Pavlis Honors College Blog

Tag: graduation

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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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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Celebrating Our Spring 2024 Graduates!

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Pavlis Honors College graduation medallion

The Pavlis Honors College would like to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors, who chose to take advantage of all that Michigan Tech has to offer and challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom.  These students reflect our core values by being authentic, building relationships with each other, and being open to learning through new experiences. These students dove headfirst into everything Michigan Tech had to offer and they’ve shown what it means to be genuine, make friends, and embrace ambiguity. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder!

  • Gina Adragna
    • Major: Cybersecurity
    • Concentration: System and Network Security
    • Minor: Writing
    • Involvement: RedTeam, Hillside Place Association (HPA), Resident Assistant, and Teaching Assistant
  • Lillian Baker
    • Major: Exercise Science
    • Minor: Psychology & Pre-Health Professions
    • Involvement: Mont Ripley Ski Patrol, Athletic Training Student Aid, Well-being Peer Ambassador, PHAT RSO, and Well-being Advocate RSO
  • Arlethia Bell
    • Major: Environmental Engineering
    • Involvement: National Society of Black Engineers, Black Students Association, Green Campus Enterprise, Student Success Coaching
  • Justin Carlson
    • Major: Computer Science
    • Minor: Mathematical Sciences
    • Involvement: Robotics Systems Enterprise: Autodrive II challenge, Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium Committee, and Broomball
  • Alyssa Church
    • Major: Human Biology & Anthropology
    • Minor: French & Historical Studies
    • Involvement: SURF recipient, Mont Ripley Ski Patrol, First Chair Alto Saxophone-Superior Wind Symphony, Huskies Pep Band
  • Jordan Craven
    • Major: Management Information Systems
    • Minor: Computer Science
    • Involvement: Varsity Track and Field Athlete, Women in Computer Science Organization, CEO Club, Husky Innovate
  • Jacqui Foreman
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • Involvement: AIChE, Delta Zeta, Panhellenic Council, Omega Chi Epsilon, Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise, Tau Beta Pi, Order of Omega, SWE, Provost Scholar Recipient for Chemical Engineering 2023
  • Faith Gaertner
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
    • Minor: Art & Aerospace Engineering
    • Involvement: Alpha Phi Omega and Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE)
  • Evan Grahs
    • Major: Computer Engineering
    • Involvement: KeWee Energy Meters – Open Source Hardware Enterprise
  • Divyesh Hariram
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
  • Halle Hill
    • Major: Biological Sciences
    • Concentration: General Biology
    • Minor: Ecology
    • Involvement: Undergraduate Research, Organic Chemistry Teaching Assistant, Senior Resident Assistant, Women’s Soccer Club
  • Louis Hindman
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
    • Minor: Manufacturing
    • Involvement: Velovations Enterprise, BOSS Snowplow, music-focused academic enhancement, MTU Nordic Ski Club
  • Henry Inyang
    • Major: Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Involvement: National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Black Student Association (BSA), African Students Organization (ASO)
  • Ryan Jaklic
    • Major: Cybersecurity
    • Concentration: System and Network Security
    • Minor: Leadership
  • Cade Kaighen
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • Minor: Bioprocess Engineering
    • Involvement: Cross Country, Track and Field, Club Soccer
  • David Kromholz
    • Major: Forestry
    • Minor: Spanish International & Plant Sciences
  • Anthony Leick
    • Major: Civil Engineering
    • Minor: Construction Management
  • Danelle Leinonen
    • Major: Theatre & Entertainment Technology
    • Involvement: Concordia Student Ministries and Michigan Tech Emergency Medical Services
  • Thoren Lexvold
    • Major: Computer Engineering
    • Involvement: Dungeons and Dragons Club
  • Jenna Lubahn
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
    • Minor: Manufacturing
    • Involvement: Swing Club, Outdoor Venture Crew, GEAR Enterprise
  • Nathan Luczak
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
    • Minor: Manufacturing
    • Involvement: Cross Country Team, Track and Field Team, H-STEM Enterprise
  • Fidan Malikova
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • Involvement: Aerospace Enterprise and Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise
  • Hunter Malinowski
    • Major: Psychology & Computer Science
    • Concentration: Applications
    • Involvement: Delta Zeta Sorority, Panhellenic Council, Order of Omega, Tiny Knitz, Copper Country Coders, and HuskyFAN
  • Haley Marchese
    • Major: Medical Laboratory Science
    • Concentration: MLS 4+1
    • Minor: Pre-Health Professions
    • Involvement: Mushing Club, Songer Award for Research, SURF recipient, URSS, and 2023 Michigan Physiological Society (MPS)
  • Michael Martin
    • Major: Physics
    • Minor: Mathematical Sciences & Astrophysics
    • Involvement: Society of Physics Students
  • Annika Price
    • Major: Mathematics & Computer Science
    • Involvement: Humane Interface Design Enterprise (HIDE), Mushing Club, and Circle K
  • Leanna Rose
    • Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology-Chem & Human Biology
    • Minor: Pre-Health Professions & Spanish
    • Involvement: Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, Pre-Health Mentorship Program, Medical Assistant at UGL Family Health Center, PHC Lead Learning Facilitator, GCE Conference Student Coordinator, PHC Undergraduate Advisory Board Member
  • Francine Rosinski
    • Major: Environmental Engineering
    • Minor: Ecology
    • Involvement: Built World Enterprise and Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action
  • Amanda Tharp
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • Minor: Business
  • Bronwyn Weiker
    • Major: Biomedical Engineering
    • Involvement: Craft Club and H-STEM enterprise
  • Benjamin Wireman
    • Major: Mathematics
    • Concentration: General Mathematics
    • Minor: Global Community Development Partnerships & Computer Science
    • Involvement: Math Learning Center, Alpha Phi Omega, and undergraduate research studying Net Migration in the US
Spring 2024 Pavlis Honors College graduates

