Reunion 2018 | August 2–4

Michigan Tech and the Copper Country are open and ready for visitors! Alumni Reunion will go on as scheduled. Thanks to all who helped with recovery efforts following the Father's Day weekend flash floods.

More than 70,000 Huskies around the world share memories of being tested by epic snowstorms—and exams. Of building engines, bridges—and careers. Of meeting the professor, or roommate—or mentor that changed their lives forever. Michigan Tech alumni reunite annually to celebrate traditions. To create connections. Each year we highlight specific classes, sports teams, and as always, our Golden M's. But Huskies from every year are welcome. Come back and see your Michigan Tech family. And bring yours. Questions? Just ask.

Honored Class Years

1958—Reunion Chair Bill Micho
1968—Reunion Chair Jane (Fryman) Laird
1978—Reunion Chair John Stromp
1988—Reunion Chair Jill (Caimotto) Meister
1993—Reunion Chair Paula Wittbrodt
1998—Reunion Chair Darnishia Slade
2008—Reunion Chair Amy Palmgren Rokos
Golden M's

2018 Reunion Schedule

Thursday, August 2

8:30 AM Welcome Breakfast—NEW LOCATION! Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10) Lobby

Alumni Reunion 2018 kicks off with a review of the upcoming reunion activities. Greet some old friends, make some new ones.

$12.50 adult/$5 child

9:15 AM Guided Campus Tour—NEW LOCATION! Starting in the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10) Lobby

Immediately following the Welcome Breakfast, join student guides for a guided walking tour of campus.

No charge

10:15 AM Tech Talks: Dr. Jared Anderson, smART!, NEW LOCATION! Walker Arts & Humanities Center (11) McArdle Theatre, second floor

Art is Smart. Join us to learn about the arts at Michigan Tech, from artists recording and performing in New York City to artistic solutions to reduce bird-window collisions. Celebrate 25 years of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Tech with Department Chair Jared Anderson. He will discuss creative and research initiatives by faculty, students, and alumni in the areas of Art, Music, Theatre, and Sound.

No charge

11:00 AM Tech Talks: Dr. Amy Marcarelli, Small Streams and Great Lakes, NEW LOCATION! Walker Arts & Humanities Center (11) McArdle Theatre, second floor

Although the watersheds of the Great Lakes are small relative to the huge size of the lakes, each lake is fed by several large and thousands of small tributaries whose linkages to overall lake dynamics are poorly understood. Lake Superior has 2,800 tributaries that deliver water, sediment, and nutrients into the lake and provide habitat for plants and animals. Dr. Marcarelli will discuss what we know and don't know about Lake Superior's tributaries and novel approaches to understand their current and future interactions.

No charge

Noon Lunch at Wadsworth Dining Hall (37)

Check out today’s dining hall experience and join students for a casual lunch in Wadsworth Hall. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Marcarelli also will be there after their Tech Talks.

$9 (under 6 free)

12:00-3:30 PM Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Alumni Scholarship Boat Cruise

Departs from the Isle Royale National Park Office, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton (next to Dee Stadium). Boarding at 12:00 PM and departure at 12:30 PM sharp.

Loosen up and unwind aboard the Ranger III for a three-hour tour on the beautiful Keweenaw Waterway. With the Bonfire Steakhouse’s tempting array of appetizers, beer, wine, and sodas, 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.

$50 Adults, and $35 Children under 12 ($20 of each ticket will be donated to the ME-EM scholarship fund). With tuition costs higher and less State support, your contributions to this scholarship will lighten the financial load for several students each year

1:00-5:00 PM Research Vessel Agassiz Research 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 1:00–4:00 PM. This event is weather dependent. Note: Minimum age to ride in the vessel is 7.

$10 adult/$5 children 7–12.

1:30 PM Pasty Making Demonstration and Tasting, NEW LOCATION! Hillside Place kitchen (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)

4:30 PM Bernard Family Clock Tower Dedication—At the Clock Tower, located between the Memorial Union and ME-EM

Join us for the dedication of the Bernard Family Clock Tower, made possible by the generous donation from the William ’69 and Ilene Bernard Jr. family. The Bernard family hopes their donation inspires students to create new traditions through the “ringing of the bell” to acknowledge special events and important accomplishments of the student body. A portion of the donation was used to establish the William J. Bernard, Jr. Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide support to Tech students.

No charge

5:00–7:00 PM Pasty Dinner—NEW LOCATION! 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.

$16 adult/$7 child

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 3

8:30 AM All-Class Alumni Breakfast—Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom A

University leadership will present the University update: where we are and where we are headed. The Graduate School also will host a poster session before and after the breakfast showcasing student research.

$12.50 adult/$5 child

10:00 AM Class Year Gatherings and Photos for the Classes of 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998, and 2008—Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom B

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.

10:00 AM–Noon Stuff-a-Husky—Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (12) Pavlis Honors College, Room 722

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. Visit with Pavlis Honors College hosts to learn about the experiential programs available to students. Need directions? Stop by the Reunion registration desk, and we’d be happy to escort you.

$10

Class of 1968 and Golden M Events

10:30 AM Class of 1968 Golden M Pinning Ceremony—Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom A
Each 1968 graduate will receive their 50-year Golden M pin and certificate. Current Golden M members (class years 1967 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.
Immediately Following Ceremony (approximately 11:45 AM): Class of 1968 and Golden M Class Photos—Memorial Union Building (34) Ballroom B
Noon-1:30 PM Golden M Luncheon—Memorial Union Building (34) Commons, ground floor
Continue the conversation from the Golden M pinning ceremony at a special luncheon to celebrate the class of 1968 induction into the Golden M Club.

