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.
Congratulations to our 2026 Alumni Award recipients! View the full slate of award winners below and click to learn more about each recipient:
Outstanding Young Alumni
2026 Award Recipient: Mary Kate Mitchell Lane '17
Distinguished in their careers before the age of 35; achieved a position or some distinction noteworthy for one so recently graduated.
Outstanding Service
2026 Award Recipient: Mark Gauthier '85
Significant contributions to the success of the Board of Directors and/or the University.
Outstanding Service Past Recipients
Distinguished Alumni
2026 Award Recipient: Tina Schmiedel '84
Outstanding contributions in both their careers and to Michigan Tech
Humanitarian
2026 Award Recipient: Derhun Sanders '97
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.
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
2024 Award Recipient: Joe Dlugos
Student volunteers who support the Alumni mission of “Celebrating Traditions. Creating Connections."