Pavlis Honors College Blog

Community, Leadership, and Adventure: Sydney Wieseler’s Pavlis Journey

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Sydney posed in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City during her Study Abroad.

Meet Sydney Wieseler, a Pavlis Honors College student whose leadership, service, and global experiences have shaped a meaningful path at Michigan Tech. Sydney is majoring in Mathematics with an International Spanish minor and comes to Michigan Tech from Battle Creek, Michigan, and plans to graduate in 2026. 

Sydney is currently a Senior Resident Assistant (SRA), a member of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), and an active member of St. Albert the Great. She has explored many other opportunities, ranging from the Swing club to serving on the Douglas Houghton Hall Council (DHHC). She has participated in two study abroad programs, one to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula for spring break, and the second to Barcelona, Spain, where she spent six weeks. As an SRA, she had the honor of representing East Hall’s residents at the building’s ribbon-cutting, which included speaking at the event and helping cut the ribbon alongside university officials and building planners! 

Wieseler preparing to speak at the grand opening of East Hall.

Sydney’s journey with the Pavlis Honors College began with several conversations that encouraged her to get involved. One of the first came from an RA in her first-year residence hall, who introduced her to Pavlis halfway through the fall semester. A few weeks later, she heard about the program again from Dr. Marika Seigel, shortly after Dr. Seigel became Dean of the Pavlis Honors College. With these conversations in mind, Sydney decided to give Pavlis a try.

Since joining Pavlis, Sydney has completed HON 2150 and HON 3150, along with her Academic Enhancement, Immersion Experience, and Leadership/Mentorship Experience. She is currently working on her Project Experience by drawing on her role as the SRA for Hillside and the fourth floor of East Hall. Next semester, she will be enrolled in HON4150, capping off her Pavlis Honors College courses and experiences. 

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

“Pavlis is a great opportunity! It helps you meet a lot of other amazing leaders across campus and hear about a lot of amazing opportunities!”

Sydney Wieseler, Pavlis Honors Student
Sydney posed in Park Güell for a photo during one of her study abroad adventures.

Throughout her time in Pavlis, Sydney has learned strategies for maintaining a well-rounded life and connecting her academic work with her passion for community engagement. Volunteering has long been important to her. “I did 150 volunteer hours within a year with my local food bank, and I recently learned that I can volunteer at the food bank here for students at Michigan Tech,” Sydney shared.

She has also taken advantage of many valuable university resources she learned about through Pavlis and her RA role. These include the Learning Centers, Student Mental Health and Well-Being, and more.

Sydney posed in front of the Elizabeth Tower in the UK with her friend, Charlotte.

Sydney’s Pavlis journey reflects her commitment to leadership, service, and growth. She continues to build meaningful connections across campus and beyond, embodying the values at the heart of the Pavlis Honors College, a compelling reminder of how the Pavlis Honors College helps students turn their passions into meaningful impact.

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Celebrating Our Fall 2025 Pavlis Honors College Graduates

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The Pavlis Honors College is proud to celebrate our Fall 2025 graduates! This exceptional group of students has not only excelled in the classroom but has also embraced opportunities to grow through hands-on learning, leadership, innovation, and meaningful engagement. From impactful community projects and global experiences to cutting-edge undergraduate research, these graduates embody the mission and values of the Pavlis Honors College.

9 of the 10 pavlis honors college student graduates posing with smiles and wearing their medallion around their neck with a green ribbon
Fall 2025 Pavlis Honors College Graduates

What It Means to Be a PHC Graduate

Throughout their time in the Honors College, these students made the most of unique programs that set their Michigan Tech experience apart. Whether collaborating on real-world engineering challenges through the Enterprise Program, designing and building in The Alley Makerspace, or crafting individualized Honors experiences that align with their passions, our graduates have developed the skills that matter—leadership, creativity, reflection, and a mindset for continuous learning.

PHC graduates leave campus with more than academic achievements. They carry forward a strong portfolio of experiences that highlight their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and create positive impact. These strengths position them for success as they begin careers, pursue advanced degrees, or take on new opportunities around the world.

