Schedule of Events

Thursday, August 2

 8:30 am Welcome Breakfast- Memorial Union Building Ballroom (34) 

Erin (Jarvi) Thompson '02, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, welcomes alumni and guests to campus with a review of the upcoming reunion activities. Greet some old friends, make some new ones. Chow down!

9:00 am-noon Science Symposium- Great Lakes Research Center (100)- University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Several guest scientists will be outlining the priorities for the future of Great Lakes research during this symposium. All Alumni Reunion attendees are welcome to attend as general audience members. For more information, contact Michael Abbott, Director of Great Lakes Research Center Operations at mdabbott@mtu.edu or 906.487.3165.

9:30 am  Guided Campus Tours- starting in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom (34)

Immediately following the Welcome Breakfast, get the scoop from student guides during this walking tour.

 10:00 am Tech Talks: Dr. Nancy Auer, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences , Fisher Hall (15)

 Below the surface - Researching Great Lakes Fishes

Nancy has been working with and teaching about fishes of the Great Lakes for over thirty years. She is a well-known expert on lake sturgeon ecology and is an established researcher on larval fish identification.

 11:00 am Tech Talks: Dr. Patrick Martin, Professor and Chair, Department of Social Sciences, Fisher Hall (15)

Industrial Archaeology and Historical Mining around the World

Learn about the archaeological research that Tech faculty and students have conducted at mining sites in Norway and Japan as well as US sites in Death Valley, Alaska, and right here in the Keweenaw.

 12:00 pm Lunch at Wadsworth Dining Hall (37)

Check out today’s dining hall experience and join students for a casual lunch in the Dining Hall of the Wadsworth Residence Hall.

 1:00 pm Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Alumni Boat Cruise

Departs from the Isle Royale National Park Office, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton (next to the Dee Stadium) Boarding at 12:30 pm and departure at 1 pm. Tour the Keweenaw waterway aboard the Ranger II. If you are a ME-EM alum, act quickly to reserve your spot on board by calling Kathy Goulette at 906-487-2911 or email kagoulet@mtu.edu. Exclusive to ME-EM alumni and guests.

2:00 pm Dedication Ceremony for the Great Lakes Research Center (100)- University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Join the campus community and University leadership as we dedicate the newest multidisciplinary building at Michigan Tech. Tours of the facility, which supports a broad array of research topics, will follow the dedication ceremony.

4:00 pm Reunion Pasty Picnic - Campus Green, between EERC (7) and Chemical Sciences Building (19) Rain site—Memorial Union Building (34)

Enjoy a traditional Yooper dinner and swap stories with alumni, faculty, and friends with pasties (ketchup, gravy, butter, or plain?), pickled eggs, local KBC micro-brew beer. Side salads, dessert, and beverages are also included.

4:30 pm Men’s Basketball Open Gym - Student Development Complex (24)

Men’s basketball alumni are welcome to bring their families for this players’ social and open gym. Exclusive to men’s basketball alumni and guests.

 6:00 pm Keweenaw Alumni Chapter and Friends Social Keweenaw Brewing Company, Downtown Houghton

The Keweenaw Alumni Chapter invites all alums and friends to a social at a popular local watering hole—that features a variety of crafted beers and soda—following the Pasty Picnic.

 7:30 pm Men’s Basketball Social - Library Restaurant and Brew Pub, Downtown Houghton

Relax with fellow teammates and enjoy an evening out. Exclusive to men’s basketball alumni and guests.

 8:00 pm Greek Alumnae Social - Downtowner Lounge upper level, Downtown Houghton

Catch up with fellow Greek alumnae for a casual gathering at one of Houghton’s most popular destinations.

Friday, August 3

 8:30 am All-Class Alumni Breakfast, Memorial Union Building Ballroom (34)

President Glenn Mroz ’74/’77 will present the University update: Where we are and where we are headed.

 10:00 am Class Year Gatherings for the Classes of 1972, 1982, 1987, 1992, and 2002 Memorial Union Building (34) Keweenaw Commons, ground level  

Whether you have been gone forty years or ten, or somewhere in between, this is your time to gather, swap stories, and put names back with faces from your Tech days.

 10:00 am Children’s Laboratory Exploration: Investigating the Lake Superior Food Chain Using a Lake Trout Stomach! - Great Lakes Research Center Extension Laboratory (100), University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Who eats whom in the Great Lakes? Only one way to find out: We’ll collect plankton tows off the GLRC dock and dissect lake trout stomachs to piece together the Lake Superior food chain. Parents and grandparents are welcome, too! Presented by Professor Marty Auer, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Joan Chadde, Michigan Tech Center for Science, Math, and Environmental Education.

