Dean Johnson to Transition from Leadership Role in the College of Business

After over a decade of leadership, Dean Johnson has announced he will step down as dean of Michigan Technological University’s College of Business at the end of the 2025-26 academic year. Following a one-year professional leave, Johnson plans to return to the classroom as a faculty member and director of the Applied Portfolio Management Program, a hands-on investment program he launched at Tech.

During his time as dean, Johnson has guided the College through growth and innovation. Enrollment grew to over 600 students, new programs were added — including Tech’s Master of Engineering Management and the Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics — and the College expanded through the integration of the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Construction Management program as well as Tech’s entrepreneurial hub, Husky Innovate.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have led such a talented and hardworking group of people while interacting with our wonderful alumni,” said Johnson. ”The College of Business has tremendous momentum, and I’m looking forward to seeing new ideas and leadership continue that progress.”

Johnson said the College of Business is well positioned for what’s ahead, adding that a national search is underway for its next dean, who will continue advancing the College’s mission, unique programs and positioning within Michigan's flagship STEM-focused technological university.

A prospectus for the position is available on Michigan Tech's Academic Affairs website.

Tech Forward 2.0 Campus Conversations: Critical Resources for the Future; Smart Infrastructure and Communities

To share ideas, seek feedback and gauge interest, two Tech Forward 2.0 campus conversations will be held Friday, Oct. 24, in GLRC 202 on the themes/initiatives "Critical Resources for the Future" and "Smart Infrastructure and Communities." If either of these areas interest you and you would like a calendar invite sent, please complete our RSVP form.

  • Tech Forward 2.0 Discussion — Critical Resources for the Future
    Friday, Oct. 24, from 12-1 p.m. in GLRC 202

  • Tech Forward 2.0 Discussion — Smart Infrastructure and Communities
    Friday, Oct. 24, from 2-3 p.m. in GLRC 202

Critical Resources for the Future
Conveners for the Tech Forward 2.0 theme/initiative Critical Resources for the Future are looking for your input in scoping this Tech Forward 2.0 theme/initiative. This theme/initiative relates to essential inputs that sustain and improve living standards, human and environmental health, and industrial supply chains and sustainable development, and may also carry strategic value for national security. Critical resources in this context may include energy systems, minerals/materials, transportation, water, food, the built environment, healthy ecosystems and space resources, as well as their complex interactions.

Please join Critical Resources for the Future conveners for a campus conversation on Friday, Oct. 24, from 12-1 p.m. in GLRC 202, where they will summarize the information received from their theme/initiative scoping questionnaire and listen to your perspectives. The conveners will use your collective input from both the questionnaire and the campus conversation as they develop their strategic plan on this theme/initiative. 

Since this conversation falls during the lunch hour, you are welcome to bring your lunch and drop in and out. Please RSVP if you plan to attend in whole or in part.

Smart Infrastructure and Communities
As a public technological university, Michigan Tech is uniquely positioned to meet our responsibilities while embracing novel opportunities in the design and implementation of Smart Infrastructure and Communities. Conveners for this Tech Forward 2.0 theme/initiative seek to address two questions:

  1. How can Michigan Tech serve as a model for responsible and resilient infrastructure?
  2. How might that infrastructure promote education and workforce development, advance rural prosperity, participate in the digital world, and support innovation and entrepreneurship?

Please join your campus and community peers on Friday, Oct. 24, from 2-3 p.m. in GLRC 202 in an ideation session for building collective self-sufficiency, strengthening autonomy and creating initiatives for the Tech Forward 2.0 theme/initiative Smart Infrastructure and Communities. The conveners encourage everyone to think internally and externally to the Michigan Tech community, our history, the present, and our future.

Ideation focus areas will include:

  • Elements of Smart Infrastructure and Communities
  • Core Values & Competencies within Michigan Tech and our wider community
  • Blue Sky Visions of Smart Infrastructure for the Communities we serve
  • Building Together — Who needs to be engaged?

We look forward to your participation in one or both of these conversations.

