Alumni Awards

The greatest measure of any school is the quality of the graduates it sends into the world. Clearly, by that and by many other measures, Michigan Tech is one of the best. Since the establishment of the first award in 1969, a very important role for our Alumni Board of Directors is recognizing our extraordinary students and alumni.

Nominations for the 2024 Alumni Awards are now closed. The recipients will be celebrated at the Awards Ceremony over Reunion Weekend in August 2024. Click on each page to learn more about each respective award and its past recipients.

Outstanding Young Alumni

2023 Award Recipient: Dr. Jessica Thoresen Thompson '12

Distinguished in their careers before the age of 35; achieved a position or some distinction noteworthy for one so recently graduated.

Young Past Recipients

Honorary Alumni

2023 Award Recipients: Rolf Peterson and John Gooch

Strongest non-alumni supporters of Michigan Tech; provided service and support of the University characteristic of dedicated alumni.

Honorary Past Recipients

Outstanding Service

2023 Award Recipient: Dale F. Elliott '79

Significant contributions to the success of the Board of Directors and/or the University. 

Outstanding Service Past Recipients

Distinguished Alumni

2023 Award Recipient: Dianne Marsh '86 '92

Outstanding contributions in both their careers and to Michigan Tech

Distinguished Past Recipients

Humanitarian

2023 Award Recipient: Linda D. Phillips '77 '84

Volunteer leadership or service that has improved or enriched the lives of others and the welfare of humanity, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on or bring honor to their Alma Mater.

Humanitarian Past Recipient


The Alumni Board of Directors and the Office of Alumni Engagement are proud to partner with the Student Leadership & Involvement (SLI) Office in offering the Outstanding Future Alumni Award to a current student who supports the Alumni Engagement mission of "Celebrating Traditions. Creating Connections."

This award is given out annually, along with other student awards, at the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony in the spring. Different from the above Alumni Awards, the nomination and selection process is run through the SLI Office. Learn more about Student Leadership Awards and how to nominate a student here.

Outstanding Future Alumni

2023 Award Recipient: Kathleen Pakenas

Student volunteers who support the Alumni mission of “Celebrating Traditions. Creating Connections."

Outstanding Future Past Recipients