Fall 2025 PHC Graduates

  • Emily Breton
    • Major: Biomedical Engineering
  • Sean Byrne
    • Major: Environmental Engineering
    • Minor: Ecological Engineering
  • Seth Collins
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Naval Systems Engineering
  • Samuel Currie
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering Tech
  • Nicholas Detterman
    • Major: Human Biology
    • Minor: Pre-Health Professions
  • Eli DeWitt
    • Major: Mathematics
    • Concentration: General Mathematics
  • Austin McDonald
    • Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering
    • Minor: Spanish International
  • Grace Murray
    • Major: Policy & Community Development
    • Minor: Social & Behavioral Studies and Global Studies
    • Concentration: Environment
  • Jared Ott
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Business
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
  • Taylor Wenten
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • Minor: Aerospace Studies

Honoring Our Graduates at This Year’s Medallion Ceremony

pavlis honors college medallion with michigan tech crest and a green ribbon
Pavlis Honors College Graduation Medallion

This year’s celebration featured our traditional Medallion Ceremony, where graduates, families, and members of the Pavlis Honors College community came together to recognize these remarkable students and their accomplishments. The ceremony featured thoughtful reflections from faculty speaker Dr. Laura Fiss and student speaker Jared Ott, who shared insights on personal growth, resilience, community, and the transformative power of experiential learning.

We also honored our founder, Frank Pavlis, whose vision continues to shape our commitment to leadership, innovation, and purposeful exploration. Each graduate received their Pavlis Honors College medallion—a symbol of hard work, discovery, and the lasting connections built during their time at Michigan Tech.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests gathered for a reception filled with conversation, celebration, and shared memories. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect, and look forward to the paths ahead.

Looking Toward the Future

The future is bright for our Fall 2025 graduates. Equipped with a strong foundation of experience, curiosity, and confidence, they stand ready to take on new challenges and lead with integrity wherever they go. Whether they’re driving innovation, advancing research, serving their communities, or shaping the world in unexpected ways, we know they will continue to make us proud.

To our graduates: thank you for your passion, dedication, and commitment to growth. You have left your mark on the Pavlis Honors College—and we can’t wait to see where your journey leads next.

Stay Connected

As you begin your next chapter, remember that you’ll always have a home with us. We encourage you to stay connected by sharing your accomplishments at honors@mtu.edu and by following the Pavlis Honors College on social media for news, updates, and alumni highlights.

Your journey as a Husky continues—now as part of a global network of Pavlis Honors College alumni who are making a difference every day.

Congratulations to our Fall 2025 Pavlis Honors College graduates!

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Learning Through Failure in the Honors Seminar

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In our society, we often view failure as something negative, but that mindset needs to change. Progress requires risk, and when we take risks, failure is inevitable. It is okay to fail. Each setback offers a chance to learn and grow. Got rejected from a school you hoped to attend? Reflect on what you might strengthen in your next application. Didn’t make the team? Let that motivate you to train harder and try again next year. Received a disappointing grade on a major assignment? Use it as an opportunity to visit office hours and better understand where you struggled.

Here are two assignments from Michigan Tech’s Honors Seminar, HON 3150, in which students reflect on past failures and reframe them in a positive light.

Failure Resume

First, we have Connor Nunn’s “Failure Resume”, in which individual students create a resume of recent notable failures. 

Connor Nunn

  • Second Year Chemical Engineer, Second Year Questioning My Life Choices.  

EDUCATION FAILS 

  • Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI BS, Chemical Engineering (WHY?!?!), Expected Spring 2028, More like Spring 2030
  • GPA: That of A Genius Burnout Diploma (?)
  • Bay City Western High School, Auburn, Michigan GPA: Too Scared to Look 
  • Honors On accident, AP Failure, Senior Yearbook Staff Member, June 2024 

SKILLS OF FAILURE

  • MATLAB (I just cry looking at code)
  • Chem (I freeze on exams)
  • Floor Time (I am a pro) 

EXPERIENCE IN WORK 

Marketing Assistant (PHC, Enterprise Program), Houghton, MI, 2025 – Present

  • Major time commitment that is hard to juggle
  • Forgetful, squirrelly brain making forgetting to inform employer of completed tasks prevalent
  • Dyslexic nature making an employer’s job a living hell

Rozsa Center, Houghton, MI 

  • Ad-libbing my way through a job
  • Somehow not being chased out with a broom (somehow a success?) 
  • Using my charisma to be close with bosses as to be “fired” 5 times on October 4th, 2025 between 3 and 5pm

McDonald’s, Auburn, MI, 2022-Present 

  • Attempting to wrangle my fellow crew members to get sh!t done since 2022
  • Mistakes made in order taking: 2,539?
  • Pounds of food/product waste caused by me: 1.4×103
  • Times yelled at by customers: I lost count after 10,000 

LEADERSHIP & INVOLVEMENT 

President, MTU Building Government, East Hall, East Hall Association, 2025 – Present 

  • No clue how I got here 
  • I forget what I am talking about halfway through talking about it

Tech Crew Lead, Bay City Western High School’s yet again dissolved theater program 

  • Too focused on production goals to properly train my successors 
  • Was an inefficient link between crew, actors, and directors, causing the director to get fired

TIME SINKS 

The Yearn for the Outdoors • Rock Hoarding • Digital & Film Photography and Development 

Failure Story

Next, we have Shuang Gao’s “Failure Story”, where she walks us through one of her failures and the insights that followed. Here is her story.

