Student Orientation Executive Staff 2023

Hollis Aitkens

Hollis Aitkens

  • Communications Coordinator

About me

  • Major: Computer Science
  • Hometown: Trenton, MI
  • Year at Michigan Tech: Second
  • Favorite thing about Michigan Tech: The community up here is wonderful and has been a key part of me being able to thrive on this campus.
  • Biggest Firs Year Mistake: I bit off more than I could chew academically and felt undeserving of the help I needed.
  • Piece of Advice: Be kind to people, but remember you're a person too.
  • Pronouns: he/him/his and they/them/theirs
Anna Kavanaugh

Anna Kavanaugh

  • Co-Training Coordinator

About me

  • Major:  Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Science & Society
  • Hometown:  Berkley, MI
  • Year at Michigan Tech:  4th
  • Favorite thing about Michigan Tech:  My favorite thing about Michigan Tech are the people here. They make the place and experience better.
  • Biggest first year mistake:  Don't sign up for too much at once. Try out a lot of new things, but be careful of overcommitting yourself.
  • Piece of advice:  Take advantage of where you live. The Keweenaw has a lot to offer, some of which you won't be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Madeleine Kmieciak

Madeleine Kmieciak

  • Programming Coordinator

About me

  • Major:  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Bio Focus)
  • Hometown:  Farmington, MI
  • Year at Michigan Tech:  4th
  • Favorite thing about Michigan Tech:  The scenic views in the fall.
  • Biggest First Year Mistake:  Trying to juggle 18 credits with a research position. It left me little time to rest.
  • Piece of Advice:  Don't forget the MTU staff are here to help you learn and thrive. Talk to your professors. It's worth the anxiety for that bit of personal connection.
Austin McFarlane

Austin McFarlane

  • Co-Training Coordinator

About me

  • Major:  Scientific and Technical Communication
  • Hometown:  Detroit, MI
  • Year at Michigan Tech:  5th
  • Favorite thing about Michigan Tech:  I love to walk on the Tech Trails and clear my mind.
  • Biggest first year mistake:  Committing myself to too many different avenues.
  • Piece of advice:  Take your time and give yourself grace, it's a marathon, not a race.
Skylar Spitzley

Skylar Spitzley

  • Logistics Coordinator

About me

  • Major: Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Hometown: Ovid, MI
  • Year at Tech: Second
  • Favorite thing about Michigan Tech: My favorite thing about Tech is the community and amount of opportunities Tech has to offer.
  • Biggest First Year Mistake: Not taking time for myself. I was involved in a lot of student orgs and I was taking intensive course loads, so not taking a moment to breathe or an hour or two a week for myself was a big mistake. It's so important to let your body and mind rest, so you can succeed in academia and in life.
  • Piece of Advice: It's okay to ask for help. You are not dumb for asking for help. The resources are her and staff and faculty want to help you.
  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers