June 3, 2026

The International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) honored Joan Chadde, retired director of Michigan Tech’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach (CSEO), with the John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award at their 2026 joint conference with the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences, held May 25-29 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The Vallentyne Award recognizes important and sustained efforts to inform and educate the public and policymakers on large lakes issues, thereby raising awareness and support for their protection and restoration. According to IAGLR’s award announcement, Chadde was recognized for a career dedicated to making large lake science accessible, active and inclusive for diverse audiences.

The award announcement highlighted Chadde’s work as the longtime director of the CSEO to pioneer place-based learning that connects students directly to their local watersheds, using locations such as Torch Lake and exhibits at Detroit’s Belle Isle Aquarium as a starting point for field trips and lessons.

“Chadde helped develop water quality curricula used by schools throughout Michigan, orchestrated the Lake Superior Youth Symposium, which has engaged over 2,200 students, and created programs like Ride the Waves and Water Festivals that, all combined, have reached hundreds of thousands of learners,” said IAGLR’s announcement. “Chadde’s work is distinguished by her tireless advocacy for equity, specifically recruiting students from underserved urban districts, Indigenous communities, and rural areas to participate in environmental stewardship. Even after her 2023 retirement, her legacy endures through the Sustainability Film Series she started, reflecting her ability to transform scientific concepts into meaningful experiences that foster a deep sense of responsibility and belonging to the Great Lakes.”

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Ph.D. student Anthony Ciletti, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, has earned a national award from the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) at two consecutive society meetings.

At the ASA Philadelphia meeting in May 2026, Ciletti was named one of three awardees in the inaugural Student Paper Competition: Seminal Papers in Acoustics. The competition, co-sponsored by the ASA’s Committee on Archives and History and Committee on Education in Acoustics, invited graduate and undergraduate students to select a seminal acoustics paper and present on its historical significance, technical content and lasting impact on the field. Ciletti presented on Johnson, Koplik and Dashen’s 1987 paper on the theory of dynamic permeability and tortuosity in fluid-saturated porous media. 

This followed Ciletti’s first place finish in the ASA Best Young Presenter Award at the joint ASA/Acoustical Society of Japan meeting in Honolulu in December 2025, where Ciletti was selected from 15 participants for his presentation titled “Anisotropic Acoustic Characterization of TPMS Architected Metamaterials via Impedance-Tube and Multiscale Modeling”.

Ciletti conducts his research in the Mechanical, Acoustics, and Dynamics Lab, advised by MAE Associate Professor Bhisham Sharma.

The Office of Alumni Engagement will host Alumni Reunion 2026 from July 30 to Aug. 1. 

Registration for Faculty and Staff
We will be collecting faculty and staff registrations through the Reunion 2026 Faculty/Staff Registration form. While we encourage faculty and staff to join us for the festivities, our visitors will be given priority for events that have capacity restrictions. Each faculty/staff member who plans to attend any Reunion activities must register individually through the form.

Registration for Alumni
Please share our main registration site for any alumni who wish to attend Alumni Reunion 2026.

College Receptions
Each college will be hosting a reception on July 31 from 1-3 p.m. This event, formerly known as the Campus Showcase, gives alumni the opportunity to visit colleges and departments, learn about what’s new and chat with faculty and staff — a favorite for our visiting alumni! 

Before the weekend arrives, be sure to check out the attendee list to see which alumni and friends will be joining us on campus.

Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 906-487-2400 or alumni@mtu.edu if you have any questions.

Registration is open for summer tennis programs at Michigan Tech’s Gates Tennis Center!

The Gates Tennis Center is open for the summer. Court reservations are available seven days a week for tennis and pickleball, as well as a variety of programming options for youth and adults. Reservations and payments can be taken online as well as at the Gates Tennis Center.

Join the Gates Tennis Center mailing list.

Questions? Contact John Miller at jowmille@mtu.edu.