Last November through December, I worked on a new product concept board for my Marketing class. The project was about developing a creative idea and presenting it as if it were a real business concept. After completing it, I decided to take a big leap and enter the Husky Pitch Competition. A campus-wide event where students present entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges.

At first, I didn’t realize how competitive the event would be. When I arrived, I quickly noticed that almost everyone else was a graduate student or a senior with business experience. I was the only first-year student there. That realization alone made me nervous, but it also motivated me to do my best. I spent hours rehearsing my five-minute pitch, revising my slides, and trying to anticipate questions the judges might ask. I practiced in front of friends, in front of the mirror, and even recorded myself to catch any mistakes.

When the day of the competition finally came, I was excited but also terrified. As I stepped onto the stage, the bright lights hit me, and my heart started racing. My hands were slightly shaking as I held the microphone. I began my pitch confidently, but halfway through, the nerves took over. My voice trembled a little, and I stumbled over a few words. I could feel my face getting warm, and I knew I wasn’t performing as smoothly as I had practiced. 

Even though I tried to recover, I knew I had lost some momentum. When the presentations ended and the winners were announced, my name wasn’t called. For a moment, I felt disappointed. I had worked so hard, and I was a little sad to see others walk away with awards and recognition. But as the event continued, I realized something important. Listening to the other presenters opened my eyes to how much I could learn. Their projects were detailed, their delivery confident, and their experience showed. Instead of comparing myself negatively, I decided to treat it as inspiration. A few participants even came up to me afterward and complimented my idea. They said it was creative and showed promise. That encouragement meant a lot to me.

Although I didn’t win, I walked away with a certificate of participation, valuable experience, and a new perspective. I learned that failure isn’t always a loss, it can also be a feedback. It showed me where I could improve, but it also proved that I was brave enough to take a risk. Looking back, I’m genuinely glad I entered the competition. That moment of failure became a small but meaningful step toward confidence and growth.

Taking risks is essential, and failure is an unavoidable part of taking those risks. This assignment gave students the chance to reflect on their own experiences and rethink what failure means to them. By looking closely at moments that felt discouraging, they were able to recognize what those experiences taught them and how they helped them grow. Students enjoyed this process, and it shows that anyone can benefit from taking time to reflect on past failures and reframe them as meaningful steps forward.

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Accessibility, Passion, and Inspiration: The Backbone of the Alley Makerspace

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The Alley Makerspace at Michigan Tech brings together creative minds, technical thinkers, and curious beginners to make ideas come to life. With its “low-barrier” mindset, the Alley welcomes students of all experience levels – offering the training they need to make anything they imagine in a safe and exhilarating atmosphere. Whether you’ve never touched a power tool or you’ve been building things your whole life, the Alley is a place to explore, learn, and create at your own pace. Everyone starts somewhere – and the Coaches are there to help every step of the way.

Students in the Maker Space using the Sewing machines
Students in the Alley Maker Space using the sewing machines.

Managed by Dr. Shane Oberloier and a team of dedicated Coaches, the Alley provides the tools and training students need to take on any project. While many students use the space for engineering and design work, the possibilities extend far beyond that. Students can learn everything from sewing and quilting to crafting, soldering electronics, or woodworking with saws, drills, and lathes—and that’s just the beginning! All tools and supplies are free to use, and the training is quick and to the point, helping you get started on learning and making! With these skills, students can assemble things in any way for any project they desire. These projects can range from a class project to a gift for a relative to a prototype of a solution to a problem.

The staff and student Coaches foster confidence and curiosity by teaching real-world technical skills. Everyone is encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and learn from each other along the way. The Alley, with its large capacity and tools available, often hosts clubs and organizations, such as the Lego Club, Craft Club, and many more! The makerspace is also frequently used for classes, such as those related to the engineering design process or design thinking.

Creativity in the Alley often leads to unexpected (and unforgettable) projects. One memorable example, according to Student Operations Manager Samantha Neveau, is “a toilet that is particularly known to the coaches. Previous coaches made a mobile, remote-controlled toilet!” Neveau has been with the makerspace since Spring 2022, starting as a coach. She became a student manager in January 2024. 

“The coolest things are the tools that we provide for use. Students don’t have the room in their dorms to keep power tools or the money to buy them in the first place. It is a place where you can have the space to work and be surrounded by people actually working on projects.” 

Samantha Neveau, Student Operations Manager, Alley Makerspace

The Alley’s inventory includes tools like the Cricut vinyl cutter, quilting machine, t-shirt heat press, and wood lathe – versatile equipment perfect for crafting, prototyping, or even launching a small business. Sponsors such as Milwaukee, Kimberly-Clark, Miller, and other local partners help keep the space well-supplied and running smoothly.

