February 4, 2026

Winter Carnival has sparked lasting memories for many a Husky. In 2000, the Carnival theme “Icy Predictions of Future Conditions” proved both unforgettable and prophetic for then-students Dannett and Jerry Rice, whose future took shape when Jerry surprised Dannett with a marriage proposal in front of the audience at Winter Carnival Stage Revue.

Twenty-six years later, their son Ethan is adding a new chapter to the family’s Husky story, serving in the Blue Key National Honor Society vice presidential role his mother once held.

Catch up with the Rices and watch Jerry’s proposal become a part of Winter Carnival history at Stories from Husky Nation.

The Van Pelt and Opie Library is delighted to announce that it has entered into two new agreements for 2026 which allow open-access article processing charges (APCs) to be paid for through the library’s subscriptions! Simply identify yourself as an affiliate of Michigan Tech and select an open-access license when submitting your manuscript.

• American Chemical Society Publications: APCs for both open-access and hybrid-access journals are fully covered by the library's subscription.

• Cambridge University Press: APCs for both open-access and hybrid-access journals are fully covered by the library's subscription. In addition, the library's subscription now includes new access to over 420 journals on the Cambridge Core platform!

For more information about these and other agreements, including eligibility requirements, please visit the Library Support for APCs and Open Access Publishing guide.

Mark Your Calendar: Michigan Tech’s 24-hour giving challenge, Give Back to the Pack, will return starting at noon on April 7.

Hosted by the University’s Advancement and Alumni Engagement office, Give Back to the Pack is an opportunity for every Husky — alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students — to celebrate their Husky Spirit by making a gift to the area of their choosing at Michigan Tech.

If you have any questions about Give Back to the Pack or its ambassador program, please reach out to Sana Dicks, director of annual giving, at sdicks@mtu.edu.

Thank you for making an impact and for supporting the things you care most about at Michigan Tech during Give Back to the Pack!

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) at Michigan Technological University hosted the inaugural meeting of its Sustainable Bioproducts Industry Advisory Board on Jan. 30 to help guide the continued growth and relevance of the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Bioproducts degree program.

Inaugural Advisory Board Members:

• Greg Dupuis, Building Products Segment Leader, PFS TECO
• Kathryn (Katie) Fernholz, President and CEO, Dovetail Partners
• Douglas J. Hamar, President and CEO, Horner Flooring
• Michaela Harms, Vice President of Mass Timber, Sterling Structural
• Jack Johnson, Vice President of Manufacturing, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation

The board brings together leaders who represent a broad cross-section of the bioproducts sector, including mass timber innovation, engineered wood products, sustainable materials, manufacturing, and market development. Their collective expertise will help ensure that Michigan Tech graduates are prepared with the technical, digital and professional skills required in a rapidly advancing industry.

The board will provide strategic insight to ensure the sustainable bioproducts bachelor's degree program remains aligned with evolving industry needs, emerging technologies and workforce expectations. Members will provide strategic guidance on curriculum development, workforce competencies, experiential learning and applied research priorities. Members also help connect students with internships, co‑ops and early‑career opportunities across the forest products and biomaterials sectors.

“The Sustainable Bioproducts Industry Advisory Board reflects our commitment to building a program that is deeply connected to the needs and opportunities of today’s forest-based industries,” said Mark Rudnicki, Ph.D., professor of practice in forest biomaterials and director of Tech’s Ford Center and Forest. “These board members bring invaluable experience and insight. Their guidance will help us prepare students to lead in a future where sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing, and the circular bioeconomy play an increasingly central role.”

The inaugural meeting focused on aligning curriculum with emerging workforce needs across industries including mass timber and structural products, flooring and building products, and biomaterials and circular economy applications. The board also discussed student engagement opportunities — such as internships, co-ops, experiential projects and plant visits — designed to strengthen pathways from classroom learning to early-career roles.

Nominations are open to celebrate and recognize the individual and group efforts of students involved across campus at the 32nd Annual Student Leadership Awards! The nomination deadline for all awards is March 9 at 11:59 p.m. Each week leading up to the nomination deadline, we will highlight awards for which you could nominate an outstanding member of our community!

