December 3, 2025

When Nathan Sodini ’22 graduated from Michigan Tech with degrees in engineering management and finance, he wasn’t chasing a desk job or a career confined to one city. He wanted a role that offered international travel, worldwide collaboration and the opportunity to transform technical expertise into leading-edge solutions.

He found it at Milwaukee Tool, where Sodini’s commitment to go above and beyond earned him the 2025 Milwaukee Tool Rookie of the Year Award in Product Marketing. This company-wide honor recognizes Sodini’s exceptional early-career performance.

Learn how Tech prepared Sodini for his career as a product manager and how he’s giving back to fellow Huskies on the College of Business Newsblog.

The College of Business is remembering and celebrating the contributions of longtime faculty member William Blakeslee Chapel, who died Nov. 14 at age 90.

A native of Detroit, Chapel earned both a master’s and Ph.D. in Rhetorical and Technical Communication from Michigan Tech. Prior to his graduate studies, he received a certificate of graduation from Moody Bible Institute and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan.

Before joining academia, Chapel worked as an investment securities advisor in Detroit and later owned and operated Michigan-based Chapelwood Products. After joining Michigan Tech, he served for many years as a faculty member in the College of Business, where he taught international business communication, business communication, entrepreneurship and intercultural communication. An active scholar, his research and publications added to the body of work in the field of international management communication.

Chapel retired from teaching in 2003. Colleagues and students remember him as a dedicated educator and a genuinely kind presence in the College and the community.

“He was passionate about writing, including editing the College of Business newsletter that later became the current Impact Magazine,” said Dean Johnson, College of Business dean. “Bill was a gentle man who cared deeply about his students and his colleagues. In one of his last communications with me, he told me, ‘It’s good to see you're still smiling.’ Quite simply, Bill made the world a better place for others.”

Read Chapel’s full obituary.

With the arrival of winter, it is time for Michigan Tech campus community members to move your bikes into their designated winter bike storage areas. If left out, bikes could be damaged during snow removal operations.

Bike racks around campus buildings will be relocated so that they’re not damaged by plow equipment or crushed under accumulated piles of ice and snow. Many of the racks will be moved closer to the buildings, out of the way of snow plowing operations. Students, faculty and staff who wish to ride during the winter months can use these relocated bike racks if they choose to. In addition, a number of sheltered bike rack locations are also available on campus.

Sheltered Bike Rack Locations:

• Bike racks on the north side of the Library
• Bike rack at the entrance of the GLRC
• Vertical/hanging bike racks under the Dow overpass along Cliff Drive
• Bike rack on the south side of the EERC
• Covered bike rack located between the H-STEM and EERC
• Covered bike rack located on the west side of East Hall
• Winter bike racks at Wadsworth Hall and McNair Hall (designated for hall residents)

Abandoned Bikes Deadline:

This week, Grounds Services staff will place colored ribbon on the handlebars of bikes on campus. Remove the ribbon if you are using your bike. Bikes with colored ribbon remaining on racks or left in other locations on campus after 5 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 5, will be considered abandoned. The University assumes no liability for abandoned bikes on campus and they will be collected by the Department of Public Safety and Police Services. Permanent winter bike storage is available for some students.

If you have any questions on winter bike accessibility on campus, contact Facilities Management at 906-487-2303.

Michigan Tech’s Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC invite you to our Fall 2025 Commissioning Ceremony, being held on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Rozsa Center Lobby.

This semester we have five Army cadets and three Air Force cadets commissioning. Those commissioning are from the following programs:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Theatre and Entertainment Technology

The SDC and Gates Tennis Center will observe reduced Open Recreation hours over winter break, beginning Dec. 12 and continuing through Jan. 4, 2026.

View Open Rec Hours.

Additionally, all facilities will be closed on the following dates:

• Midyear Commencement — Saturday, Dec. 13
• Christmas Eve — Wednesday, Dec. 24 
• Christmas Day — Thursday, Dec. 25
• New Year's Eve — Wednesday, Dec. 31
• New Year's Day — Thursday, Jan. 1

Regular business hours will resume on Jan. 5.

The Human Resources office will be closed from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, for a departmental meeting. The office will reopen on Monday, Dec. 8, at 8 a.m.

