Save the date for Reunion 2019 August 1–3 when Michigan Tech alumni and friends will reunite again on campus to celebrate traditions and create connections.
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Preliminary 2019 Reunion Schedule
(times are subject to change)
Thursday, August 1
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8:30 am • Reunion Kickoff
Memorial Union Building (34) Alumni Lounge, first floor
Alumni Reunion 2019 kicks off with a review of the upcoming reunion activities. Greet some old friends, make some new ones. Refreshments will be available.
No Charge
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9:15 am • Guided Campus Tour
Memorial Union Building (34) Alumni Lounge, first floor
Immediately following the kickoff, join student guides for a guided walking tour of campus.
No Charge
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10:15 am • Tech Talks : Dr. Veronica Webster, Intense Rainfall and Flood Risk in an Environment of Increasing Uncertainty
Fisher Hall (15) Room 135
The 2018 mid-June flood event resulted in significant damage and losses throughout the Keweenaw. Has changing climate brought more intense storm events to the region? How do these storms combined with alterations to the landscape and development in the area affect future flood risk? This talk will explain methods for understanding the risk of future floods, as well as the causes of the intense rain storm that triggered the mid-June 2018 flood and the risk of such events in the future.
No Charge
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11 am • Tech Talks: Dr. John Gierke, Geospatial Data Analysis of the 2018 Copper Country Mid-June Flood
Fisher Hall (15) Room 135
Digital topographic and land use information can be used in computational tools to forecast rainfall runoff in catchments and the stability of slopes. Faculty and students in geological engineering acquired and used geospatial data to better understand the Ripley Creek flooding and causes of the adjacent-slope failures during the 2018 mid-June Flood. Professor John Gierke will share the work of a geological engineering student group that used the flooding, landslides, and debris flows in Ripley as a culminating design-project experience.
No Charge -
11:30 am–1 pm • Lunch
Wadsworth (37) Dining Hall
Check out today’s dining hall experience and join students for a casual lunch in Wadsworth Hall.
Cost: $9/Free children under 6 -
12:30–3:30 pm • Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Alumni Scholarship Boat Cruise
Departs from Isle Royale National Park Office, Houghton (next to Dee Stadium). Loosen up and unwind aboard the Ranger III for a tour on the beautiful Keweenaw Waterway. With the Bonfire Steakhouse’s scrumptious array of appetizers, and beer, wine, and soft-drinks provided by the ME-EM department, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up with fellow alumni and learn about the exciting research happening in the ME-EM department. Boarding at 12:30 pm, leaves the dock at 1 pm sharp.
Cost: $50/$35 children 1-15 ($20 of each ticket will be donated to a department scholarship fund to lighten the financial load for several students each year) -
1–5 pm • Research Vessel Agassiz Boat Tour
Meet at Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (Phoenix Drive)
The University operates the R/V Agassiz in support of its mission in aquatic sciences. These scientific excursions will provide insight into the research being conducted by faculty and students. Tours will leave every hour on the hour from 1-4 pm. This event is weather dependent. Note: Minimum age to ride in the vessel is 7.
Cost: $10/$5 children 7-12 -
1:30 pm • Pasty Making Demonstration and Tasting
Hillside Place (48), first floor
Watch how Michigan Tech’s Executive Chef, Eric Karvonen, creates a favorite dish of the Copper Country—the pasty! After the demonstration, taste the finished product. Need a ride? Meet at the Reunion registration desk (first floor MUB) by 1:20 pm.
No charge (sponsored by Michigan Tech Dining Services) -
3:30–4:30 pm • Trees of Michigan Tech Walk
Meet at the Husky Statue in front of the Van Pelt Library (17)
Join host Dr. R.J. Laverne ‘80, an urban forester with Davey Tree Expert Company and an instructor and alumnus of School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences. The Michigan Tech Tree Map will be loaded onto Avenza Maps. Participants will need to download the app onto their phones or tablets before the walk.
No charge (sponsored by School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences) -
5–7 pm • Pasty Dinner
Memorial Union Building (34) Commons, ground floor
Enjoy a traditional “Yooper” dinner and swap stories with alumni, faculty, and friends with pasties, pickled eggs, and local KBC micro-brew beer. Side salads, dessert, and beverages are included. Outdoor picnic space also will be available to dine outside.
Cost: $16/$7 children 6-12 -
Thursday evening: Bosch Beer, The Lodge, Diamond Mike’s, and JD’s Boathouse may no longer be around, but head to downtown Houghton or Hancock to discover a new favorite watering hole.
Friday, August 2
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8:30 am • Welcome Breakfast with the President
Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom
Please join President Rick Koubek for an inaugural President’s Welcome Breakfast. President Koubek will give a brief update on the university followed by a Q&A session. The Graduate School will also host a poster session before and after the breakfast showcasing student research.
No charge (sponsored by the Office of the President) -
10 am • Class Year Gatherings and Photos for the Classes of 1979, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2009
Memorial Union Building (34) Alumni Lounge
Whether you have been gone 10 years or 40 years—or somewhere in between—this is your time to gather, swap stories, and put names back with the faces from your college years. -
Class photos will be at 10:30 am.
No charge -
10 am–Noon • Stuff-a-Husky
Memorial Union Building (34) Commons, ground floor
Families and the young at heart are invited to make and decorate their own stuffed Husky! Each Husky comes with a birth certificate and wishing star.
Cost: $10
Class of 1969 and Golden M Events -
10:30 am • Class of 1969 Golden M Pinning Ceremony—Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom
Each 1969 graduate will receive their 50-year Golden M pin and certificate. Current Golden M members (class years 1968 and earlier) and friends are invited to attend the ceremony and join in on the champagne toast to congratulate the new members of the Golden M Club.
No charge -
Immediately Following Ceremony ~11:45 am • Class of 1969 and Golden M Class Photos
Memorial Union Building (34) Alumni Lounge
No charge -
Noon–1:30 pm • Golden M Luncheon
Memorial Union Building (34) Commons, ground floor
Current Golden M Members and friends are invited to join the Class of 1969 for a special luncheon to celebrate their induction into the Golden M Club.
Cost: $14 -
11 am–1 pm • Lunch
Wadsworth (37) Dining Hall
Check out today’s dining hall experience and join students for a casual lunch in Wadsworth Hall.
Cost: $9/Free children under 6 -
1–5 pm • Research Vessel Agassiz Boat Tour
Meet at Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (Phoenix Drive)
The University operates the R/V Agassiz in support of its mission in aquatic sciences. These scientific excursions will provide insight into the research being conducted by faculty and students. Tours will leave every hour on the hour from 1-4 pm. This event is weather dependent. Note: Minimum age to ride in the vessel is 7.
Cost: $10/$5 children 7-12 -
1–4 pm • Campus and Department Open Houses
A number of academic and administrative departments will welcome visitors to stop by and learn more about their facilities and programs. There’s much to see during this campus showcase. Get the latest details when you check in!
No charge -
1–4 pm • Escape Room Challenge
Parking Lot #11 (between the Academic Office Building and the Alumni House)
Take the Career Services Escape Room challenge where participants solve puzzles, find clues, crack codes and open locked boxes — all in a limited amount of time. Teams of up to six people have 20 minutes to ‘escape’ the mobile room by solving a problem.
No charge -
2 pm • Guided Campus Tours
Memorial Union Building (34) McAllister Welcome Center, ground floor
Get an inside look at the campus from a student guide on this walking tour.
No charge -
5:30 pm • Alumni Reunion Dinner
Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom
Join us for a special celebration for all alumni and friends featuring a delicious buffet dinner and alumni award presentations. 5:30 pm social (cash bar), 6:30 pm dinner (program to follow, business attire).
Cost: $30/$15 child
Saturday, August 3
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8:30 am –1 pm • Coffee Break at Alumni House (9)
Coffee’s on at the Alumni House! Start your day with us and reminisce by browsing our collection of yearbooks, Winter Carnival Pictorials and MTU memorabilia.
