Grove received the 2025 MSPS Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mike Horan smiles for a professional portrait wearing a black suit jacket, white shirt, and blue patterned tie, with a warm-toned abstract background behind him during the 2025 CEGE Academy Induction Ceremony at Michigan Tech.

Mike Horan, P.E. (’75)

Owner and CEO, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC
Mike Horan founded Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, growing it into one of the state’s largest road construction firms with over 500 employees. Under his leadership, Ajax has earned more than 75 state and national awards for quality, safety, and innovation. Horan has served as president of the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida and chair of the Florida Transportation Builders Association.

William McCarthy smiles for a professional portrait wearing a green suit jacket, white shirt, and patterned green tie, photographed against a softly blurred abstract background during the 2025 CEGE Academy Induction Ceremony at Michigan Tech.

William McCarthy (’82)

President, McCarthy & Smith, Inc.
Bill McCarthy leads McCarthy & Smith, Inc., a family-owned construction firm specializing in educational and municipal projects. He has guided the company’s evolution into a respected mid-sized contractor and served as Chairperson of the Associated General Contractors of America, Detroit Chapter. McCarthy has also served 19 years on the board of Wellspring Lutheran Services, including two as chair.

Todd Schrader (’89)

Chief Executive Officer, Hardman Construction, Inc.
Todd Schrader serves as CEO of Hardman Construction, Inc., a Michigan-based bridge and foundation contractor. His leadership has advanced major infrastructure projects statewide, including the I-94/US-31 design-build bridges and Michigan Tech’s H-STEM Complex. Schrader and his wife, Julie, established two community foundation funds supporting Ludington-area initiatives and Michigan Tech students.

Ronald Staley (’77, ’80)

Retired Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Historic Preservation, The Christman Company
Ronald Staley founded Christman’s Historic Preservation Group, leading more than 200 award-winning restoration projects worldwide, including Michigan Central Station, the Michigan State Capitol, and Notre Dame’s Golden Dome. He and his wife, Linda, have long supported Michigan Tech’s Engineering and Construction Management programs, emphasizing the value of combining technical and business skills.

Kimberly Zimmer-Janeczko smiles for a professional portrait wearing a black blazer and royal blue blouse, with Michigan Tech and MDOT pins on her lapel, photographed against a warm-toned abstract background during the 2025 CEGE Academy Induction Ceremony.

Kimberly Zimmer-Janeczko, P.E. (’95)
Division Administrator, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Kimberly Zimmer is the Division Administrator for MDOT’s Transportation Systems Management & Operations Division. With more than 26 years of public service, she received MDOT’s highest honor—the Director’s Award—for leadership and commitment to quality. A dedicated alumna, Zimmer has served on CEGE’s Professional Advisory Board and actively supports Michigan Tech recruitment and outreach programs.

A close-up view of engraved wooden plaques displayed on a black tablecloth, each recognizing the 2025 inductees into Michigan Tech’s Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Academy at the Rozsa Center ceremony. — Plaques honoring the eight 2025 inductees into Michigan Tech’s Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Academy were displayed before the induction ceremony at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

About the Academy

The Academy of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering honors outstanding graduates and distinguished friends of Michigan Tech who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in engineering, service, and community impact. Members maintain strong connections with the University—mentoring students, supporting research, and contributing to departmental initiatives. Induction ceremonies are held biennially in the fall of odd-numbered years, with meetings alternating between in-person and virtual formats. Through ongoing collaboration and needs assessments, the Academy ensures its work continues to advance the mission and sustainability of the CEGE Department.

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Welcomes Nine Members to the Academy

Published November 30, 2023

By Angela Keranen

News

Academy Inductee Leanne H. Panduren, PE, F.NSP

Michigan Tech’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering proudly announced the induction of nine distinguished individuals into its prestigious Academy. Established in 1993, the Academy was created to honor outstanding graduates and distinguished friends of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. Election to the Academy recognizes excellence and leadership in one’s career as well as professional and community service shaping the world.

Academy member plaques during induction ceremony held on October 5, 2023

The purpose of the Academy is to honor outstanding graduates and distinguished friends of the Michigan Tech Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. Election to the Academy recognizes excellence and leadership in engineering and civil affairs. Our membership is heavily invested in giving back to the University, students, faculty, and the community at large.

Nominations come from faculty and current Academy members based on a record of outstanding achievement in their field; demonstrated commitment to service and leadership in their profession; demonstrated commitment to service and leadership in their community; support of the CEGE department or university as a whole via demonstrated actions.