Group Lessons:

• Youth Group Tennis Lessons
• Adult Group Tennis Lessons
• Adult Specialty Programs

Private Lessons:

• Youth Private Tennis Lessons
• Adult Private Tennis Lessons

Open Recreation:

• Hours
• Membership, Court Rentals and Locker Rental

HuskiesFit Recreation is back! This summer, discover new ways to stay active, build confidence and challenge yourself at the Student Development Complex! Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time, continuing your martial arts journey or looking to improve your fitness with rowing, our summer recreation programs offer something for all ages and experience levels.

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

HuskiesFit Adult and Youth Aikido
Whether you’re brand-new to aikido or looking to continue developing your skills, HuskiesFit programs offer something for everyone. With both adult and youth aikido options available, participants of all ages and experience levels can learn the fundamentals, build confidence and improve coordination in a supportive environment.

From mastering basic movements to refining technique and discipline, our aikido programs are designed to challenge and support you every step of the way. Join us this summer and experience a unique martial art that emphasizes balance, control and personal growth.

• Adult Aikido
• Youth Aikido

Summer ERG Rowing
Michigan Tech Recreation’s “Get Your Erg On!” (Level 1) indoor rowing program is back with new sessions designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of rowing while delivering a fun, high-energy, full-body workout. Led by experienced members of the Michigan Tech Rowing Club, you’ll learn proper technique and build strength through engaging and challenging workouts.

Whether you’re brand-new to rowing or looking to switch up your fitness routine, this program is open to all skill levels!

Each three-week session will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:15 p.m. 

Summer ERG Sessions:

• Session 2 — June 9-25 (registration closes June 7)
• Session 3 — July 7-23 (registration closes July 5)

Commit to be fit with Michigan Tech Recreation’s summer HuskiesFit programs!

HuskiesFit offers a variety of group fitness classes to keep you motivated and moving. One of the following passes is required to attend a class. All purchases can be made at the Central Ticket Office in the SDC.

• SDC Annual Membership (provides free admission to group fitness classes)
  
  
• HuskiesFit Group Fitness Semester Unlimited Punch Pass
  • General Public $110
  • MTU Student $70
    
    
• HuskiesFit Group Fitness Half-Semester Unlimited Punch Pass
  • General Public $60
  • MTU Student $40 (available beginning July 6)
    
    
• Guest Pass
  • General Public and MTU Students $10

Unlimited punch passes are semester based and expire on Aug. 30 at the end of the summer 2026 semester. Passes are valid for the current list of available classes and will not be exchanged or refunded due to changes in the class schedule. Classes may vary in length, location or number of available seats. First come, first served. Participants must be age 16 or older.

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

Summer 2026 HuskiesFit Programs:

• Group Fitness:
  • HIIT
  • Bootcamp
  • Zumba
  • Aqua Zumba
  • Zumba Gold
  • Zumba Toning
  • CIRCL Mobility
  • Vinyasa Yoga
  • Yogatone
  • Interval Burn
  • Slow Flow Toga
  • Body Sculpt
  • Lower Body + ABS
  • Belly Dance
  • Roll and Restore

New Group Fitness Check-In Process Beginning Summer 2026

1. Check In: Stop at the Fitness Center Attendant Desk (or the Pool Attendant Desk for Aqua Zumba). Give the attendant your name to verify your registration/eligibility. Those attending studio classes will be given a class token.

2. Head to Class: Enjoy your workout! Studio class tokens can be handed to the instructor in the studio.

Michigan Tech’s John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena and Skate Rental Center has begun offering open recreation for the summer season! Whether you’re looking to stay active, sharpen your skills or just enjoy some time on the ice, we’ve got something for everyone.

Here’s what you can look forward to at the Mac this summer:

• Services:
  • Equipment Rental and Skate Sharpening
    
    
• Recreation: 
  • Open Skate — Through June 28
  • Open Hockey — Through June 5
  • Stick and Puck — Through June 28

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

Registration for Session 1 of Michigan Tech Aquatics’ summer 2026 programs closes next Wednesday, June 10!