But what makes the Alley special isn’t just the tools – it’s the community. You’ll find students from every major sharing ideas, offering advice, and celebrating each other’s projects and successes.

Students share their cardboard prototype.
Students share their prototype for a stair case with built in storage.

The Alley is located in the basement of the Memorial Union Building (MUB) and is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It’s open to all Michigan Tech students, staff, and makers of every kind. Stop by, meet the Coaches, and start creating – no experience needed!

Many students say that working in the Alley has helped them gain confidence, discover new passions, and even spark ideas for future careers or side projects. Follow the Alley Makerspace on Instagram and join their Discord to stay up to date on events, workshops, and new tools!

Your only limit is your imagination—so come see what you can make!

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Tiny Tech Stories: A Glimpse Into Life at Tech

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In the HON 3150 class, students were challenged to create tiny stories — short, 100-word narratives inspired by their experiences as Michigan Tech students. Each story included a title and an image, and students were free to choose any topic that resonated with them.

The Story Behind the Assignment

When asked about the inspiration behind the assignment, Dr. Laura Fiss, faculty fellow in the Pavlis Honors College and associate teaching professor in Humanities, shared the story of how it came to be:

“I’ve loved reading the New York Times’ Modern Love column and its spin-off Tiny Love Stories for years, but it didn’t occur to me that I could use them in the classroom until a conference I attended in 2021,” said Dr. Fiss. “Nancy Sommers, whose work on revision I had taught, led a workshop that used the framework to help shape ‘tiny teaching stories.’ We wrote 100-word stories about teaching, shared them with peers for feedback, and then revised them.”

That experience sparked an idea.

“I had already been teaching HON 3150 for a while, and I liked the possibilities,” she explained. “In spring 2021, I was still teaching online, so I adapted the workshop into an in-class activity. It worked really well, so I introduced it as a take-home assignment the following fall.”

Over time, the assignment evolved.

“I think it was in fall 2021 when I had the idea of having students respond to each other in class,” Dr. Fiss said. “We created ‘story chains’—an adaptation of the ‘silent discussion’ activity I’d heard about in other classes, but more formal. I like that this assignment helps students get over some of the hump of writing about themselves. One hundred words is manageable, and it’s very pleasant for me to have students complaining that they need to cut rather than saying they don’t know how they’ll fill out 1,000 or 1,500 words!”

For the in-class portion of the activity, students paired up to share their original Tiny Tech Stories. Each student then created a response story to their partner’s, following the same 100-word limit and including a title. After sharing their responses, students switched partners and repeated the process — creating a web of interconnected stories and perspectives.

“I always enjoy reading the Tiny Tech Stories,” said Dr. Fiss. “It’s a way of connecting that’s a little different from a verbal conversation—and it tends to lead to interesting ones afterward!”

This creative, reflective assignment not only encourages concise storytelling but also builds connection and empathy among students. Through their tiny stories, Michigan Tech honor students share small but meaningful glimpses into life at Tech — one hundred words at a time.

Honors Students Share Their Tiny Tech Stories

One Step at A Time

by Madeline McRoberts

The journey started 3600 miles from home. The climb itself spanned 3560 ft. Backpack, snacks, water bladder? Check. The trail started off gradually, surrounded by cascading mountains dotted with fluffy white sheep. Steps grew larger as our group traversed the mountainside. Vibrant, green landscapes turned white as we were swallowed by the fog. Light breathing became heavy panting as the summit grew nearer. Large steps were replaced by climbing as the terrain difficulty increased. Signs led the way and boosted morale until the last step. At last, I straightened my back and took a deep breath. This was it: Snowdon. 

Meeting the “Blue Blur”

by Aris Arvanetes

Nerds, Cosplay, Vendors, Videogames, and best of all celebrity voices! That’s one checkmark for the bucket list! My heart was pounding, both legs swaying my body back and forth, eyes couldn’t focus, and time felt too slow! The nervousness suddenly kicked in. What would he be like? Would he think I was cool to talk to? Would I be able to afford the prices for signing stuff or pictures? What should I say? And there I was standing face to face with the Blue Blur himself. Chill, positive, energetic, and way past cool! Everything just fell into the right place.

The Wary Traveler

by Shuang Gao

Week 0 at Michigan Tech, I joined one of my roommates Joe for lunch and sat with his friends. They shared a story about a late-night “traveler” who wandered into their room uninvited. At first, the silhouette by the bed seemed like a dream—until the traveler spilled bodily fluid (urine) across the carpet. Two hours of scrubbing later, Joe’s friend knew him much better than they wanted. Listening, I realized college isn’t just classes and roommates, it’s also the unpredictable encounters that become instant cautionary tales. The moral? Never leave your door unlocked at night. Some lessons arrive messier than others.