Eight Graduates Selected for Induction into Presidential Council of Alumnae

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement is excited to announce the eight honorees who will be inducted into Michigan Tech's Presidential Council of Alumnae (PCA) during the 2025 PCA Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6:

PCA members are recognized for exceptional personal and professional achievements in all facets of life — including education and career excellence, community involvement, volunteerism, past involvement as a student and current relationship with Michigan Tech.

View the full PCA membership roster and learn more about this year’s eight inductees on the PCA webpage.

2025 MTU 3MT Competition – Cash Prizes Doubled!

The 2025 MTU Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition will take place on Nov. 4. The 3MT competition is open to all MTU graduate students, as it challenges you to present your research to a general audience within three minutes. Graduate Student Government invites you again to present your work at this exciting event.

Increased Prize Money
Great news! Cash prizes have doubled! The winner and runner-up will now receive cash prizes of $600 and $400, respectively, while the People’s Choice award winner selected by the event’s audience will be given a cash prize of $200. In addition, the winner of the local Michigan Tech competition will earn the opportunity to present at the regional 3MT competition.

Register for Three Minute Thesis. The deadline for registration is Thursday, Oct. 30.

Workshop/Practice Session Tomorrow
There will be a 3MT workshop/practice session tomorrow, Oct. 22. This session was organized to help students/contestants in getting clarity on how to prepare for 3MT even if they have not completed registration for the competition yet.

Register for the Workshop/Practice Session.

For more information on the competition, please send an email to gsg-research@mtu.edu.

University Senate Meeting 722

The University Senate will convene Meeting 722 at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Chem Sci 102.

Those within the University community unable to attend in person have the option to attend the University Senate meeting via Zoom. Please note: You will need to log in to your MTU Zoom account to join the virtual meeting.

Senators are responsible for making their constituents aware of the agenda for this meeting. Senators who are unable to attend should arrange for their alternates to attend in their place.

View the Meeting 722 Agenda.

Bring Smiles to Campus: Become a Pet Partners Handler

College life can be stressful for students, faculty and staff alike. One simple yet powerful way to improve well-being across our community is through the healing connection between humans and animals. Research shows that spending time with therapy animals can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and boost mood for both participants and handlers.

Do you have an exceptional, friendly animal (dog, cat, horse or bunny) who loves people and can brighten someone’s day with just a tail wag or a gentle nudge? You and your pet could make a real difference in the lives of Michigan Tech students and others in our community.

SuperiorLand Pet Partners, a community partner with the national pet therapy organization Pet Partners, will offer a Handler Class on Michigan Tech's campus on Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This six-hour fun and informative class is the first step to becoming a registered Pet Partners team.

This opportunity is offered in partnership with the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being and the Van Pelt and Opie Library as part of ongoing efforts to promote mental health, connection and stress relief on campus.

Once certified, you and your animal can volunteer at:

  • MTU events
  • Local hospitals and schools
  • “Read to Me” literacy programs
  • Nursing homes and community visits

Supporting student mental health and connection has never been so rewarding for both you and your furry (or fluffy!) friend.

To learn more or sign up, contact Patty Cornish, R.N., MSN, a certified Pet Partners Handler Class instructor, at 906-485-5815.

Michigan Tech Jazz Plays 'Big Bands and B-Sides' This Weekend

The temperature may be falling, but the jazz is heating up backstage at the Rozsa Center. Don’t miss the first jazz performance of the season this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25.

Friday, the R&D Big Band — directed by legendary Michigan Tech Professor Emeritus Mike Irish — joins JazTec, Michigan Tech’s top small jazz group, for an intimate concert performed backstage at the Rozsa. They will also be joined by the Video Game Music Ensemble, a student-led ensemble dedicated to arranging and performing music from popular video games.

On Saturday, the Workshop Brass Band kicks things off with some high-energy New Orleans brass band music. Then join the Jazz Lab Band, directed by Drew Kilpela, for an exciting night of big band compositions by Michigan-born trumpeter, composer and arranger Thad Jones.

Each evening provides the perfect opportunity for a fall night out. Let the autumn leaves dazzle your eyes by day — then let Michigan Tech Jazz dazzle your ears after dark!

