Alumni Reunion 2026 Schedule

Registration is required for all events. Most events have a venue maximum, so register early to guarantee your spot.
Registration will open on May 27, 2026.


Wednesday, July 29

Noon–4 p.m. Early Check-In and Registration—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor)

Thursday, July 30

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Check-In and Registration—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor)

10:30–11:30 a.m. “Superior Storytellers: Engaging Youth in Place-based Geoheritage & Geospatial Learning Experiences on Lake Superior” Kickoff Tech Talk—Memorial Union Building (34), Alumni Lounge (first floor). Alumni Reunion 2026 kicks off with a presentation by Erika Vye, geosciences research scientist, Great Lakes Research Center. “Superior Storytellers” presents a place-based approach to elevating student voices in environmental issues impacting the Keweenaw. The goals and outcomes of this project include engaging local high-school youth in: a) deepening understanding of community issues rooted in Earth systems processes, b) developing sense of place in the Keweenaw, and c) increasing Earth science literacy and awareness of career pathways in Earth and geospatial sciences. The rich geodiversity of the Keweenaw provides an accessible platform for people to learn about deep time, Earth's dynamic processes, and importantly, the diverse relationships we have with our rich geologic underpinnings. Refreshments will be available.   Limited attendance   No charge

11:30 a.m. Lunch on campus available in the Memorial Union Building (MUB) Commons—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor). Enjoy lunch like current Tech students do throughout the year by "dining in" at the MUB. Various grill and deli options will be available.   No registration required   Meal price varies upon selection

12:30–2 p.m. Chemical Engineering (ChE) Alumni Open House—Chemical Sciences & Engineering Building (19). All ChE alumni are welcome to join chemical engineering faculty and staff for an open house. Hear a brief update from the department, connect with current faculty and staff, and take a tour of research laboratories, including the Unit Operations Laboratory.   No charge

12:30–5 p.m. Campus Tours—Memorial Union Building (34), John Edgar McAllister Welcome Center (ground floor). After a brief presentation from admissions, join a student guide for a 75-minute walking tour through campus. From new additions like the H-STEM Complex and the Alumni Gateway Arch, to traditional Michigan Tech landmarks like the R.L. Smith Building (MEEM), this tour provides a first-hand view of how the campus has grown while maintaining its historical integrity. There will be two trips available, with a maximum of 50 participants per trip: one from 12:30–2 p.m. and the second from 3:30–5 p.m. Registrants will choose one of those time slots when completing registration.   Max attendance: 50 per trip   No charge

1–4:30 p.m. Ranger III Boat Cruise with the Alumni Board of Directors—Departs from the Isle Royale National Park Office dock in Houghton (next to Dee Stadium at 800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton). Relax and enjoy the lake breeze aboard the Ranger III for a beautiful tour of the Keweenaw Waterway. In addition, this boat tour is the perfect opportunity to meet and catch up with fellow MTU alumni of all majors, including members of the Alumni Board of Directors. Light refreshments will be provided. Boarding will begin at 1 p.m., and the cruise will depart at 1:30 p.m. sharp. The tour will last approximately two and a half hours.   Max attendance: 90   Cost: $65/person

5–7 p.m. Pasty Dinner—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Enjoy a traditional “Yooper” dinner of pasties from Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant and pickled eggs from “The Dog” as you swap stories with alumni, faculty, and friends. Side salads, desserts, and soft drinks are included. Vollwerth’s hot dog meals will be available for children.   Max attendance: 300   Cost: $28 adult/$18 youth (age 12 and under)

7–8:30 p.m. Night at the Mineral Museum—A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum (103). Explore the stunning beauty of Earth's minerals from our historic collections. Join Director and Curator John Jaszczak for an evening of discovery, featuring collection highlights, mobile-guided tours with captivating stories, and special door prizes.   Max attendance: 100  Cost: $5/person

7:30–9:30 p.m. Fellowship with College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) Alumni and Dean at The Dog—The Douglass House Saloon (517 Shelden Ave, Houghton). All alumni are welcome to join CFRES Dean David Flaspohler for a casual get-together at “The Dog”.   No charge, cash bar available

7:30–9:30 p.m. Wood Science Alumni Social hosted by CFRES Dean and Sustainable Bioproducts Industry Advisory Board—Finnish American Heritage Center (435 Quincy St, Hancock). All wood science and sustainable bioproducts alumni are welcome to join the Sustainable Bioproducts Industry Advisory Board, along with Dean David Flaspohler and CFRES faculty, for a casual get-together.   No charge, cash bar available