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

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!

Registration is open for all of the Michigan Tech Outdoor Adventure Program’s summer 2026 events and open rec!

Michigan Tech Recreation’s Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) is located at the MTU Trailhead off of Sharon Avenue in Houghton. Visit OAP online or follow along for updates on Instagram and Facebook.

Questions? Email OAP at oap@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2290.

OAP Rental Center:

• General Equipment

OAP Open Rec:

• Open Climb
• Tech Trails
• Log Rolling
• Open High Ropes

OAP Events:

Custom Trips
What do you want to do with the OAP? We can plan and program many outdoor adventures for your group and can combine many of the offerings that we have to make one great experience. Complete the Custom Packages Reservation Form, and we can get an estimate together for you! 

Canoe The Sturgeon
Relax and canoe with the OAP on a stretch of the Sturgeon River in Chassell, about 10 miles from campus. OAP will take care of transportation (from the OAP to the river and back), canoes, paddles, PFDs and trailers, and provide two trip leaders to assist along the paddle. This event takes roughly three hours from when we leave until we return. Paddling is easy, on slow-moving waters with no rapids. 

Waterfall Tours
Experience the magic of Michigan’s waterfalls with the OAP’s exclusive tour around the breathtaking Keweenaw Peninsula! Let us be your guides to the serene beauty of Hungarian Falls, the majestic Houghton-Douglass Falls (Michigan’s tallest!), picturesque Jacob’s Falls and Haven Falls. Leave the planning to us and indulge in a stress-free adventure as we uncover the hidden gems of the Upper Peninsula. Book your spot now and prepare for a day filled with awe and wonder! 

Fall Orientation Trips

• Sunset Paddle — Looking to get out and paddle this year, but not confident enough to do it yourself? Come with us on the Orientation Sunset Paddle! We will paddle the Sturgeon Sloughs in Chassell, easy flat water with lots of waterfowl and wildlife. All equipment is included and transportation as well! No need to do it alone; come with us and learn a bit more about paddling!

• Porkies Hike — The OAP will be heading over to the largest state park in Michigan, the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. Over 60,000 acres comprise the Porkies, with over 87 miles of trails that are perfect for your next outdoor adventure. We will spend the day hiking on the Escarpment Trail and exploring the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area. We will cover about four miles of trail during the day, and a short visit to the big lake to cool off afterward. Bring your own lunch.

Shooting Range programs are back at the SDC! Whether you’re looking to earn your Concealed Pistol License or take the next step toward becoming a certified instructor, we’ve got courses for you. Check out our upcoming Concealed Pistol Licensing Courses and Concealed Pistol Licensing Instructor Course to get started.

Questions? Email Jeff Stroud at jsstroud@mtu edu.

Concealed Pistol Licensing Course
This is the course you need to take to get your Michigan Concealed Pistol License. This is the premier course in the state of Michigan. The Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO) course covers what you need to know for carrying in open spaces, not just what to do in your home, but what to do in the parking lot, in the alley, etc. But we also add in things we teach our other courses that we feel you are going to need to know, doing our best to help prepare you to prevail in any encounter.

CPL Instructor Course
Before a MCRGO instructor candidate may register for the MTU course, happening this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, they must first apply to MCRGO, and become an approved instructor candidate (there is no cost to apply to become a MCRGO instructor — find the application link on the instructor course webpage). Instructor candidates must hold a current Michigan Concealed Pistol License unless exempted under MCL 28.432a Sec. 12a (a) and providing current department ID as a substitute. Instructor candidates also must be current members of MCRGO.

Job Postings for Wednesday, June 3, 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.

Human Resources Manager, Human Resources.

Human Resources Employment Specialist, Human Resources.

Postdoctoral Scholar, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

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.