Oh Dearest Charlotte

by Connor Nunn

Though I have only been away from you for 2 months, the moment I pulled into the driveway by surprise coming home for thanksgiving break, I felt the typical weight of the old memories reminding me of why I push at MTU. Then I get hit with the weight of your little body running up to me, jumping up on to me and you wrapping your legs and arms around me in a much needed bear hug. Though it hurts to leave you, I have to remember why I went in the first place. That’s you.

An Exam that Doesn’t Count for Credit

by Jack Schall

Michigan Tech is far away from everything and has long difficult winters. The drive to get to campus is an exam that does not give any credit. Due to these hardships that most other college students don’t go through, there is a certain pride with going to college in the UP. Similar to how trades people say everybody else has soft hands, living in the UP can make a person laugh at most other college student’s winters. These hardships that all MTU students have to deal with to perform simple daily tasks are the key to the sense of community.

When I Learned to Write Down Exam Dates

by Andrew Stieve

In the second semester of my first year, things were going well. I was preparing for a Materials Science exam that night, and I had spent the last two evenings studying hard. After I finished my classes, I jokingly texted my friend asking if he was ready. I was not prepared for his response.

“It was yesterday.”

“WAIT WHAT!?” I replied.

In a panic, I wrote an email to my professor explaining the situation, hoping and praying that he would cut me some slack. Thankfully, he let me retake it. I then put all my future exams on my calendar.

Missing Them

by Kylie Overly

Coming to Tech was scary but I was excited. Moving 8 hours away from all that I knew for a fresh start at me. When I got here meeting new people was the easy part, getting over the homesickness was the hard part. For every new memory that I made there was a part of me that wished that someone from home was there too. Missing the little girls that I babysat, missing my little sister, missing my aunt. It will be ok I tell myself. You will see them soon.

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Inspiring Educators: Shane Oberloier and Laura Kasson Fiss Honored for Teaching Excellence

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Innovation and student-centered learning are at the heart of the Pavlis Honors College, and two of its faculty leaders have recently been recognized for embodying those values. Dr. Shane Oberloier, director of the Alley Makerspace, and Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss, faculty fellow in the Pavlis Honors College, have each been honored with 2025 CTL Instructional Awards.

Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss received the Curriculum Development and Assessment Award. In addition to teaching Pavlis Seminar II: Tell Your Story, she serves as Chair of the Curriculum and Assessment Committee for the Pavlis Honors College and is an Associate Teaching Professor in Humanities. She is also a researcher and author, with her most recent book, The Idler’s Club: Humour and Mass Readership from Jerome K. Jerome to P. G. Wodehouse.

For Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching students gain confidence and ability, especially in those moments of discovery. Some of her fondest memories come from the lasting relationships she builds with students — “where you meet a student later in life and they tell you something that you told them or they learned in class.” She also enjoys when a student’s question challenges her to articulate her own assumptions.

Dr. Marika Seigel, Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss, Dr. Kette Thomas, and Dr. LaReese Wolfenbarger at the CTL Awards Lunch & Learn

Her approach to building strong connections with students centers on respect and empathy. She believes in taking students seriously and recognizing that they may have complex lives outside the classroom. 

“A lot of students have things in their personal lives that faculty may not know about. It is important to be willing to help, but accept that you do not have complete control over a student’s situation.”

Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss

Dr. Shane Oberloier received the Large Class Teaching Award. In addition to serving as an assistant teaching professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, he is the director of the Alley Makerspace and the advisor of the Open Source Hardware Enterprise. Beyond campus, he is a co-founder of Keweenaw Ecological Innovations and also shares his work through his personal website, oberloier.com, and his podcast Locked in My Office @ MTU.

For Dr. Shane, the most rewarding part of teaching is what he calls “the cascading effect of knowledge.” As he explains, “I teach a class of 80, and that class of 80 goes out and carries on this information and knowledge. It’s exciting to see the effect—and the uncertainty—of where this will take students and what will result from that.”

One of his fondest teaching memories dates back to very early in his career and reflects his commitment to openness and vulnerability with students. “Early on, when I was teaching—still a grad student, with a class of maybe 100—I asked students what they were most nervous about before an exam, and in return I shared what I was most nervous about. I told them I was most nervous about becoming a dad. This was before I told my parents, and the students thought it was interesting that I shared that part of my life with them.”

Dr. Darnishia Morris and Dr. Shane Oberlier at the CTL Awards Lunch & Learn

His approach to building relationships with students centers on authenticity. He strives to embody the ideas he teaches, particularly in the areas of creativity and making. 