Friday, July 31

7–8 a.m. Sunrise Yoga—Houghton Waterfront Pier (E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton). Join fellow yogis for a creative vinyasa style yoga class, flowing through poses that are linked together with the breath in a movement sequence. You will center your focus with work on strength, flexibility, breath, balance, and stability. There is no standard sequence in vinyasa, so the style, pace, and intensity can all vary. It is suggested to bring your own yoga mat, towel, and water, but mats will be available to those who cannot bring their own.  Cost: $5/person

8 a.m.–4 p.m. Check-In and Registration—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor)

8:30–9:30 a.m. Breakfast with the President—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Start your morning with coffee and a delicious breakfast buffet! Following breakfast, President Rick Koubek will give a brief University update.   Limited attendance   No charge

9:30–10:30 a.m. Graduate Research Poster Session—H-STEM Complex (114). Enjoy a spread of pastries and coffee while graduate students from across the University present their current research. This event is sponsored by Michigan Tech's Graduate Student Government and the Graduate School.   No charge 

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Adventures on the Trails—Michigan Tech Trailhead (located off Sharon Avenue). Enjoy this family-friendly activity of exploration and adventure on the Tech Trails, hosted by OAP staff. Choose how you want to enjoy the trails by going on a wagon ride, self-guided hike, or zip-lining adventure. Yard games and refreshments will also be available.   No charge

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Class of 1976 and Golden M Celebration—Memorial Union Building (34). Celebrate this golden landmark with the Class of 1976 and other members of the Golden M Society.   Max attendance: 150   Cost: $30/person

  • 11 a.m. Golden M Photos—Memorial Union Building (34), Alumni Lounge (first floor). Photos of present members from the Class of 1976, and all Golden M members, will be taken in the Alumni Lounge.
  • 11:15 a.m. Golden M Ceremony—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Each 1976 graduate will receive their 50-year Golden M pin and certificate. In addition, current Golden M members (class years 1976 and earlier) and friends are invited to attend the ceremony and join in on the toast to congratulate the new members of the Golden M Society. 
  • 12 p.m. Golden M Luncheon—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Current Golden M members and friends are invited to join the Class of 1976 for a special luncheon to celebrate their induction into the Golden M Society. Be sure to bring your best stories to share.

 1–3 p.m. College Receptions—Michigan Tech Main Campus. Join faculty, staff, and fellow alumni from your college.   No charge

  • College of Business Reception—Academic Office Building (5), Room 101 (first floor)
  • College of Computing Reception—Kanwal and Ann Rekhi Hall (28), Room 201 (second floor)
  • College of Engineering Reception—Great Lakes Research Center (100), Atrium (second floor)
  • College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Reception—U. J. Noblet Forestry Building (18), Atrium (first floor)
  • College of Sciences and Arts Reception—H-STEM Complex (114), Lobby (first floor)

3–4:30 p.m. Marine Research Assets Facility Guided Tour—Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (Phoenix Drive). Alumni and friends will be taken through the Marine Research Assets Facility (MRAF), including the docks, boathouse, and Marine Engineering Lab. Along the way, marine operations staff will highlight the projects they lead and support in collaboration with their partners, and showcase the remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, and advanced sensor systems deployed to enable cutting-edge science and engineering across the Great Lakes and beyond.   Max attendance: 20   No charge

5:30–8:30 p.m. 2026 Honored Classes Dinner and Alumni Awards Ceremony—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10). Enjoy a spread of appetizers as you arrive in the lobby of the Rozsa Center, before sitting down for a delicious family-style dinner. Immediately following the dinner, we will recognize our 2026 Alumni Award recipients on the backstage of the Rozsa.   Business casual attire is requested.   Max attendance: 120   Cost: $48/person

  • 5:30 p.m. Guest arrivals—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Lobby. Enjoy a variety of light appetizers while you mingle with fellow classmates and the 2026 Alumni Award recipients. Seating for dinner begins around 5:45 p.m. 
  • 6 p.m. Honored Classes Dinner—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Lobby. A multi-course menu prepared carefully by Executive Chef Michael Cheslock will be served family-style.
  • 7:30 p.m. Alumni Awards Ceremony—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Backstage. The ceremony honoring our 2026 Alumni Award recipients will begin at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy celebrating these outstanding and notable alumni and friends on the backstage of the Rozsa. 