To our graduates – we are so proud of you!  Take a moment to soak in this feeling of accomplishment and success and know that this is only the beginning as you go on to make your difference in the world. Congratulations!

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.

B.B. King
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Congratulations, Graduates!

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The Pavlis Honors College would like to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors, who chose to take advantage of all that Michigan Tech has to offer and challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom.  These students reflect our core values by being authentic, building relationships with each other, and being open to learning through new experiences. All of their hard work and commitment to the ideals of the Pavlis Honors College and Michigan Technological University has paid off!

Pavlis Honors College graduates – Spring 2023
  • J.T. Boudreau
    • Major: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation  
    • What’s next: J.T. will be starting a job with the U.S. Geological Survey, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior
  • James Brouckman    
    • Major: Computer Engineering  
    • James is looking forward to moving out to San Fransisco shortly after graduation to start his new full-time job in software engineering.
  • Jerod Busch    
    • Major: Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering  
    • Jerod is looking forward to starting his full-time position as a controls engineer in Ithaca NY.
  • Nolan Davis
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering 
    • Minor: Manufacturing 
    • Concentration:  Engineering Enterprise
    • Nolan will be working full-time at The Hill Group and is looking forward to starting his first job, growing professionally with this experience, and having more fun times with my family and friends.
  • Tanner Duncan
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering 
    • Minor: Manufacturing and Aerospace Engineering    Concentration: Engineering Enterprise   
    • What’s Next: Tanner has accepted a position with BOSS Snowplow and will be moving to the Iron Mountain area.
  • Ben Houck
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
    • What’s Next: Ben will be pursuing an internship in Engineering at Stellantis, and will continue at MTU for a 1 year accelerated MBA next year.
  • Andrew Kleehammer
    • Major: Engineering Management
    • Minor: Enterprise   
    • What’s Next: Andrew is about halfway through a Master’s in Engineering Management and also works in project management at FORTNA.
  • Megan Lee
    • Major: Environmental Engineering
    • Minor: Spanish
    • What’s Next: Megan will be working for Arcadis, an Environmental Consulting firm, out of Novi, Michigan on environmental remediation projects.
  • Mandy Lepak
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Manufacturing 
    • What’s Next: This summer Mandy will be working for Gentex Corporation in Zeeland, Michigan as a Production Support Engineer and is looking forward to another big change in her life that will help me continue growing myself as an individual.
  • Fable-Viktor Moore
    • Major: Psychology
    • Concentration: Clinical/Counseling Psychology
    • What’s Next: Research Job and Graduate School
  • Anderson Piercey
    • Major: Management
    • Minor: Psychology 
    • What’s Next: Anderson will be living in the Lansing area with his significant other and pursuing employment as a Project Manager.
  • Jonathan Rabideau
    • Major: Computer Science
    • What’s next:  Jonathan will be starting his career and is considering a Master’s degree
  • Mady Sherman
    • Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology-Chemistry focus  
    • What’s Next: Mady will be working as a Research Technician for Neogen Corporation in Lansing Michigan
  • Colton Sitts
    • Major: STC
    • Minor: Computer Science
    • What’s next: Colton will be working as a quality manager at Epic Systems in Madison, WI. designing and testing software for healthcare facilities all over the country.
  • Nick Stankovich
    • Major: Management   
    • What’s next: Nick is looking forward to pursuing a Master’s here at MTU and an internship with General Motors.
  • Maddie  Thompson
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Business
    • What’s next: Maddie will travel to Europe for a month after graduation to learn more about different cultures and experience new places! Upon her return, she will start her full-time job with General Motors as a TRACK Hardware engineer in their rotational program!
  • Libby  Umlor
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • What’s next: Libby will be returning to Michigan Tech to complete an accelerated master’s in Chemical Engineering.
  • Zachary Vatter
    • Major: Biomedical Engineering and Human Biology   Concentration: Pre-Health Professions
    • What’s next: Zachary will return to Michigan Tech to pursue a Master’s in biological sciences.
  • John Waller
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering Tech
    • What’s next: After graduating John is moving to Kalamazoo, MI, and getting married in June.

To our graduates – we are so proud of you!  Take a moment to soak in this feeling of accomplishment and success and know that this is only the beginning as you go on to make your difference in the world. Congratulations!

Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.

W.B. Yeats
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