“I live my life around making things—it’s part of my appearance and personality—and that helps get my students more interested in making. Any idea you want to share with students, you have to embody yourself. They’ll immediately see if you’re just trying to sell them something.”

Dr. Shane Oberloier

At the Pavlis Honors College, teaching is about more than sharing knowledge — it’s about inspiring curiosity, fostering growth, and building lasting connections. Dr. Shane Oberloier and Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss embody these values in everything they do. From empowering students to explore, create, and take risks to designing thoughtful curriculum that sparks discovery, their dedication makes a lasting impact on the Pavlis community. We celebrate their achievements and the difference they make in students’ lives every day.

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Honoring Our Spring 2025 Graduates at the Medallion Ceremony

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This spring, the Pavlis Honors College proudly celebrated a new class of graduates who have embraced curiosity, challenged themselves beyond the classroom, and made a lasting impact through their unique pathways. These students have pursued experiences in global and community engagement, leadership, undergraduate research, innovation, and more, all guided by the values of learning deeply and purposeful reflection.

students standing in rows wearing medals with green ribbons

Celebrating with the Pavlis Community

This semester’s celebration featured a special Medallion Ceremony, where graduates, their families, and members of the PHC community gathered to honor the accomplishments and growth of each student. The event included heartfelt and inspiring remarks from our Assistant Dean, Dr. Darnishia Morris, who reminded students of the importance of authenticity and leading with compassion. We were also moved by the thoughtful words of our student speaker, Ethan Plummer, who shared personal reflections on his journey through PHC and encouraged fellow graduates to continue seeking purpose and making change.

Together, we honored the legacy of our college’s namesake, Frank Pavlis, whose vision for experiential learning and global leadership continues to shape the mission of our college. Each graduate was presented with a Pavlis Honors College medallion—a symbol of their hard work, growth, and commitment to meaningful engagement. Following the ceremony, we celebrated with a social gathering that brought together students, faculty, staff, and friends of PHC for conversation, connection, and community.

Our Spring 2025 Graduates

We are proud to recognize the following Spring 2025 PHC graduates:

Dante Basanese
Arika Booms
Brooke Cochran
Gen Dahl
Kyla Dewick
Teddy Ellis
Emma Fanning
Madison Green
Emaly Jadin
Abby Jensen
Kevin Johnson
Drew Knutson
Sydney Koss
Emily Leverance

Kimberly Ann Lopez
Olivia Luke
Zoe Mazurkiewicz
Lauren McIntyre
Paige McKean
Mariah Mellendorf
Elsa Meyer
Patrick Moeller
Genevieve Myers
Adrian Noecker
Ethan Plummer
Shelby Rohwetter
Emily Ruf
Abby Sampselle

Aidan Sanders
Eddie Sloan
Skyler Spitzley
Mary Stevens
Emma Strutz
Emily Taylor
Lydia Tembreull
Kieran Vacek
Thomas Van Wingen
Mason Vinoski
Jonathan Willis
Colby Winter
Connor Zavislak

Looking Ahead

The future is bright for our Spring 2025 graduates. They leave Michigan Tech not only with degrees but with experiences that have challenged them to think differently, lead boldly, and engage deeply. Whether they are designing solutions for tomorrow, building inclusive communities, or pursuing new knowledge, these graduates are equipped to make meaningful contributions wherever they go.

Stay Connected

As you begin your next chapter, remember that the Pavlis Honors College will always be your home. We encourage you to stay in touch, share your successes, and continue to build the PHC network around the globe. Email us anytime at honors@mtu.edu, and follow us on social media to stay connected to the community you’ve helped shape.

Congratulations, Spring 2025 graduates! We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.


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A Compass for College and Beyond: The Power of the Pavlis Honors Abilities

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What makes a college experience truly transformative?

At the Pavlis Honors College, we believe it’s not just about the courses you take or the credentials you earn—it’s about who you become along the way. That’s why everything we do is rooted in the Pavlis Honors Abilities: nine intentionally designed mindsets that help you navigate not just college, but life with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

These Honors Abilities aren’t a checklist. They’re a compass.

They guide how you engage with your learning, your peers, your community, and your future.

The Pavlis Honors Abilities:

Pavlis Abilities Icons in green
  • Learn Deeply
  • Welcome Challenge
  • Embrace Ambiguity
  • Communicate Empathetically
  • Engage in Mentorship
  • Value Diverse Perspectives
  • Know Yourself
  • Balance Confidence and Humility
  • Act With Purpose

Each Ability represents more than a skill—it’s a mindset. A way of being. When you reflect on these Abilities throughout your Pavlis journey, you begin to connect the dots between your coursework, co-curriculars, and life experiences. You start to see patterns in how you approach challenges, how you relate to others, and how you make decisions.