Backstage Jazz: Big Bands and B-Sides — Michigan Tech Jazz
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts | 7:30 p.m.
Michigan Tech Music Series
Get Tickets

This Week in Michigan Tech Athletics

Tuesday, Oct. 21
• Michigan Tech Hockey Radio Show, 10 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ

Wednesday, Oct. 22
• Women's Basketball at Michigan State, 6:30 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & BTN+

Friday, Oct. 24
• Blue Line Club Luncheon, 11:45 a.m.
• Soccer at Ferris State, 1 p.m. on FloCollege
• Volleyball vs. Wayne State, 5 p.m. at SDC Gym on FloCollege
• Hockey vs. Ferris State, 7:07 p.m. at MacInnes Student Ice Arena on Mix 93 WKMJ & Midco Sports Plus

Saturday, Oct. 25
• Cross Country at GLIAC Championship (Grand Rapids), 11 a.m.
• Football at Northern Michigan, Noon on Mix 93 WKMJ, FloCollege & FOX-UP
• Volleyball vs. Grand Valley State, 2 p.m. at SDC Gym on FloCollege & 920 AM & 107.3 FM WMPL
• Hockey vs. Ferris State, 6:07 p.m. at MacInnes Student Ice Arena on Mix 93 WKMJ & Midco Sports Plus

Sunday, Oct. 26
• Soccer at Grand Valley State, 1 p.m. on FloCollege

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

Job Postings

Job Postings for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Department Chair – Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

Department Chair – Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering TechnologyManufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment or for an interview at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

New Funding

Abdolmajid Erfani (CEGE/MTTI) is the principal investigator on a project that has received a $50,000 research and development contract with the University of Maryland.

The project is titled “SCC-DG - Smart and Connected Bikeways: Community-Driven Green Street Co-Designs.”

Chelsea Schelly (SS/CFRES/CISR) is a co-PI on this potential one-year project.

On the (Virtual) Road

Andrew Fiss (HU) gave invited remarks during the Oct. 16 closing exhibition panel discussion for "i don't do math," an art exhibition by Ontario-based photo artist Ann Piché sponsored by the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences at the University of Toronto.

Fiss gave a short presentation about historical considerations for "i don't do math," and he joined the conversation with colleagues from the University of Toronto, University of Edinburgh and Dartmouth College. He participated remotely.

In the News

Travis White (GLRC) was quoted by Popular Mechanics in a story exploring scientific efforts to better understand shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including renewed interest in the mystery surrounding the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The story was picked up by Yahoo! News, AOL and five additional news outlets.

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WLUC TV6 quoted Lisa Gordillo (VPA/CFRES) in a story about the completion of the Keweenaw Nature Megaphone, a 10-foot cedarwood sound-amplifying sculpture installed on the Michigan Tech Trails. Designed by Gordillo and created over three years with contributions from more than 60 MTU students, the piece invites visitors to experience natural sounds in a new way.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek in a story about Michigan State University’s upcoming northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula tour. The trip includes a meeting between Koubek and MSU’s president to explore potential collaborations between the two R1 institutions.

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The Colorado Times Recorder republished a High County News story quoting Rodney Chimner (CFRES) about collaborative efforts to restore high-elevation fens in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Chimner discussed the challenges of rehabilitating these peatland ecosystems, which store carbon, regulate water and support unique plant communities.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Houghton’s 16th annual Treat Street event. The story quoted MTU undergraduate student Indigo Mile, Phi Delta Chi’s vice president of philanthropy, who discussed the sorority’s involvement and role in connecting students with the local community.

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Kiplinger and Inkl cited a 2024 post from the Michigan Tech Computing News Blog, “Talk to the Duck: The Rubber Duck Debugging Method,” in a story about how the rubber duck rule can be applied to retirement tax planning to uncover gaps, assumptions, and new insights.

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Hoodline mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about nine Michigan universities ranked among the nation’s top institutions in WalletHub’s 2026 College & University Rankings. Tech placed No. 233 nationally.

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The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education mentioned Michigan Tech alum Roxane Gay ’10 (Ph.D. Rhetoric and Technical Communication) in a story about her selection as the recipient of the National Book Foundation’s 2025 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.

