President's Award for Leadership
The President's Award for Leadership recognizes a student who embodies our leadership value statement: "We inspire the leadership needed for all individuals to boldly push everyday boundaries while serving others."
David Reeves
B.S. Computer Science
David is a third-year Computer Science student graduating this spring with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His influence has spanned across many areas of campus, including serving on the Executive Boards of the McNair Hall Association, the Rowing Club, and Copper Country Robotics. Additionally, he has supported his peers as an Orientation Team Leader and ExSEL Peer Mentor. In his role as the Communication Coordinator for Orientation 2024, he spearheaded the launch of the Guidebook app to better connect incoming students to campus resources.
David’s most profound impact, however, has been his work within USG. As Treasurer, David has managed what is arguably the most time-intensive position on campus. This year alone, he processed over 1,700 financial requests from student organizations. This workload was achieved alongside the monumental task of coordinating and leading 66 hours of scheduled budget hearings for nearly 200 student groups.
Beyond the numbers, David is a builder of systems. He completely rebuilt the USG website to increase transparency and designed a financial tracker so students can see exactly where their Student Activity Fee is being spent. Recognizing that many student organizations were not in compliance with IRS tax filing requirements, David spearheaded a proposal that secured $118,000 to provide the professional support necessary for RSOs to successfully file for non-profit status. He also led a successful RSO Voting Competition and planned classroom presentations, which helped secure 962 student votes to pass a new USG Constitution that improved representation in the distribution of the Student Activity Fee.
What truly defines David’s leadership is his heart for mentorship. When a student group disagreed with a budgetary ruling, David responded with a 2,500+ word explanation that did more than just cite policy; he actively coached the group on how to appeal and how to advocate for the policy changes they wished to see. Through his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to the success of others, David has ensured that student organizations at Michigan Tech are truly equipped to thrive. Following graduation, David will begin his career at IBM.
Dean of Students Award for Service
The Dean of Students Award for Service recognizes a student who embodies our Community values statement, "We inspire an engaged community that actively seeks improvement through acceptance and understanding."
Amber Howard
B.S. Medical Laboratory Science
Amber’s commitment to the Michigan Tech community is defined by a simple but powerful philosophy: meaningful change begins with showing up. Whether responding to an emergency at 3:00 a.m. as a Lieutenant for MTU EMS or supporting a peer in the classroom, Amber’s service is rooted in empathy and steady leadership.
Beyond emergency response, Amber has dedicated herself to mental health awareness and prevention. As the Treasurer for the Well-Being Advocates, she spearheaded initiatives like "Boo Bags" to turn mental health support into an everyday student conversation. She extended this mission to her sorority, Delta Zeta, by leading suicide prevention training to ensure her sisters are equipped to support one another in times of crisis.
In the lab, Amber is a constant source of encouragement, often volunteering to let nervous classmates practice phlebotomy on her to help them build technical confidence. As a pre-health student accepted to multiple medical schools, she spends her time paying her success forward—mentoring younger students through mock interviews and panel discussions to help them find their own path in healthcare.
From her work at Aspirus Keweenaw to her roles in Tech Tutors and Summer Youth Programs, Amber’s calm judgment and willingness to lead with compassion have made Michigan Tech a safer and more connected home.
William and Josephine Balconi Award for Community Service
The William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award is presented to a student who demonstrates community service with lasting and meaningful impact during their time at Michigan Tech, regardless of background or area of study. Dr. David and Marie Blum have initiated this endowment in memory of Marie’s parents, Josephine and William Balconi. David and Marie remember Marie's parents as "kind, gracious, warm, and always helpful. They were always involved in helping others."
Brynn Santi
B.S. Psychology
Brynn has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service, making a profound impact both on and off campus. Through her work as a volunteer firefighter, wildland firefighter, and member of Superior Search and Rescue, she has dedicated countless hours to protecting and serving others in high-risk, high-stakes situations.
Her service is defined by action. Brynn has responded to emergencies across the region, often in physically and emotionally demanding conditions, and continues to step forward when her community needs her most. In one instance, while waiting at the airport for a delayed flight, she left to respond to a structure fire, spending hours on scene before returning in time to travel.
Beyond emergency response, Brynn contributes to campus life through her leadership in Blue Key National Honor Society, helping coordinate Winter Carnival events and ensuring the safety of students during large-scale traditions. She also supports fellow responders after difficult calls, recognizing the importance of showing up for others in every moment.
Gail and Glenn Mroz Emeritus President Leadership Award
The Gail and Glenn Mroz Emeritus President Leadership Award is presented to a student who demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities through activities at Michigan Tech or philanthropic activities to benefit Michigan Tech and/or the greater Keweenaw community. The recipient combines humility with integrity and the indomitable will to lead.
Becky Etten
B.S. Engineering Management
Becky has made a significant impact through her leadership at Michigan Tech. This year, she served as Secretary of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), while also serving as President of the Panhellenic Council and President of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.
In each role, she leads initiatives that bring people together or will have a lasting impact beyond her time in the role. In her role for USG, she established a mentor program to better support new members. In Panhel, she organized a sorority-wide service effort supporting the local humane society and developed a finals week care package fundraiser that raised over $1,000 in its first year.
Becky leads with humility and follow-through. She seeks feedback, supports those around her, and shows up in the moments that matter, often behind the scenes.