And that self-awareness? That’s powerful.

More Than Just Skills—They’re Tools for Life

Let’s be honest: college doesn’t come with a clear manual. You’ll encounter uncertainty. You’ll face moments of doubt, conflict, and growth. The Pavlis Abilities are there to help you meet those moments with intention:

  • Learn Deeply reminds you that learning isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about seeking understanding.
  • Welcome Challenge empowers you to lean into discomfort and grow from it.
  • Embrace Ambiguity helps you move forward even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
  • Communicate Empathetically allows you to listen, connect, and lead with care.
  • Engage in Mentorship teaches you that learning goes both ways—giving and receiving guidance.
  • Value Diverse Perspectives expands your worldview and sharpens your thinking.
  • Know Yourself brings clarity to your decisions and authenticity to your relationships.
  • Balance Confidence and Humility keeps you grounded and open to growth.
  • Act With Purpose ties it all together—reminding you to move forward with integrity and intention.

Real Students, Real Impact

These Abilities don’t just live in a framework—they come to life in real student experiences. Pavlis students constantly demonstrate how this mindset shapes both their college journey and their future goals.

“Being part of the Honors College has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth by challenging me to think critically, manage time effectively, and engage deeply with complex issues. It has inspired me to push my limits and explore new opportunities. Balancing academic demands with extracurricular activities has enhanced my work ethic and adaptability, preparing me for leadership roles in both academic and professional settings.”

Emma Strutz, Pavlis Honors Student

Your Journey, Your Story

Whether you’re designing a project, studying abroad, joining an Enterprise team, leading a student org, or just navigating a tough semester, the Pavlis Honors Abilities are there—helping you reflect, grow, and act with intention.

Because college isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about becoming a thoughtful, purpose-driven individual. The Pavlis Honors Abilities help you do just that. They offer a framework for not only making the most of your time at Michigan Tech but for leading with purpose long after you graduate.

Let them be your compass.

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Celebrating the 2025 Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium Award Winners

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On Friday, March 21, Michigan Tech’s Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium (URSS) brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate the innovative research being conducted by our undergraduates. This annual event, hosted by the Pavlis Honors College, showcased a wide range of projects spanning multiple disciplines, from environmental science to archaeology and economic development.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees engaged with student researchers, asked thought-provoking questions, and learned about the cutting-edge work happening across campus. At the end of the symposium, four outstanding projects were recognized with awards for their exceptional research, presentation, and impact.

Congratulations to our URSS Award winners! Pictured from left to right: Marika Seigel, Dean of the Pavlis Honors College, Second Place Winner – Marguerite Goldman, Third Place Winner – Drew Schlaff, Audience Choice Winner – Jenna DeVries, First Place Winner – Grace Wallis, and Chris Hohnholt, SURF and URIP Coordinator and Pavlis Instructor

2025 URSS Award Winners

First Place: Grace Wallis – Antiviral Efficacy and Interaction Mechanism of Green Surfactants with Enveloped Viruses
Grace’s research explores sustainable, amino-acid-based surfactants as eco-friendly alternatives for virus inactivation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Her work provides critical insights into how these green surfactants interact with enveloped viruses, offering a safer and more sustainable approach to virus clearance.

Second Place: Marguerite Goldman – Economic Development and Educational Strategies for Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Marguerite’s research examines the economic and educational challenges facing Michigan’s Western U.P. and proposes strategies to strengthen workforce development, expand higher education access, and drive regional economic growth, helping to create sustainable opportunities for local communities.

Third Place: Drew Schlaff – Energy Sources for Food Webs in Regional Lakes
Drew’s study investigates the balance between terrestrial and aquatic carbon sources in local lake ecosystems, using stable isotope analysis to better understand how these energy inputs impact food webs and contaminant pathways. His findings have implications for both environmental management and fisheries sustainability.

Audience Choice Award: Jenna DeVries – Lake Superior Mapping and Archaeological Exploration Using Uncrewed Technology
Jenna’s project utilizes advanced uncrewed technology to map the depths of Lake Superior, aiding in archaeological exploration and environmental monitoring. Her research provides valuable insights into underwater landscapes, revealing hidden structures and contributing to the preservation of submerged historical sites.

Congratulations to all of our winners and to every student who presented at URSS 2025! Your dedication and curiosity are a testament to the incredible research happening at Michigan Tech.

You can learn more about the impressive research being done by our students by looking at the complete list of participants in our URSS research booklet.

A special thank you to the faculty mentors, judges, and attendees who made this event a success. We look forward to another inspiring URSS next year!