Today's Campus Events

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT For centuries, humanity has been fascinated with the microscopic world. Through advancements in technology, visually investigating this hidden landscape has become increasingly possible. One of these devices, the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope, allows us to see the microscopic surface of things more clearly than ever before. The Art Galleries at MTU’s Rozsa Center are proudly hosting a juried exhibition of photographs taken by the Hitachi SEM during its residency at Michigan Tech. Titled Nanowonder, this exhibition is truly collaborative and emphasizes how powerful the relationship between science and the arts can be. See beyond the surface of your stuff for free! The Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope will be on location at the gallery reception on Friday September 26, 5-7pm. The reception is free, open to all, and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to bring a small (approx 1"x1"), dry, flat sample to be scanned by the microscope technicians. Support for this event provided by Hitachi, ACMAL (Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory) at Michigan Tech, A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Department, Michigan Tech Biomedical Engineering Department, Michigan Tech Materials Science and Engineering Department, and Michigan Tech College of Sciences and Arts. Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 1-8 p.m. EXHIBIT DATES | September 12-November 7, 2025 RECEPTION | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. ADMISSION| Free and open to the public CONTENT GUIDANCE | none Plan your visit with information about parking, accessibility, and more. Rozsa Art Galleries are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed during academic recesses. Contact the Rozsa Box Office for more information. Thanks to Our Sponsors Support for this Michigan Tech Art Event provided by: and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters. About the Presenter Professional exhibitions in the Rozsa Art Galleries. Student showcases. Artist Talks with Studio Here Now. Cross-campus collaborations. The Michigan Tech Art Series offers dynamic programming that supports Michigan Tech students and our wider community. Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone. View all Michigan Tech Art Series Events. Related Events Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries September 12-November 7, 2025 Reception | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Artful Intersections: Fall Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries November 21-December 2, 2025 Reception | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Through the Quiet Hours: Night Sky Photography Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 16-23, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Women's Rights are Human Rights Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 30-March 28, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Beyond the Frame: Spring Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries April 10-14, 2026 Reception | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Art Events. Plan Your Visit to the Rozsa Rozsa Box Office InformationAccessibility Services Find a Digital ProgramPlan your Parking​ Get Involved Volunteer to UsherDonate to Support the RozsaMeet Our DonorsGet Updates via Email View All Upcoming Events Personal Responsibility Statement Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event. Views Expressed Statement The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.

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College of Business Resume Review

Join us to have your resume reviewed before the COB fair. Whether you're polishing your first draft or updating a seasoned resume, Career Services staff will offer tips on format, content, and how to best showcase your skills and experiences.

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Reading Group on Early Christian Thought: St. Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions

Join us on Tuesdays at noon for the Fall 2025 reading group on early christian though! What? St. Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions Where? 3rd Floor of Walker, Peterson Library (120C on 9/16 during Peterson renovations) When? Tuesdays at Noon starting Sep 9, 2025 Who? You! No prior knowledge of Augustine, theology, ethics, or Christianity required– this reading group is open to all! This reading group is hosted by Dr. T rish Grosse Brewer (tgbrewer@mtu.edu, Humanities). Dr. Brewer’s educational background is in philosophy and religion and her research focuses on the thought of Augustine of Hippo. Augustine’s Confessions is considered to be the first autobiography. In it, a middle aged Bishop gives an account of his birth to his conversion to Christianity and the death of his mother. The book concludes with an exploration of the first three books of Genesis. W e will determine our reading pace together in the first meeting. We will use the Chadwick translation.

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Research Graphics: Creating Visuals for Proposals

Strong visuals are essential to effective research communication. In this session, we'll explore how to create figures and graphics that enhance the overall impact of your proposals and manuscripts. What We'll Cover: Quick, actionable tips for improving research graphicsCurrent research on effective visualizationStrategies for creating figures that strengthen your narrativeHow visuals can clarify and amplify your research messageWhether you're preparing a grant proposal or manuscript, you'll leave with practical guidance to make your research graphics more part of your compelling storytelling

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Staff Council Meeting

Come join Staff Council for our monthly meeting! Staff Council is a service organization within the University whose charge is: to assist the University in recognizing outstanding performance and ongoing dedicated service by staff membersto maximize the use of talents and resources of the staff to support educational programs and to develop and strengthen skills and professionalism among the staffto provide events and opportunities that enhance the working environment of Michigan TechEach meeting consists of a notable guest speaker to share updates from around campus, updates about upcoming Staff Council programs and events, and opportunities to chat amongst a community of fellow staff members. Membership on Staff Council is voluntary, open, and available to any eligible staff member. Staff Council exists to support Michigan Tech staff: full-time, part-time, nine-month, or ten-month; non-student, non-faculty. As a reminder, union-represented employees are entitled to release time for professional development activities, including staff recognition programs deemed relevant by the University. Employees should work with their supervisors to ensure coverage during their absence. Supervisors may contact Human Resources for guidance on eligibility and the process for granting this release time.