Questions during this time can be emailed to hr-help@mtu.edu or left as a voicemail at 906-487-2280.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

​​University Chemical Stores will be closed from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1, 2026. During this closure, our service window will remain closed and we will not be distributing items.

For any products needed in this calendar year, please submit our order requisition form by Dec. 15 to ensure sufficient time for processing and delivery.

Starting Dec. 18, we will hold most orders for processing at our discretion. This is to protect product quality and safety, especially for temperature-sensitive products. We will resume normal ordering on Jan. 5, 2026. 

If you have any critical needs during this time, please email us at chemstores@mtu.edu as early as possible so we can work out a solution with you.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding, and wish you a happy and healthy holiday.

A recording of the "Community Conversations: Being a Veteran on Campus" panel held at Michigan Tech on Nov. 10 in recognition of Veterans Day is now available on the CommUNITY Education Team's website.

The recording is located in the event dropdown under Past Events.

The panel featured MTU faculty, staff, students and retirees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Through personal stories and open dialogue, our panelists shared insights about their time in service, the transition to civilian and academic life, and what it means to build supportive communities for veterans on campus.

There’s still time to recognize the incredible fraternity and sorority leaders, chapters and community members who make our Greek community thrive! Fraternity Sorority Life Awards nominations are still open, but will officially close on Sunday, Dec. 7. 

Each year, the Fraternity Sorority Life Awards celebrate the achievements and impact of our fraternities and sororities across campus. Faculty, staff and advisors are invited to acknowledge individuals and chapters demonstrating excellence in leadership, scholarship, service and community engagement. Whether it’s a chapter that’s gone above and beyond in community service or a member who has made a lasting difference, we want to hear about it!

Help us honor the best of Fraternity Sorority Life and take a few minutes to submit your nominations before the deadline. The nomination forms are located in the Award Descriptions dropdowns for each award.

Please be reminded that the 20th annual celebration is scheduled to take place on Jan. 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom.

The Campus Store and University Images are hosting a one-day Customer Appreciation Sale today, Dec. 3, with 25% off almost everything. Both locations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stop by the Campus Store in the Memorial Union or University Images in the SDC to take advantage of the savings!

Join Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University for the C-Cubed Luncheon, being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

Menu for Thursday, Dec. 4:

• Chicken Tikka Masala (AG) (PR)
• Potato, Garbanzo and Pea Coconut Curry (VG) (AG)
• Basmati Rice (VG) (AG)
• Garam Cauliflower and Chickpea (VG) (AG) (CF)
• Garlic Naan (V) (PR)
• Kachumber Salad (VG) (AG)

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by the catering culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee, tea and desserts are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $16 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union office (MUB 101). Meals are dine-in only and personal containers/tupperware or to-go meals are not permitted.

Submit C-Cubed Feedback • Sign Up to Receive Weekly Menus

Join representatives from Dykema, Michigan Tech’s government relations firm, as they present an update from Washington, D.C., on Federal Research and Directed Spending. The presentation will take place in the Great Lakes Research Center on Dec. 12 from 1-2 p.m. Those on campus are encouraged to join in person in GLRC 202. A virtual option is available for those unable attend in person.

Join Dykema's Presentation on Zoom.

About the Session:

The Dykema team will provide an overview of the current US federal research funding landscape and a status update on the ongoing federal budget process. The basics of federally directed spending requests (e.g., programmatic requests and community-directed spending) will also be covered. Michigan Tech Vice President for Government Relations Bill Kordenbrock and Vice President for Research Andrew Barnard will be on hand for discussion and to address questions and answers.

Please direct any questions about the upcoming presentation to the Research Development team via rd-l@mtu.edu.

The next guest speaker of the semester in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present Friday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. in Chem Sci 102 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioMed Seminar on Zoom. 

Huaxiao “Adam” Yang from the University of North Texas will present "hPSC-derived Organoid Vascularization and Artificial Intelligence."

Read Yang's abstract and bio at the University Events Calendar.

Rafael Ruiz will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series on Friday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. in person in Chem Sci 211 or virtually via Zoom. 

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom. 

Rafael will present "Uncertainty Quantification in Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters: A Review of Modern Approaches." 

