Introducing the 2025 Alumni Award Winners

Since the establishment of the first Alumni Award in 1969, a very important role for our Alumni Board of Directors is recognizing Michigan Tech's extraordinary students and alumni. The greatest measure of any school is the quality of graduates it sends into the world. Clearly, by that and many other measures, Michigan Tech is one of the best.

From building successful careers to engaging in activities that better the world, meet the Michigan Tech alumni and friends who are making a big difference—at the University, and beyond.

Peter H. Winegar '17, Outstanding Young Alumnus

Peter Winegar, PhD, has dedicated his life to an academic career in chemistry. After graduating from Michigan Tech in 2017 with his BS in Chemistry, Winegar went on to graduate school at Northwestern University where he received his PhD in Chemistry in 2022. He is currently an NIH NRSA F32 postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at Berkeley.

In Winegar's effort to pursue his academic research, he has received several notable achievements and has been a researcher at many world-class universities and institutes across the country and the world. Looking forward, Winegar is eager to teach and study chemistry at a research-intensive university.

"I am extremely thankful for the mentorship that I received at Michigan Tech. In addition to teaching and research responsibilities, the faculty were champions of my academic career. Inspired by their example, I aspire to be a mentor to the next generation of scientists and engineers."Peter Winegar '17

Winegar will receive the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, which is presented to alumni under the age of 35 who have distinguished themselves in their career and recognizes the achievement for one so recently graduated.

Jeffrey C. Littmann, Honorary Alumnus

"Tomorrow truly needs Michigan Tech," said Jeffrey Littmann—a Michigan Tech Board of Trustees member since 2019. Highly respected and trusted by his peers, Littmann has been elected to serve two consecutive terms as chair of the Board of Trustees. Additionally, he serves ex officio on the Michigan Tech Fund Board of Directors and contributes his financial expertise to its investment committee where his work not only serves the immediate needs of the University, but preserves it for years to come.

In addition to his work at Michigan Tech, Littmann has made a tremendous impact serving executive and board positions at many organizations, including but not limited to: the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Trust, and Enterprises, Buffalo Bills Inc, Interstate Highway Construction, Inc., and the National Football League.

Littmann's commitment to Michigan Tech and unwavering support of students and alumni has been highlighted through his years of service to the University, truly embracing the spirit of what it means to be a Husky. His dedication will be recognized through the Honorary Alumnus Award, which honors the strongest non-alumni supporters of Michigan Tech.

David A. Hartley '71, Outstanding Service

David Hartley (1971 Forestry) has shown exceptional dedication and impact to the University—as a student and through his volunteerism and involvement as an alumnus for more than 30 years. Hartley served on the Michigan Tech Fund Board (1988–99, 2008–13) and was president from 1996–98. He was a member of the President's Advancement Council from 2014–18 and served on the College of Business Dean's Advisory Council from 2013–24. He was also recognized in the Forestry Honor Academy in 1995 and was a guest speaker at the fifth annual VIP Alumni Seminar that same year.

In addition to his service, Hartley has made a large philanthropic impact on the University as a member of the McNair Society and the 1885 Society. In 2017, the Hartley/Dobson Family Annual Scholarship Fund was established in homage to the family's connection to the University.

"The most difficult thing for someone to do is listen. You have all this knowledge that you are dying to share. Sit back. Take a breath. Use your knowledge in a timely manner."David Hartley '71

Hartley's generosity has significantly accelerated the growth of the scholarship and opened doors for students to pursue their goals. Hartley will receive the Outstanding Service Award, which is presented to alumni and friends who are making significant contributions to the success of the Board of Directors and the University.

Robert J. Currey '67, Distinguished Alumnus

"I support Michigan Tech students because it gives me the opportunity to have an impact and help others like me, who did not have the financial support for college," said Bob Currey (1967 Business Administration). Following graduation from Michigan Tech, Currey worked at General Motors for 18 months until he decided to pursue his MBA on a graduate assistantship from Eastern Michigan University. After getting his MBA, Currey began his telecommunications career with Michigan Bell where he worked for 14 years prior to joining Sprint.

Throughout Currey's career, he was the executive chairman of Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc. where he also served as president from 1990 to 1997, CEO from 2004 through 2014, and chairman from 2015 to 2024. Prior to joining Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc., Currey served as vice chairman of RCN Corporation, president and CEO of 21st Century Telecom Group, director and group president of telecommunications services at McLeodUSA, and director of Cartesian, Inc.

In Currey's time as an alumnus, he has provided professional and financial support to current Michigan Tech students. In addition to spending time with students in the College of Business and sharing his expertise, together with his wife, Pam, the Curreys established the Robert & Pamela Currey Endowed Scholarship Award to provide financial assistance to students near his high school in Monroe, Michigan, or his summer home in Bellaire, Michigan.

In recognition of his career and relationship with the University, Currey will be presented with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Barbie E. Laderman-Jones '92, Humanitarian

After graduating from Tech in 1992 with her BS in Biological Sciences and a certificate in secondary education, Barbie Laderman-Jones worked as a high school teacher for the Peace Corps in Papua New Guinea (PNG) until 1995, and then taught at a high school in California and worked at a veterinary clinic during summers.

In 1998, Laderman-Jones returned to Michigan to pursue a master's in medical science from Wayne State University. She graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island in 2004, and completed an internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. She continued to a residency program in the emerging field of shelter medicine at the University of California, David. In 2008, she was only the thrid veterinarian in the world to receive such training. Laderman-Jones received board certification in Shelter Medicine Practice from the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2017.

"I believe my purpose in life is to help animals, and I've been so fortunate to have a career that allows me to do this on a regular basis. I have volunteered for many reasons—to feel connected, to provide veterinary care to those who otherwise could not access it, to promote the humane treatment of animals, to help with things that are outside of my professional expertise, and to practice gratitude."Barbie Laderman-Jones '92

She has served in leadership positions at multiple animal shelters in California, including San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Place SPCA. She has also participated in volunteer MASH-style spay/neuter clinics across the world, has worked with multiple animal welfare organizations that aim to improve access to veterinary care, and is a published scholar in her field.

In recognition of her volunteerism and ongoing work to help those in need across the world, Laderman-Jones will receive the Humanitarian Award.