 10:30 am Class of 1962 Golden M Pinning Ceremony Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom B

Current Golden M members (Class years 1961 and earlier) and friends are invited to join the Class of 1962 at this presentation. Each alumnus/a will receive their 50-year Golden M pin and certificate from University President Glenn Mroz ’74 ’77.

11: 00 am to 1:00 pm Lunch at Wadsworth Dining Hall (37)

Check out today’s dining hall experience and join students for a casual lunch in the Wads dining hall.

11:30 am to 1:00 pm Michigan Tech Student Foundation Alumni Gathering- Alumni House (8)

Join “Uncle” Ron Helman and current MTSF students to catch up on the latest updates from the MTSF. Exclusive to MTSF alumni and guests

12:00 pm Golden M Luncheon - Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom

Current Golden M Members and friends are invited to join the Class of 1962 for a special luncheon to celebrate their induction into the Golden M Club.

12:00-5:00 pm Open Athletic Facility- Student Development Complex (24)

Bring your family to explore the many features of our athletic facility. Go for a swim in the lap pool, play a game of basketball or racquetball, use the fitness center and much more for free!

1:00 pm Research Vessel Agassiz Research Boat Tour - Meet at Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Four tours will leave every hour on the hour from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The University operates the R/V Agassiz in support of its mission in aquatic sciences, and these excursions will provide insight into the research being conducted by faculty and students. Please note: participants will be required to use a boarding ladder to get on the vessel. This event is weather dependent.

 1:00 pm Men’s Basketball Golf Outing- Portage Lake Golf Course (52)

Golf registration begins at 11:45 am. Four-person scramble. Sign up as a team (please list teammates in the comments section), or the athletics staff will assign you to a team. Registration is $100, which includes golf, an awards picnic, and T-shirt. Exclusive to men’s basketball alumni and guests.

 1:00-2:00 pm Introduction to Michigan Tech’s NEW Signature Program: Family Engineering - Great Lakes Research Center Extension Laboratory (100), University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Family Engineering is an informal and innovative education program that introduces parents and their elementary-aged children to the engineered world all around us. Find out how you can bring Family Engineering to your business, community, or school, and start inspiring our next generation of engineers! Presented by Professor Neil Hutzler, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Joan Chadde, Michigan Tech Center for Science, Math, and Environmental Education.

 1:30 pm Campus and Department Open Houses

Many academic and administrative departments are opening their doors. Get the latest details when you check in.

 1:30-3:30 pm Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) Tours (100)- GLRC Main Entrance, University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Tour our newest multidisciplinary research building, which provides state-of-the art laboratories supporting an array of topics related to water and other natural resources.

2:00 pm Guided Campus Tours - Administration Building (1), ground floor Admissions office

Get an inside look at the campus from a student guide on this walking tour.

2:00-3:30 pm Family Engineering Is for Everyone! - Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Discover the excitement of hands-on engineering activities designed to engage elementary-age children and their families in solving real-world challenges. This session is for kids, parents, and grandparents, and will model a typical Family Engineering event being conducted across Michigan and the nation!

4:00-5:30 pm Athletics Reception- Student Development Complex (24), second floor lounge

Join former teammates for an all-athletics reception and tours of the facility.

4:00-5:30 pm Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology Social- Dow Environmental Sciences Building (8), 7th floor atrium

Director of the CLS program Alice Soldan, a faculty member since 1976, will be completing her final year at Michigan Tech in spring 2013. Share your stories, meet classmates, and congratulate Alice on a successful career at Michigan Tech. Wine, beer, and light appetizers will be served. Cohosted by Alice and incoming CLS program director Karyn Fay ’89. Exclusive to clinical laboratory science alumni and guests.

5:30 pm Alumni Reunion Dinner and Class Photos Memorial Union Building Ballroom (34)

It’s a special celebration for all alumni and friends, featuring a delicious buffet dinner, official class photo opportunities, and alumni award presentations. 5:30 pm social (cash bar), 6:00 pm class photos, 6:30 pm dinner (program to follow, business attire).

Saturday, August 4

 9:00 am Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Tour Canoe the Sturgeon—Meet at the Alumni House (8)

Join us as we head down to the Sturgeon River, southeast of Chassell, to paddle for about four hours. This is a nice, easy paddle and will show you some great scenery along the way. This event is weather dependent. We will provide snacks, transportation, and all the necessary equipment.

 9:00 am Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Tour Kayak the Keweenaw Waterway *– Meet at the Alumni House (8)

Soak in the view from one of the Keweenaw’s greatest resources, its water! Join the Outdoor Adventure Program as two guides give paddling instructions and guidance while leading you on a two-hour paddle in the scenic waterway that is our backyard. This event is weather dependent. We will provide snacks, transportation, and all the necessary equipment.