Read Ruiz's abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar. 

Ruiz is aa assistant professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He is hosted by Maria Gencoglu.

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m on Thursday, Dec. 4, in EERC 100.

Ben Bussey will present "Unlocking the Moon, Unlocking the Solar System."

The presentation will discuss details on past and future Intuitive Machine missions and other upcoming activities. It will also discuss the value of the Moon as a scientific resource, an exploration resource, and a commercial resource. A cornerstone of multiple science disciplines, the Moon can help us learn how to effectively explore further into the Solar System with humans and robots, and it can enable commercial activities that support science and exploration.

Bridge Michigan quoted Professor Emeritus Rolf Peterson (CFRES) in a story about new research examining how wolves on Isle Royale are shifting from moose to beavers as seasonal prey, and what that means for the island’s ecosystem.

The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about early-season snow conditions in the Keweenaw, noting that the Tech Trails are already being groomed for skiing, snowshoeing and snow biking.

CTL Spring Book Clubs

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will be hosting two book clubs during spring 2026. For accommodations, please contact Catharine Gruver at cgruver@mtu.edu or 906-487-3026.

• Spring 2026 CTL Book Club — “The Opposite of Cheating”
  Are you concerned that your students are not acting with academic integrity? Are you looking for strategies to encourage students not to use generative artificial intelligence other non-authorized tools to complete assignments? Please join our Spring 2026 Faculty Book Club focused on “The Opposite of Cheating: Teaching for Integrity in the Age of AI” by Tricia Gallant and David Rettinger. During five biweekly sessions, we will learn about and discuss strategies that faculty can implement in their courses to foster a community of academic integrity and to design assignments that reduce the incentive for students to cheat. 
  – Days/Times: Please join us on Thursdays at 2 p.m. in Library 243.
  – Register: Sign Up for “The Opposite of Cheating” Book Club.

• Spring 2026 CTL Online Book Club — “Specifications Grading 2.0”
  Do you find grading challenging? Are you looking for strategies to hold students to high standards while effectively managing your grading load? Please join our Spring 2026 Online Faculty Book Club focused on “Specifications Grading 2.0: Restoring Rigor, Motivating Students, Saving Faculty Time, and Developing Career Competencies” by Linda Nilson and Joseph Packowski. During five sessions, we will learn about and discuss the specifications grading approach and how it might be applied to improve student and faculty grading experiences.
  – Days/Times: Please join us online on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
  – Register: Sign Up for the “Specifications Grading 2.0” Book Club.

*****

MTU Aquatics: Join Us Tonight for WIBIT Wednesday!

Join MTU Aquatics for WIBIT Wednesday at the SDC Pool tonight, Dec. 3, from 5-8 p.m.! Test your individual skills on the course or challenge your friend to a race across the obstacles.

Current MTU students and SDC members (minimum three-month membership) participate for free! No registration is required. Show your student or member ID for admission.

Not a current student or SDC member? Purchase a WIBIT Wednesday Pass!

Receipt is required upon entry. No SDC Day Pass or Action Pass will be accepted for admission. A waiver of liability and concussion awareness form are required to be completed prior to participation. All participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults must have event access (MTU student/SDC member/WIBIT Wednesday Pass holder).

Dec. 3 WIBIT Combination: Step, Bridge, Cliff, Slope

About WIBIT Obstacles:

• Step — Allows users to climb up onto the course.
• Base — Users must make their way across a horizontal surface. Be careful how fast you move, as it can get slippery!
• Cliff — Users must navigate either side of a slope using the handles and their balancing skills.
• V-Connect — Users must use limited footing space to navigate across the horizontal structure.
• Bridge — Users must navigate up and over an arched structure without falling through.
• Slope — Users must climb up a six-foot wall that leads to a slide into the pool water below!

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Boyle at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

See you at the pool!

*****

Coffee with the Safety Crew: Holiday Safety

Michigan Tech’s Safety Team — Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and the Office of Risk, Insurance, Safety, Security, and Compliance (RISSC) — will be hosting our next monthly coffee talk: a chance for all Huskies to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of campus health and safety.

We invite you to join us on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9-10 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B . 

