More than 600 College of Engineering students will take part in Michigan Technological University commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. While their time on campus is coming to an end, they know they’ll be Huskies forever.
As they prepare for graduation, engineering students are reflecting on their time at Tech, sharing their dreams for the future, and offering advice to the next generation of Huskies.
For Owen Armstrong ’25, electrical engineering student and former vice-president of Blue Key National Honor Society, his time at Tech was all about his fellow Huskies. “Tech is such a unique and wonderful experience but it would not be half as amazing if I didn’t meet some of the best people, and they are the reason I will look back on my time here with a smile on my face,” he said.
Armstrong’s feelings aren’t unique. Biomedical engineering student Shanaya Fleig ’25 will also miss her Tech community. “I’m incredibly honored to have attended Michigan Tech for biomedical engineering,” said Fleig. “Over the years, I built meaningful friendships, gave back through community volunteering, and made sure to enjoy every moment in the stunning Keweenaw. It’s been an unforgettable journey—and it’s bittersweet to see it come to an end.”
Students like Austin Champine ’25, electrical engineering, and Destiny Klinkhammer ’25, mechanical engineering, are looking ahead.
“Michigan Tech gave me more than an education—it gave me momentum. Every challenge here was a test flight for what’s ahead,” said Champine.
“I’m excited to be heading towards a new chapter of my life and I thank all who have supported me,” said Klinkhammer who was a member of Tech’s Army ROTC. “I will always honor Michigan Tech’s support as I head off to my service in Germany.”
Emily Roth ’25, electrical engineering, offers future Huskies advice she learned over the years: “The rockiest roads sometimes have the most scenic views—don’t be afraid to do hard things!”
Huskies do know how to do hard things. Kathryn Krieger ‘25, environmental engineering, made the most of her time at Tech and will be continuing her engineering education this fall.
“I’m so grateful for the unique learning opportunities that Michigan Tech has made possible such as participating in labs on the lakes, rivers, and wetlands of the Keweenaw, attending the COP28 in Dubai and studying abroad in Valencia,” said Kreiger. “I am so excited to apply my knowledge to my graduate studies at Colorado State University next fall.”
“Graduating feels surreal—but in the best way,” said Kimberly Ann Lopez ’25, civil engineering. “Michigan Tech didn’t just shape me into an engineer; it gave me a community. From working late nights on the Society of Women Engineers’ Winter Carnival statue (yes, we froze, and yes, it was worth it), to juggling jobs at Wadsworth Hall, the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, and as a teaching assistant in the Department of Civil, Environmental, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, I’ve done a bit of everything.”
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come and thankful for every person who believed in me, challenged me, and reminded me that I belong in this field,” said Lopez.
Here’s to all our Engineering Huskies as they step into the next chapter. We believe in you!
About the College of Engineering
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering offers more than 15 bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil, environmental and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering fundamentals, geological and mining engineering and sciences, manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate programs for busy professionals. Follow Michigan Tech Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest happenings.