• Outstanding Future Alumni Award: The Outstanding Future Alumni Award recognizes a student who has gone above and beyond to support the Alumni Engagement mission of “Celebrating Traditions. Creating Connections.” It honors students who make a meaningful difference by strengthening Michigan Tech traditions or creating new ones that unite the Husky community. These individuals contribute to a lasting legacy of pride, unity and engagement through their dedication. Help us recognize a student whose commitment to Michigan Tech traditions and connections deserves to be celebrated. Students eligible for this award must be actively involved in a Tech Tradition. Your nominee has the chance to win a $500 scholarship if selected. Nominate a future alumni leader today on the Outstanding Future Alumni Award nomination form.

• Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader: The Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader Award celebrates students who are actively involved in campus activities and lead with enthusiasm, adaptability and drive. This award honors individuals who not only participate but inspire others through their passion and dedication. Whether they’re organizing events, leading groups or simply making campus life more vibrant, these student leaders make a lasting impact. Nominate a student whose commitment to campus activities and leadership deserves recognition. Shine a spotlight on their enthusiasm! Nominate someone on the Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader nomination form.

• Percy Julian Award: The Percy Julian Award recognizes an undergraduate student who displays outstanding leadership accomplishments which promote community and cultural understanding in our campus community. Your nomination helps us highlight the remarkable contributions of those who inspire positive change. Celebrate a student making a difference on the Percy Julian Award nomination form.

Find more information about all the awards and nomination forms on the Student Leadership Award webpage.

Registration for Session 2 of MTU Aquatics’ spring 2026 programs is here! Registration opens today, Feb. 4, for all programs.

Explore our programs for all ages and abilities:

• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Parent & Child Aquatics (ages 6 months to 3 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Preschool Aquatics (ages 4-5 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 (ages 6-17 years)
• Huskies Swim Training (ages 6-17 years)
• Adult Huskies Swim Lessons (ages 18 and older)
• Adult Huskies Swim Training (ages 18 and older)
• Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
• PADI Open Water SCUBA Course
• Huskies Diving Clinic

Important Information for Parents/Guardians:
To register your child for MTU Aquatics programs, you must have a DSE user account with Michigan Tech Recreation.

Additional Resources:

• How to create your user account
• How to create your child’s affiliate account

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

See you at the pool!

A representative from Cummins will be presenting on Friday, Feb. 6, at noon in R. L. Smith 303. Lunch will be served!

Billy Holland will present "Physics-Based Degradation Modeling for Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler Thermal Fatigue."

Holland is a mechanical engineer at Cummins with over 20 years of experience in engine systems, durability validation and physics-of-failure modeling. In this seminar, he will present a physics-based degradation modeling approach developed to estimate thermal fatigue life of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) coolers operating under transient thermal conditions.

Job Posting for Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026

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.

Assistant Teaching Professor, Engineering Fundamentals.

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.

Andrew Fiss (HU) is the author of a historical study published in the journal Technical Communication Quarterly.

In the study, titled “‘No Mining Engineer Could Be a Lady’: A Historical Case Study of Drag and Humor in Technical Writing, 1911–1917,” Fiss considers the student drama club called the "Micomi Club" (1911-1914) and its connections to technical writing at Michigan Tech. The study takes inspiration from the closing of the club, when the faculty supposedly declared, "No mining engineer could be a lady," referring to the practice of male students performing as female characters. 

A preprint version of the study is available online (for the first 50 copies). It is also available through a library link.

Fiss thanks Archivist Allison Neely and her colleagues at the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections for introducing him to the Micomi Club and their documents.

WLUC TV6 quoted Michigan Tech students Luke Borgula (mechanical engineering) and Emma Kerschbaum (materials science and engineering) in a story about the construction of St. Albert the Great University Parish’s annual “Our Lady of the Snows” ice chapel ahead of Winter Carnival. Catholic Vote also mentioned the Michigan Tech tradition in a national story highlighting ice chapels hosting winter masses on Midwest college campuses.