*Abilities: Life jackets are required, and you should be able to swim and have no fear of the water. Kayaking requires you to power your own boat, and you should be physically fit enough to paddle for the duration of the trip. Proper paddling strokes use your core abdominal muscles, so your arms don’t do all the work; however, there is no current to assist you, and at times you’ll be paddling into the wind.

 9:30 am School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Brunch – Gene Hesterberg Hall Atrium, U.J. Noblet Forestry Building (18)

The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (SFRES) invites you to join your fellow SFRES alumni and meet the new Dean, Terry Sharik.  Exclusive to SFRES alumni and guests.

10:00 am “Par-Tee” Time Golf Outing - Portage Lake Golf Course (52)

All alumni, students, faculty from all departments, and the community are welcome to join in on the fun! The School of Business and Economics, along with the MBA Association and the American Marketing Association invites you to join us for this great opportunity to meet the new dean and network in a friendly competitive environment. Cash prizes for the top three teams and course game winners, with a special $10,000 hole-in-one prize! Price for advanced sign-up is $280 per 4-person team ($160 per student team), cost includes golf, cart, lunch, and two beverage tickets.  To register, call Mark Maroste at 906-487-2641. For more information, please visit http://www.mtu.edu/business/.

  10:00 am – 12:00 pm MindTrekkers Children’s Activities – Alumni House lawn (8)

Mind Trekkers’ mission is to uncover the mysteries of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for students of all ages. Mind Trekkers activities and events will make you discover the “Wow!” of hands-on learning. This event is weather dependent.

 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Biological Sciences Family Picnic - Raymond Kestner Waterfront Park, Houghton

Bring the family and meet fellow alumni for great food and summer fun. Houghton’s huge Chutes and Ladders park with slides, a playground, a beach, and a huge grass area perfect for Frisbee will ensure a fun-filled family afternoon!

1:00-3:00 pm Biological Sciences Alumni Agassiz Research Vessel Keweenaw Waterway Tours

Tour the Keweenaw Waterway during the biological sciences picnic lunch! Sign up for your time on the day of the event at the Family Picnic at the Raymond Kestner Waterfront Park (above). Minimum age is 8 years.

 1:30 - 3:30 pm Great Lakes Research Center Tours, GLRC Main entrance, University Waterfront (off of Cliff Drive)

Tour our newest multidisciplinary research building, which provides state-of-the art laboratories supporting a broad array of research topics.

 2:00 – 4:00 pm Cliff Mine Site Tour (Cliff Drive, off Highway 41 near Phoenix, MI, about 30 minutes north of campus)

Join Michigan Tech industrial archaeologists for a tour of the historic Cliff Mine in Keweenaw County. Learn about the fascinating discoveries made at the Cliff Mine site that operated from 1845 to 1870 and is often referred to as the nation’s first great copper mine. The site is unimproved, so visitors should expect a moderately difficult hike. Attendees will need to provide their own transportation to the site. 

 2:00 pm Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Keweenaw Waterfall Tour and Cookout— Meet at the Alumni House (8)

Visit some of the more well-known waterfalls in the area, including Hungarian Falls, Jacobs Falls, and Eagle River Falls. Transportation will be provided. An OAP guide will lead you to these hidden gems. A lakeside cookout will be included. This event is weather dependent.

 3:00 - 5:00 pm Keweenaw Brewing Company Open House - South Range Brewery (10 Fourth St, South Range, MI)

Join brewery owners Dick and Stasi Gray (’82) for an inside look at one of the area’s favorite microbreweries.

 5:30 pm Men’s Basketball Alumni Game - Student Development Complex (24)

All are welcome to come out and cheer on the men’s basketball alumni teams!

 6:30 pm Women of Michigan Tech Celebration - J. R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library (17)

All women are welcome to join this main event celebrating the Women of Michigan Tech! Come to relax and reconnect with alumnae, Tech wives, faculty, staff, and current female students. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar.

 8:00 pm Men’s Basketball Social - Keweenaw Brewing Company, Downtown Houghton

Catch up after the Men’s Basketball Alumni Game at one of the area’s most popular breweries. Exclusive to men’s basketball alumni and guests.

 For the Saturday events that are weather dependent, up to date information will be available by calling 906-487-2400

Other Things To Do

A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum (new location next to the Advanced Technology Design Center (ATDC) (95) on Sharon Avenue)  The Museum Gift shop and galleries will be open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout Reunion (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).  Free admission for Alumni Reunion attendees with your Reunion nametag!

Visit the Memorial Grove on the east side of campus between Highway 41 and the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10)

Rediscover Houghton! Historical Walking Tour (Self-guided) Award-winning historical walking tour (information booklet available in registration area).

Railroad History Days on Saturday & Sunday, August 4 & 5 with the Houghton County Historical Society, Lake Linden MI