Saturday, August 1

7–8 a.m. Morning Bird-Watching Walk—Nara Nature Park (47375 US Hwy 41, Houghton). Join CFRES Dean and ornithologist David Flaspohler, along with John McCarty and CSA Dean Lareesa Wolfenbarger, for a beautiful Keweenaw morning bird-watching walk. Attendees are asked to meet at the start of the Nara Nature Boardwalk at 7 a.m. sharp. The walk includes easy trails and sections of boardwalk through forest and wetlands and is mostly flat, easy walking. Binoculars are recommended, as well as a hat, suitable clothes for the weather, and bug repellent. Possible bird sightings may include Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Mallard, and Trumpeter Swan. The walk will be an hour-long loop, ending at 8 a.m. back at the starting point. If you have a smartphone, we encourage you to consider downloading the Merlin Bird ID app. Dean Flaspohler will show attendees how the app can enhance their bird-watching experience during the walk. The walk will continue as planned in light rain. If there is heavy rain or thunder, all are invited to meet in the Nara Meeting Room by the Nara Trails parking lot.   Limited attendance   No charge 

10–11 a.m. “How Tech’s Archives have Promoted Preservation” Tech Talk—Fisher Hall (15), Room 135. Join Clayton P. Gomez, chief of interpretation at the Quincy Mine, to hear about the relationship between Michigan Tech Archives and the Quincy Mine Hoist Association (QMHA). On a quest for veracity, the QMHA balances interpretation with preservation—utilizing resources like the Archives—to promote its importance, reinforce its impact, and shed light on a distinct way-of-life. Refreshments will be available.    Limited attendance   No charge

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Alumni Social—Bocce Ball Court by Douglas Houghton Hall (31). Stop by the Bocce Ball Court to cheer on alumni and friends who are participating in the tournament and make connections with fellow Huskies. Coffee and pastries will be available.   No charge

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Bocce Ball Tournament—Bocce Ball Court by Douglas Houghton Hall (31). Join this fun, family-friendly bocce ball tournament. No experience is needed. A team can consist of two to four players. You can sign up partnered with a player or play as a single. Singles will be paired with a partner/team by the tournament chair. During the tournament, attendees will be served a delicious lunch consisting of a build-your-own sandwich bar, along with various sides and beverage options.   Max attendance: 48   Cost: $21/person

11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mont Ripley Hike and Lunch Hosted by Pavlis Honors College and the Department of Social Sciences—Mont Ripley (49051 Ski Hill, Hancock). Meet in the parking lot before embarking on a rigorous trek through various terrains, including an unimproved stream crossing and a steep ascent of 440 feet amid loose rocks on rough hiking trails. Along the way, you'll discover fascinating historical sites related to ancient and modern mining and Keweenaw Geoheritage. The hike culminates with a well-deserved boxed lunch at picnic tables at the summit, where you can relax and take in the panoramic views. After lunch, walk back down at your own pace. Come prepared to hike with sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate gear, and water. The Mont Ripley Overlook Trail is rated “moderate” on AllTrails. Due to the terrain and the difficulty level of the hike, it is recommended that attendees are at least 12 years of age and have previous hiking experience. Note: Attendees must be at least seven years of age to participate.   Max attendance: 20  Cost: $31.50/person 

12:30–3:30 p.m. OAP Kayak Trip on the Portage Canal—Meet at the Michigan Tech Trailhead (located off Sharon Avenue). OAP will provide transportation from the Tech Trails in 15-passenger vans to and from the canal. Enjoy the Portage Canal from the best seat. This beautiful stretch of the canal is peppered with historical, cultural, and natural points of interest. The trip begins at either Prince's Point below the Rozsa Center and paddles to Kestner Waterfront Park or the opposite, depending on the wind/weather. OAP will provide two trained staff to lead the trip. OAP staff will conduct basic instruction before getting on the water, and participants can plan for roughly two hours from start to finish, depending on skill level and weather conditions. Bring a full water bottle and any snacks you may need. The trip leaves the Tech Trailhead location at 12:30 p.m. sharp. Note: Participants will be required to paddle a kayak for approximately two and one-quarter miles. Access to kayak landing and take-out is uneven and marked by sand, roots, and other obstacles. Access to or from Prince’s Point will require a short but steep climb. OAP will provide all necessary safety equipment. Previous kayaking experience is preferred but not required. Must be ten years old to kayak.   Max attendance: 12   Cost: $35/person