Visit Keweenaw featured Michigan Tech’s mascot Blizzard T. Husky in an episode of its video series “The Crossing Place.” The episode, titled “Pack Leader, Keweenaw Champion,” highlights Blizzard’s role as a symbol of Husky pride and a connector between Michigan Tech and the Copper Country community.

Keweenaw Report mentioned Michigan Tech in a story highlighting Winter Carnival activities underway on campus, including snow statues, Hungry Hungry Huskies, the All-Nighter, Stage Revue, and weekend events for students, alumni and the community.

WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech alum Deedra Irwin ’15 (B.S. Exercise Science) in a roundup of Team USA athletes with Michigan ties competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The story was picked up from Lansing’s WILX 10.

WLUC TV6 covered Michigan Tech hockey defenseman Jack Anderson being named CCHA Defenseman of the Week.

Cookies for a Cause: All-Nighter Fundraiser for St. Jude's

Enjoy some delicious homemade baked goods and help Michigan Tech’s Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) chapter support St. Jude’s Children's Cancer Research.

Visit us today, Feb. 4, during Michigan Tech’s All-Nighter from 4:30-10 p.m., or until supplies run out. The sale will be set up behind the TKE statue site, next to the University’s Administration Building.

Won’t be around for the All-Nighter? Stop by on your way off campus.

Some allergen-free options will be available. Suggested donation of $3 per bag or two bags for $5. Cash and Venmo accepted.

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Coffee with the Safety Crew: MTU's First Lab Safety Week

Please join Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) today, Feb. 4, from 9-10 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B for our monthly Cup of Joe with the Safety Crew.

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

Topic: Kickoff for MTU's First Lab Safety Week, Feb. 9-13

Enjoy a coffee and snacks while our colleagues from EHS start the kickoff for the University’s first annual Lab Safety Week on campus. Michigan Tech will participate in the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) National Lab Safety Week from Feb. 9-13, joining institutions nationwide in a shared effort to strengthen research safety culture across higher education.

Lab Safety Week brings practical, approachable and interactive activities to campus — designed to help students, faculty and staff build confidence in everyday safety skills. Learn how to nominate a student (undergraduate/graduate), staff member and lab for an exemplary research safety culture award. Check out the Husky Lab Safety Awareness Week website.

In addition, there will be an informal opportunity to talk with our campus safety professionals for other safety-related questions and issues. So 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!

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MTU Fiber Arts Group Meetup

Fiber crafters from the Michigan Tech community! If you knit, crochet, spin, embroider, cross-stitch, bead, weave or do any other kind of craft involving yarn, cloth, fiber or string, this is the meetup for you. Feel free to bring your lunch as well as your works-in-progress. We welcome students, staff, faculty and the community — the more the merrier!

Our meetings will be on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Join us in Library 103 from noon to 1 p.m.

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CTL Lunch and Learn: 'Keeping Class on Track: Managing Disruptive Behavior and Difficult Conversations'

Join the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for a Lunch and Learn panel discussion on responding to classroom disruptions and navigating difficult conversations.

Lunch and Learn:

Keeping Class on Track: Managing Disruptive Behavior and Difficult Conversations
Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 12-1 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B

Designed for instructors who want practical, in-the-moment strategies for keeping learning on track when tensions rise, this session features campus partners from Academic and Community Conduct, Student Disability Services, the Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX Office, Public Safety and Police Services, and the CTL.

Panelists will share concrete approaches for de-escalation, setting boundaries, documenting concerns and connecting students with the right support. Bring your questions or classroom scenarios and leave with a clearer playbook for responding with confidence and care.

Register for the Lunch and Learn.

Requests for accommodations can be made on the registration form, by emailing Jess Hendrickson at jelhendr@mtu.edu or by calling Jess at 906-487-2275.

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SLI, Order of Omega Hosting Spring 2026 Blood Drive!

Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI) and the Order of Omega are excited to announce our Spring 2026 Blood Drive! The blood drive will take place next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 10 and 11. You can donate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom.

Donating blood is a simple way to make a real impact — every donation can help save lives. The American Red Cross strongly encourages all donors to schedule an appointment in advance through their website to ensure a smooth experience.

