In the 12/16/14 edition of the Tech Alum Newsletter, John Lehman spoke of “The Legacy of a Tech Education,” based on referrals and attendance by relatives and friends. He also asked for examples from other families.

Here’s our story, actually the blending of families through two family legacies. When I was in high school, I had decided to pursue a career in forestry. I happened to mention that to our family doctor (who still made occasional house calls in those days), and he indicated that his son had gone to Tech and that it was highly recommended. On that basis, there was never any other consideration, and I began my college stint in 1960. Some 20 years later my oldest daughter Jayne was looking for a college, and we also learned of Tech’s summer week titled “Women in Engineering.” She attended that session, and decided to also enroll in Tech, based on that summer session, as well as – in her words, “Dad’s old pictures, visits there, the beauty of the area, and a general desire for adventure.”

While at Tech, she met and later married fellow student Mark Nitz. Mark’s older brother Kurt had been the first of that family to attend Tech, based on its reputation as a great engineering school, and the right price. Mark followed his brother, as did their youngest brother Peter a few years later.

But wait, there’s more. Eventually Mark and Jayne’s firstborn, Matthew (my grandson), also decided to attend Tech. While in attendance, he met and married Heather, a local U.P. girl. At the present time, Mark and Jayne’s two youngest daughters, Michelle and Laura, have also begun their freshman year at Tech, and one of Kurt’s children, Calvin, also attends as a senior. All told, that’s nine of us!

Matthew and Heather now have a son, Titus (my great-grandson), aged 7 months. While Titus has not yet committed, we have an idea where he might be going to college in about 18 years!

Ted Reuschel ’64 Forestry