The Academy Induction was held on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Rosza Center.

Elected Members of the Academy:

Wayne Bergstrom, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE., F.ASCE, F.ABET:

Wayne Bergstrom, a distinguished Michigan Tech alumnus from the class of 1976, has accumulated over 45 years of experience in civil and geotechnical engineering. With roles in consulting, industry, and governmental service across six continents, Bergstrom has been instrumental in adapting civil infrastructure projects to various geologic environments. He is currently a Principal Engineer at Bechtel Infrastructure and Power and has received prestigious honors, including the Bechtel Distinguished Engineer in 2013 and Bechtel Fellow in 2020. Active in professional societies, Bergstrom served as the President of ABET, Inc. in 2016-17, accrediting college programs globally.

David M. Thomson, PE ‘83:

Originally from Kodiak, Alaska, David Thomson switched from metallurgical to civil engineering at Michigan Tech, driven by a passion for big equipment and construction. His diverse career includes leadership roles at Burlington Northern Railroad, STV, Inc., and his consulting practice focused on private industrial clients. Thomson’s commitment to service is evident through his involvement with the Rail Transportation Advisory Board and the Civil and Environmental Professional Academic Advisory Committee. He received a departmental alumni service award in 2019, recognizing his dedication.

David W. Hand, PhD, BCEE ‘80:

David Hand’s journey with Michigan Tech began in 1982, leading to a distinguished career in environmental engineering. Joining as an assistant research engineer, he eventually became a professor and served as the Chair of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Hand’s accolades include the Rudolph Hering Medal and the 2000 AEESP Landmark Achievement Award. His contributions span over fifty funded environmental engineering research projects, numerous awards, and a significant body of published work.

Emmanuel U. Nzewi, Ph.D, P.E., M.ASCE ‘80:

Emmanuel Nzewi, a 1980 civil engineering graduate from Michigan Tech, has made significant contributions to academia and research. With a Ph.D. from Purdue University, he served in leadership roles at multiple universities, conducting research on sustainable water resource systems and transportation accessibility in rural communities. Active in ASCE, Nzewi received the 2013 Outstanding Service Award and continues to explore engineering education through natural language processing models.

Michael Paddock ’87, ’88:

With bachelor degrees in surveying (’87) and civil engineering (’88) from Michigan Tech, Michael Paddock has left a lasting impact in the field. His career at CH2M HILL included managing transportation megaprojects, exemplified by the successful reconstruction of major interchanges and highways. Paddock’s dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors, with full-time volunteering for Engineers Without Borders, earning him the EWB-USA Founders Award in 2009. Recognized as the Humanitarian Award recipient from Michigan Tech in 2020, Paddock and his wife generously support the university.

Leanne H. Panduren, PE, F.NSPE:

Leanne Panduren, a 1993 civil engineering graduate, has showcased exceptional leadership throughout her career at ROWE Professional Services Company. Progressing from Assistant Project Engineer to President and CEO, Panduren actively promotes excellence and education in engineering. Her contributions extend beyond her professional realm, with active involvement in professional engineering societies and various philanthropic and economic development roles in her community.

Steven Tomaszewski, ‘91:

Steven Tomaszewski, a 1991 environmental engineering graduate, has ascended to the role of Global Director of Environmental Strategies & Operations at General Motors Company. His career at GM spans various locations globally, contributing significantly to facility management, crisis management, and the transition to electric vehicles. A dedicated Michigan Tech supporter, Tomaszewski serves on the Board of Trustees and has been recognized with the Michigan Tech Young Alumni Award in 1999.

Thomas M. Keranen, P.E., Esq.:

Thomas Keranen, graduating in 1972 with a BSCE, has seamlessly merged engineering and law throughout his career. Starting as a civil engineer, Keranen obtained a law degree and transitioned into construction law, becoming a respected figure in the field. Active in construction industry associations and educational programs, Keranen’s contributions extend to serving on the Civil and Environmental Engineering Professional Advisory Committee at Michigan Tech.

Zachary Grasley, PE, PhD ’01:

Zachary Grasley, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Michigan Tech in 2001, currently heads the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University. His prolific research career, marked by awards like the NSF CAREER Award and Fellowships in prestigious engineering societies, has significantly impacted the field. Grasley’s dedication to advancing civil and environmental engineering is evident in his role as a Presidential Impact Fellow at Texas A&M, guiding the department’s substantial student body and research programs.

The new inductees showcase diverse achievements, embodying the spirit of leadership, service, and excellence that defines the Michigan Tech Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.