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Celebrating Our Fall 2024 Pavlis Honors College Graduates

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The Pavlis Honors College is thrilled to celebrate our Fall 2024 graduates! This talented and diverse group of students has not only excelled academically but also embraced opportunities to engage in meaningful experiences that will shape their futures. From groundbreaking undergraduate research to impactful global and community engagement projects, these graduates exemplify the values and vision of the Pavlis Honors College.

The Value of Being a PHC Graduate

As members of the Pavlis Honors College, these students have had access to unique resources and programs that set them apart from their peers. Through opportunities like the Enterprise Program, the Alley Makerspace, and our Honors Program experiences, they have honed their skills in leadership, innovation, and collaboration.

PHC graduates leave Michigan Tech with more than just a diploma—they carry a robust portfolio of experiences that showcase their problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, and commitment to making a difference in the world. Employers and graduate schools alike recognize the value of these experiences, setting our graduates up for success in their next chapters.

Pavlis Honors College – Fall 2024 Graduates

Fall 2024 PHC Graduates

  • Henry Basala
    • Majors: Accounting and Management Information Systems
    • Concentration: Data Analytics 
    • Involvement: PHC Undergraduate Student Advisory Board, KSI Accounting Club, CoB Ambassador, CoB Mentor, Women’s Basketball Practice Player
  • Alex Bos
    • Major: Engineering Management 
    • Involvement: VP of the Snowmobile Club, President of the American Society for Engineering Management Club, Advanced Project Management Competition, Blue Key
  • Taylor Fanning
    • Major: Engineering
    • Minors: Systems Engineering and Business
    • Involvement: President of Tau Beta Pi-National Engineering Honor Society), Director of Technology of Systems Engineering Association 
  • Zachary Gillish
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering Technology 
    • Minor: Enterprise
    • Involvement: Mu Beta Psi, Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and Pirate Choir
  • James Halverson
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Enterprise
    • Involvement: Supermileage Systems (Project Leader, Mentor, Competition Team Lead, Shop Manager, and Chief Engineer), Engineering Ambassadors Club, Resident Assistant
  • Wesley McGee
    • Major: Biomedical Engineering
    • Minor: Biological Sciences
    • Involvement: Ridge Roamers, The Wildlife Society, Astronomy Club, Mitch’s Misfits, Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project
  • Olivia Morowsky
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Sustainability Science and Society
    • Concentration: Enterprise
    • Involvement: Alpha Phi Omega, Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE)
  • Rish Rao
    • Major: Management Information Systems
    • Minor: Pre-Health Professions & Public Health
    • Involvement: Tech Tutors, Undergraduate Student Government
  • Emilie Rummer
    • Major: Software Engineering
    • Minor: Mathematical Science and Technical Theatre
    • Involvement: Women in Computer Science, Mitch’s Misfits, Craft Club
  • Eli Sierra
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Aerospace Engineering
    • Concentration: Enterprise
    • Involvement: Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (PSTDL), Aerospace Enterprise, Superior Wind Symphony (SWS)

Honoring Our Graduates at the Medallion Ceremony

Pavlis Honors College Graduation Medallion

This semester’s celebration included a special Medallion Ceremony, where graduates, their families, and members of the PHC community came together to mark this momentous occasion. The ceremony featured inspiring words from faculty member Dr. Laura Fiss and our student speaker, Henry Basala, who reflected on the transformative journey of being part of the Pavlis Honors College.

We also paid homage to our founder, Frank Pavlis, whose vision for experiential learning and leadership continues to inspire our mission and impact. Each graduate was presented with a Pavlis Honors College medallion, which symbolizes their accomplishments and serves as a keepsake to cherish as they move forward in their careers and lives.

Following the ceremony, we hosted a social gathering with graduates, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the Pavlis Honors College. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together, share stories, and build connections that will last long after graduation day.

Looking Ahead

The future is bright for our Fall 2024 graduates. Armed with the skills and experiences they’ve gained as members of the Pavlis Honors College, they are ready to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Whether advancing technologies, driving innovation, addressing global challenges, or leading in their communities, PHC graduates are poised to make a meaningful impact.

To our graduates: You are a testament to the power of experiential learning and the importance of pursuing your passions. We are immensely proud of all that you have accomplished during your time at Michigan Tech and can’t wait to see the great things you’ll achieve.

Stay Connected

As you embark on your next adventure, remember that you will always have a home in the Pavlis Honors College community. We encourage you to stay connected with us! Share your stories, achievements, and updates by emailing honors@mtu.edu, and consider following us on social media to stay up-to-date on news and events.

Your journey as a Husky doesn’t end here—it continues as part of a global network of Pavlis Honors College alumni who are making a difference. We look forward to celebrating your future successes!

Congratulations, Fall 2024 Pavlis Honors College graduates!

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