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Tech Forward 2.0 Campus Conversation - Rural Communities & Development

Michigan Tech is rooted in a rural context — it is who we are, and it is an important competitive advantage for us. As a public university, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to advance wellbeing in rural communities through collaborative partnerships, cutting-edge research, and workforce development. The conveners for Rural Communities & Development are drafting a strategic plan to strengthen Michigan Tech’s impact in rural communities across the Upper Peninsula, the Midwest region, and around the world. The Tech Forward 2.0 Rural Communities & Development discussion is a campus-wide meeting to gather ideas and suggestions as we develop a strategic plan. During the campus conversation, we will discuss: 1. Establishing a Rural Prosperity Hub for Michigan and the nation. 2. Developing community-centered engagement strategies to build long-term partnerships with rural governments, tribal nations, nonprofits, and industries. 3. Integrating education and workforce development to support the rural labor force and a civically-engaged public. 4. Supporting infrastructure and resources at Michigan Tech to increase our rural impact through applied and foundational research, education, and service/partnership. We look forward to your participation.

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HuskyLEAD - Leading With Balance

When coursework, meetings, and extracurricular commitments pile up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This HuskyLEAD offers realistic, actionable approaches to help you navigate your academic and leadership responsibilities with greater clarity and control. This session is designed to help you lead with purpose while maintaining your personal balance. You'll leave equipped with practical strategies you can confidently apply to bring structure, focus, and sustainability to your college experience.

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Behind the Buzz

Substance use is often surrounded by myths, stereotypes, and misinformation. Behind the Buzz is an interactive event that goes beyond the headlines to explore the real impacts of alcohol, cannabis and other substances on academics, decision-making, and college life. Through engaging activities and practical strategies, participants will gain tools to navigate social pressures, make informed choices, and support peers in healthier ways. We'll be providing food, giveaways and engaging activities with guest speaker, Licensed Social Worker Savanna Weber

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La Peña Spanish Conversation Hour

Join us every other Tuesday this for La Peña, Spanish Conversation Hour, from 5-6pm in Walker 120A! Come practice your Spanish, hang out with other Spanish-speakers, play games, and maybe learn something new! All levels are welcome. Questions? Contact Estela Mira Barreda ebarreda@mtu.edu

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NCSA General Meeting

NCSA's weekly meeting is where we cover what's going on in the organization, often followed by a guest presenter, then discussion of what's going on in the world of tech. Meeting time and location may be subject to changes (ex. room conflicts, guest availability). Announcements will be made in NCSA's Discord server, invite link available via our website.

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Pumpkin Carving and Seed Roasting

Join us on Tuesday, October 21st in the MUB commons to celebrate fall with pumpkin carving! Enjoy warm apple cider, donuts, and roast your own pumpkin seeds with Husky Eats. Drop in anytime during the event — supplies are limited, so don’t wait too long! There will be prizes for the top pumpkin carved designs as well!

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Wildland Fire Club - Bi-Weekly Meeting

We will be meeting in room 144 in the Forestry Building. We will be covering the upcoming events and clarifying more details!

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Student Community Meal

Join us for our weekly free student meal, held Tuesdays during the semester at Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Come to cook, serve, eat, clean up, or all of the above! Cooking begins at 5pm and anyone is welcome to help cook. The meal is served from 6:30pm-7:30pm and any students are welcome to eat at the church and visit with friends or take a to-go box! If you would like to help with the meal but can't be there at 5, we also welcome people to help clean up from around 6:30pm to about 8pm. To stay up to date on weekly menus, follow the LCM instagram @lcm.mtu