No charge -
8:30 am • Husky Hustle 5K Run/Walk for Scholarships
Meet at the Tech Trails trailhead (across from Sherman Football Field on Sharon Avenue)
This event raises money for local students to attend Michigan Tech and to support the Michigan Tech Cross Country Team. Registration opens at 7:30, walk begins at 8:30, and the run starts at 9.
Cost: $15 Pre-Registration/$20 Race Day
Sign up at www.mtu.edu/alumni/kac5k -
9 am–1 pm • Escape Room Challenge
Parking Lot #11 (between the Academic Office Building and the Alumni House)
Take the Career Services Escape Room challenge where participants solve puzzles, find clues, crack codes and open locked boxes — all in a limited amount of time. Teams of up to six people have 20 minutes to ‘escape’ the mobile room by solving a problem.
No charge -
9:30 am–Noon and 1–3:30 pm • Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) High Ropes Course Open
Meet at the Tech Trails trailhead (across from Sherman Football Field on Sharon Avenue)
For the adventurous types, the OAP will host an Open High Ropes Course. Student staff will guide you through the high ropes course and to the zip line exit on the other side. Access to the course is through a 25-foot telephone pole climb and the 250 foot zip line is the best way to exit! Good upper body strength, comfort at heights, and an adventurous mindset are all helpful for this activity!
Activity Notes: Participants will have the opportunity to climb the course, complete one to three high elements and then zip line off the course. Access to different elements may vary depending on group size and staffing requirements. Minimum age is 5.
Cost: $5 -
1–4 pm • Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Canoe the Sturgeon River
Meet at the Alumni House (9)
Join the OAP for a leisurely paddle down the Sturgeon River in Chassell, just south of Houghton. We will be in canoes. For safety, our trip leaders will be in kayaks. This stretch of river provides a nice relaxing paddle with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and remnants of past farming. We will provide transportation from the Alumni House in vans to and from the river and trip leaders facilitate the trip. We encourage you to bring a full water bottle and any snacks that you may need.
Activity Notes: Participants will be required to paddle a canoe with a partner approximately three miles. Access to the canoe landing and take-out is uneven and marked by sand, roots, and other obstacles.
Cost: $25
*For the Saturday events that are weather dependent, up-to-date information will be available by calling 906-487-2400.
Group Reunions
Residence Life and Orientation Reunion
Friday, August 2, 1-4 pm. Were you red shirt year? Or maybe light blue shirt year.
Did you soar to success? Or maybe you designed the future? No matter what year you
worked in Residence Life or Orientation, this is your chance to meet up with other
former Resident Assistants and Orientation Team Leaders to reminisce!
Sigma Rho Lawn Party
Lawn party Saturday, August 3. For more information contact lawnparty@sigmarho.org.
Class Pages
Each year we highlight specific classes, sports teams, and as always, our Golden M's (those who graduated more than 50 years ago). But Huskies from every year are welcome. Come back and see your Michigan Tech family and bring yours!
Visit the individual class and activity pages:
Other Things To Do:
Outdoor Adventure Program Custom Trips
Create your own adventure with Michigan Tech’s Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP). Whether
it’s a family kayaking trip or a private group high ropes course visit, the OAP can
help you make your time in the Keweenaw memorable! Call 906-487-2290 or email oap@mtu.edu.
Reunion VIP Pass
Use your Reunion VIP pass for discounts at the golf course, bookstore, and Outdoor
Adventure Program. Receive free admission to the Mineral Museum and the Student Development
Complex.
Quincy Smelter Tours
The Quincy Smelter will offer tours on Saturday, August 3 from 11 am–3 pm. Tours start
on the hour with the last tour at 2 pm. The Quincy Smelter is the only remaining copper
smelter in the Lake Superior Region. Please wear closed-toe shoes. Entrance fee is
$5 (children 10 and under free). Directions: heading north on the lift bridge, turn
right onto M-26, the smelter is a quarter mile on the right.