$14

11:00 AM–1:00 PM Lunch at Wadsworth Dining Hall (37)

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

1:00–5:00 PM Research Vessel Agassiz Research Boat Tour—Meet at Great Lakes Research Center (100)—University Waterfront (Phoenix Drive)

$10 adult/$5 children 7-12

1:00–4:00 PM Campus and Department Open Houses

Visit many academic and administrative departments from 1:00–4:00 PM to stop by and see their facilities and programs. There’s much to see during this campus showcase. Get the latest details when you check in!

No charge

1:30 PM Bocce Court Dedication and Inaugural Tournament—West side of Douglass Houghton Hall

The new bocce ball court was made possible by generous donations from Michigan Tech alumni. Following a brief dedication ceremony, the inaugural bocce ball tournament will take place on the court. Tournament entry priority will be given to donors, however the tournament is open to everyone until all slots are filled.

No charge

1:30-3:00 PM Civil and Environmental Engineering Picnic - Dow Environmental Sciences Buildling courtyard

Everyone is welcome to join the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering for a beer and brat picnic

No charge

2:00 PM Guided Campus Tours—Memorial Union Building Ballroom (34) McAllister Welcome Center, ground floor

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

No charge

3:00–4:00 PM Dendro-Walk with Dr. Terry Sharik—Meet at the Husky Plaza, between the Library and EERC

Enjoy a tree identification lesson (or review for you Forestry Alumni!) with School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Retiring Dean Terry Sharik. This walking tour of campus will last approximately 90 minutes. Bring your phone loaded with Avenza Maps (available as a free app from the App store) as we will have a tree map of campus to share with all participants.

No charge

5:30 PM Alumni Reunion Dinner—Memorial Union Building Ballroom (34)

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).

$30/$15 child

Saturday, August 4

Today is a great day to explore the Copper Country!

8:30 AM Coffee Break at the Alumni House (9)

Coffee’s on at the Alumni House! Start your day with us and reminisce by browsing our yearbooks and memorabilia on display.

No charge

8:30 AM Keweenaw Alumni and Friends Chapter 5K Run/Walk for Scholarships—Meet at the Tech Trails trailhead (across from Sherman Football Field on Sharon Avenue)

The Keweenaw Alumni and Friends Chapter 5K Run/Walk for Scholarships raises money for local students to attend Michigan Tech and to support the Michigan Tech Cross Country Team. Registration opens at 7:30 AM; the walk kicks off at 8:30 AM and the run at 9:00 AM.

New this year! Kids Fun Run 100 meter dash for children ages 6 and under will take place while final race results are calculated.

$15 Pre-Registration or $20 Race Day

9:30 AM–Noon and 1:00–3:30 PM Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Open High Ropes Course—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.

10:00 AM–4:00 PM Discovering the Industrial Past: Remote Sensing Survey at the Quincy Smelter—(heading north on the lift bridge, turn right onto M-26, the smelter is a quarter mile on the right)

Tour the site of the Quincy Smelter and join Michigan Tech’s industrial archaeologists, remote sensing scientists, and surveying and geospatial scientists as they try to “see the unseen” at the smelter! The Quincy Smelter Association will offer special tours of the smelter’s buildings and grounds. After guided tours through the complex, visit with Michigan Tech’s research team who will use ground-based and aerial ROV-platform remote sensing instruments to study the smelter’s grounds. See the excavations and research instruments in action as they run the radar sled, fly their ROVs, and use other gear in their space-age archaeology! Hosted by the Quincy Smelter Association, the Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Tech Research Institute, and other university departments and programs.

Reservation recommended, but not required.

$10 donation ($5 goes to Quincy Smelter Association and $5 helps to fund the research equipment, includes a one-hour site tour and a one-hour visit with the Michigan Tech research teams)

1:00–4:00 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 approx. three miles. Access to the canoe landing and take-out is uneven and marked by sand, roots, and other obstacles.

$25

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

Anniversaries

Visual and Performing Arts 25-year anniversary
College of Sciences and Arts 50-year anniversary

Group Reunions

International Club 30 Year Reunion
International Club members from 1988-1991 are celebrating 30 years!

Sigma Rho Lawn Party
Lawn party Saturday, August 4. For more information contact lawnparty@sigmarho.org

See What's Changed

Take a guided tour of campus, sit in a lecture hall for Tech Talks, and visit your department and favorite professors.

Explore the Keweenaw

The top of Brockway Mountain. Portage Lake Golf Course fairways. McLain State Park breakwater. From the depths of Quincy Shaft to the sands of White City, Copper Harbor to Covered Drive, you know the way. Take someone there for the first time. Camp, bike, kayak, fish, or just kick back and contemplate the view. Renew your friendship with the Copper Country. Trip planning tips, calendars—even an award-winning app—at the Keweenaw Convention & Visitor's Bureau.

Other Things To Do

Downtown Houghton Historical Walking Tour, Saturday, August 4 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Meet at the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw (former Houghton Public Library building on the corner of Huron and Montezuma).
View the historical exhibits at the Carnegie Museum before the guided walking tour of downtown Houghton. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. Email history@cityofhoughton.com. Sponsored by The Continental Fire Company.

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

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.