Topic: Holiday Safety - Every winter there is a sudden rise in injuries and fatalities caused by decorations, fires, car accidents, slips, trips and falls, and improper lifting of heavy packages and suitcases. Join EHS for tips to keep your holiday safe. In addition, there will be an informal opportunity to talk with our campus safety professionals for other safety related questions and issues. 

Mark your calendars and come ask the questions you have always wanted to ask and get the answers you need about Michigan Tech safety programs, legal compliance issues and additional resources… and have a cup of Joe with the Safety Crew!  

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

Fiber Craft Meet-Up Interest Meeting

Wednesday, December 3, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Commons

If you knit, crochet, spin, embroider, cross-stitch, bead, weave, or do any other kind of fiber craft, this is the meeting for you. Join us in the MUB Commons at 12:00pm on December 3rd to discuss a regularly occurring lunch-time fiber craft get together here at Michigan Tech. The goal of the meeting will be to settle on a time, location, and frequency for the group. Feel free to bring your lunch and latest project. Look for yarn on the table to find us. If you can't make the meeting, but want to know what's decided, email Alice at alicem@mtu.edu.

Pathways to Funding Graduate School

Wednesday, December 3, 12 p.m.–2 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom A

This is a workshop presented by Dr. Wayne Gersie, VP for Community Engagement at Michigan Tech which is sponsored by the McNair Scholars Program. Scholarship, fellowship and other funding pathways to paying for Graduate School will be discussed at this workshop. Light refreshments will be provided. Please be sure to register for the event.

Art + Nature: Presentation of Artwork with Anne Beffel and Student Artists - Studio Here Now

Wednesday, December 3, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Wadsworth Hall, Studio G04W

STUDIO HERE NOW EVENT Anne Beffel will present an Artist Talk and exhibit works by a new generation of artists working at the intersection of art, attentiveness and the ecosystems of which we are part. Doors open at 5 pm. Talk will be from 6-6:30 pm. Light refreshments provided. Things to know DATE | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 TIME | 5-6:30 p.m. LOCATION | Wadsworth Hall, Studio G04W ADMISSION | This event is free and open to the public DURATION | 90 min. drop-in event CONTENT GUIDANCE | None Not sure how to get to the Wads Studio? Here's how: Enter the front doors of Wadsworth Hall (on the south side of US Highway 41). Take the stairs or elevator down one level to the basement. The Studio is between the WMTU studio and the music practice room down the hallway. Thanks to Our Sponsors Support for this Michigan Tech Art Event provided by: and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters. About Studio Here Now Anne Beffel is an artist and Professor at Michigan Technological University. As an artist, she hopes to raise questions about social justice as she offers opportunities to experience empathy and inclusiveness among those who encounter her work. Studio Here Now serves as a professional research lab and art studio for resident artists and Professor Anne Beffel. They invite artists to give talks, gather and share work. 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 Artist Talk with Anne Beffel - Studio Here Now Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 5-6:30 p.m. Spring Student Art Exhibition - Studio Here Now Monday, April 13, 2026 | 5-6:30 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 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.

SoundGirls General Meeting

Wednesday, December 3, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Walker 210

Join SoundGirls for our weekly general meeting! We will talk about music, the audio industry, and fun events around campus.

SoundGirls General Meeting

Wednesday, December 3, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Walker 210

Join SoundGirls for our weekly general meeting! We will talk about music, the audio industry, and fun events around campus.

Board Game Night

Wednesday, December 3, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Wadsworth Annex (G11)

Stressed? Burnt out? Wrap up the semester with some low-pressure fun at Board Game Night no studying required, just snacks, laughs, and a good time. Join us on Wednesday, December 3rd from 6-8pm, stop by the Wadsworth Hall Annex, (G11, the room attached to the Campus Cafe)!

Plant and Garden Club weekly meeting

Wednesday, December 3, 7 p.m.–8 p.m. | Fisher 127

Come by Fisher 127 to help plan future workshops, club events, and just talk plants

Serve the King - Main Meeting

Wednesday, December 3, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Wads G42W

Want to be trained in Righteouesness? Interested in developing more faithful work ethic? Building the Kingdom? Glorifying God? Come check out our main meeting where we are elaborating on some of the important parts of the Gospel, how it applies, and why without it, we are hopelessly lost.