To thank participants for giving back, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice through the American Red Cross.

In addition, donors who sign up in advance will have the opportunity to receive a newly designed, limited-edition Red Cross x Metallica T-shirt and guitar pick. Participants will also be entered for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind ESP Guitars Snakebyte guitar, featuring an exclusive Red Cross x Metallica design and autographed by all Metallica band members.

For more information, visit the Student Leadership and Involvement Blood Drives webpage.

We hope to see you there and appreciate your support in giving back to the community!

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New Resources Available Supporting Climate Change and Sustainability Course Integrations

Are you an instructor interested in integrating climate change or sustainability concepts into your courses or developing new coursework that addresses the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change? Thanks to a generous alumni donation, the Office of Sustainability and Resilience and a faculty advisory committee are offering resources supporting curricular efforts in these areas over the next two years.

With a tiered funding model, we are able to support course integrations ranging from the module or project level to entirely new course proposals. We also plan to offer a workshop in the summer to help kick-start action and collaboration in this work for all awardees. For more information about the Climate Change Curriculum Innovation Awards along with a form to express your interest, please visit the Faculty Funding Opportunities webpage. 

Interested? You do not need to have a fully formed idea to take advantage of this opportunity! To begin, we are gathering a list of faculty and staff interested in climate change or sustainability course integrations. Please fill out our brief interest form by Feb. 13. If your interests involve collaboration with other faculty or staff within or across University units, the form has a section to indicate this. We will follow up later in February for additional conversation and details on resources and timeline.

Questions? Reach out to Lauren Furey, manager of sustainability programs and outreach, at lafurey@mtu.edu.

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Applications Now Open for SURF – Encourage Your Students to Apply

Faculty are invited to encourage qualified undergraduate students to apply for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. SURF provides students with a structured, funded opportunity to engage in meaningful research under faculty mentorship during the summer.

Faculty involvement is central to the SURF experience. We encourage you to:

• Identify students who would benefit from a summer research experience
• Discuss potential research projects with interested students
• Serve as a research mentor for a SURF fellow this summer

Participation in SURF allows students to develop research skills, contribute to ongoing scholarly or creative work, and prepare for graduate study or professional careers.

Learn more and apply on the SURF website. The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m.

Questions about SURF or faculty involvement may be directed to Chris Hohnholt at cahohnho@mtu.edu.

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

Women's Rights are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence, and Discrimination Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

Wednesday, February 4, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. | Rozsa Art Galleries, Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Women’s Rights are Human Rights is a fitting title for an exhibition of women’s rights and advocacy posters, as it was a term used in the women’s rights movement and was the title of an important speech given by Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1995 at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This exhibition features posters created by artsit of all genders to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens should play in protecting and promoting human rights while challenging gender inequality and stereotypes, advancing reproductive and sexual rights, protecting women and girls against brutality, and promoting women’s empowerment and participation in society. These poster images challenge patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women from achieving their fullest potential. These images argue for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls enabling empowerment of women and achievement of real equality between women and men that fosters societal stability and human dignity. Learn more at womensrightsarehumanrights.org Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and…

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Fiber Arts Group

Wednesday, February 4, 12–2 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 103

MTU Fiber Arts Meetup Fiber crafters from the Michigan Tech community! If you knit, crochet, spin, embroider, cross-stitch, bead, weave or do any other kind of craft involving yarn, cloth, fiber or string, this is the meetup for you. Feel free to bring your lunch as well as your Works-in-progress. We welcome students, staff, faculty, and the community - the more the merrier! We meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Meetings will be at the Van Pelt & Opie Library, Room 103.

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 2

Wednesday, February 4, 4–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Huskies Swim Training is a program that provides additional attention and competitive guidance to advanced swimmers looking to focus on stroke technique and efficiency. Sessions will be designed to improve swimming through stroke drills and swimming sets focused on endurance, speed, and race strategy. Coaches will provide feedback and stroke correction in a group environment with an emphasis on promoting a love for competitive swimming and lifelong skills such as discipline, dedication, and teamwork. Come be part of the pack! Competitve swimming opportunities are now availabe to current Huskies Swim Training participants!