The University of Michigan quoted Nancy French (MTRI/CFRES) and Shiliang Wu (GMES/CEGE) in a story about a NASA-funded collaboration between Michigan Tech and U-M. The project examines wildfire smoke and air pollution in the western United States and how people perceive and respond to associated health risks.

The International Association for Great Lakes Research announced Joan Chadde (CSEO/CEGE) as the recipient of its 2026 John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award in recognition of “a career dedicated to making large lake science accessible, active, and inclusive for diverse audiences.” Chadde retired as director of MTU’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach in 2023.

American Forest Management mentioned Michigan Tech alumni Stan Pelto ’97 (B.S. Surveying) and Kurt Huhta (B.S. Land Surveying) in a story about the launch of AFM Land Surveying, a new service offering property and boundary surveying in Michigan.

Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

Applications for Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. next Wednesday, June 10, to the Graduate School. 

Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online. Please note that instructions for advisor recommendation letters have changed for the Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowship application period.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a Ph.D. student.
2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a Finishing Fellow.
3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a Finishing Fellowship.
4. Must be eligible for candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
5. Must not hold a final oral examination ("defense") prior to the start of the award semester.

Finishing Fellowships provide support to Ph.D. candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding Ph.D. candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in the Michigan Tech Strategic Plan.

Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

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TIAA Financial Consulting Available On Campus

No matter where you are in life — whether you’re just getting started or planning for retirement — a session with a financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

• Am I invested in the appropriate mix of investments to help meet my goals?
• Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
• How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

Matthew Bunch from the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) will be available on Michigan Tech’s campus for one-on-one sessions next week, from Monday, June 8, through Friday, June 12. MTU employees can schedule time slots with Bunch in the MUB Greenstone Room (MUB 106A) during his time here.

RSVP today, as space is limited. You can register for a session with TIAA directly by logging in to your TIAA or guest account, then searching for "Michigan Tech" in the Institution field. When asked how you would like to meet, select "In Person at My Employer."

You can also register for a meeting by calling TIAA at 800-732-8353 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

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Upcoming Card Services Upgrade

A Card Services production system maintenance window is scheduled for tomorrow, June 4, from 2-4 p.m. During this time, CS Gold access readers, meal readers, and access to some Keywatcher Kiosk rooms will work in their offline mode. After the maintenance is complete, transactions will be uploaded back into CS Gold.

The following services will be affected:

• cardservices.mtu.edu website
• Mobile Readers
• Vending Readers
• Dining Point of Sale Systems
• Husky Print

If you have any questions or concerns about this maintenance window, we can help. Email IT or call 906-487-1111.

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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!

We meet at the Van Pelt and Opie Library every first and third Wednesday of the month from 12-1 p.m. Meetings will be in Library 216.

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

Summer Proposal Development Meetups

Wednesday, June 3, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, Rotating between (103, cafe area, and the outdoor plaza)

This summer, the Research Development team is once again hosting weekly Proposal Development Meetups to help the campus community with their proposals. Meetups will be on Wednesdays from 11:00-12:00, starting June 3, through July 15. While this timing aligns well with those working on NSF CAREER submissions, all are welcome to join, regardless of which funding opportunity you are pursuing. The meetups are intended to be flexible, but will generally follow this format: Check-in (5-10 min): Share what you will focus on in the sprint.Focus (45 min): Find your state of flow. A facilitator will run a timer so you can ignore the clockCheck-out (5-10 min): Share your wins, stretch, move, and discuss. We’ll use the library as a central hub for in-person meetups and a zoom option has been provided to allow remote participation. The library meeting location will vary a bit from week-to-week, rotating between the cafe area, conference 103, and the outdoor plaza area when the weather allows. Bring writing with you. Bring your questions. Bring ideas to refine. Just come - we look forward to seeing you!

Fiber Arts Group - Summer 2026

June 3, all day | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 216

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 216.