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SoundGirls General Meeting

Wednesday, February 4, 5–7 p.m. | Walker 210

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

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Guardians of the North, Air Force ROTC All-Nighter Pancakes

Wednesday, February 4, 6 p.m.–1 a.m. | Fisher Hall

The Air Force ROTC cadets are hosting their annual pancake fundraiser during Winter Carnival All-Nighter. Everyone is invited. Proceeds support the cadets in leadership opportunities and advancing their academic and military careers.

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USG Mini Golf and Prizes

Wednesday, February 4, 6 p.m.–12 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

Get ready to tee off at the USG Mini Golf and Prizes event during Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival! Whether you're a seasoned putter or a total beginner, this is your chance to show off your mini golf skills, enjoy the winter vibes, and win some awesome prizes. Grab your friends, take on the fun challenges, and see if you have what it takes to conquer the course. Don’t miss out—come get some prizes and test out your mini golf skills at one of the most exciting events of the season!

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Mocktails

Wednesday, February 4, 7–11 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Commons

Join the Advisory Council on Student Well-Being at Michigan Tech for Mocktails at Winter Carnival, an event designed to bring fun and flavor to your Winter Carnival experience! Mocktails are delicious, alcohol-free beverages that are as creative and refreshing as their cocktail counterparts. Sip on a variety of handcrafted drinks while enjoying the vibrant Winter Carnival atmosphere and connecting with fellow students. Whether you’re looking for a tasty treat or a cozy spot to unwind, Mocktails at Winter Carnival has something for everyone!

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Mocktails at the MUB

Wednesday, February 4, 7–11 p.m. | MUB Commons

Fuel your Winter Carnival all-nighter with festive mocktails! Stop by the MUB during the all-nighter for cozy, alcohol-free drinks to sip, warm up, and keep the night going.

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Broomball All-Star Games

Wednesday, February 4, 8–11 p.m. | Campus Mall, Broomball Rinks

Join us for the All-Star Broomball Games during Winter Carnival, a celebration of one of Michigan Tech’s most beloved traditions for over 50 years! Featuring an exciting Skill Competition along with women’s and men’s games, this event showcases the talent, passion, and spirit of broomball—a major part of student life and a significant piece of Michigan Tech culture. Come watch, cheer on your fellow Huskies, and enjoy the thrilling winter competition that brings our campus together year after year. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic event! Pre-registration required to participate; spectators welcome. Skills Competition Women's Game Men's Game

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Karaoke

Wednesday, February 4, 8 p.m.–1 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), MUB Commons

Hit the stage and let your inner superstar shine at the MUB Board Karaoke event during Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival! Select your favorite songs, grab the mic, and unleash the best singer in you as you belt out classics or today’s hottest hits. Whether you're singing solo, dueting with friends, or cheering from the crowd, this is your chance to feel like a star and create unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the ultimate karaoke experience—see you there!

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Winter Carnival Backdrop Available for Photo Ops

Wednesday, February 4, 10 p.m.–9 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Commons

Want to add to even more memories of WInter Carnival? Come take photos at the Winter Carnival Logo backdrop! Located in the MUB Commons. Available for pictures all night, it's a great way to celebrate Winter Carnival!

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Drone Show

Wednesday, February 4, 11:15 p.m. | Michigan Tech Campus, Walker Lawn, on the side of the Walker Arts and Humanities Center

Make your way to the broomball courts and get ready to look up at something unforgettable. The Winter Carnival drone show will fill the sky over the Portage with glowing lights and moving designs that bring winter to life. It’s the perfect late-night stop: simple, cozy, and a little bit magical.

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Winter Carnival

February 4, all day | Michigan Tech Campus

Organized by Blue Key National Honor Society since 1934, Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown to become one of the largest annual winter festivals in the nation. Featuring dozens of huge, intricate snow statues all around campus and the community, this event also brings together students to participate in broomball, comedy skits, sleigh rides, a queen coronation, and lots of winter fun.