July 11, 2025

Michigan Tech's Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) is proud to announce that John Gierke has been granted the title of professor emeritus, a distinction approved by the Board of Trustees in recognition of his exceptional 35-year career of teaching, research and service at MTU. This announcement follows his retirement in June 2025.

Gierke’s connection to Michigan Tech spans more than four decades and runs deep. A proud triple Husky, he earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering in 1984 and 1986, followed by a Ph.D. in environmental engineering in 1990. That same year, he joined the faculty of GMES, where he would have a lasting impact.

Throughout his career, Gierke was known for his dedication to student success. He advised dozens of M.S. and Ph.D. students whose careers now span industry, government and academia around the world. He also founded and advised Aqua Terra Tech, Michigan Tech’s first environmentally focused Enterprise, which he led from 2003 to 2012.

In recognition of his teaching and mentorship, Gierke was named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year in 2007 by the President’s Council of State Universities of Michigan — a testament to his impact in and beyond the classroom.

Gierke was successful in obtaining research grants that supported students’ impactful research, often in developing countries and in challenging research environments. His role in supporting the Peace Corps Master's International program helped students tailor research projects to address community-identified needs. He has made lifelong friendships with colleagues throughout Latin America and the world.

Gierke also served as department chair of GMES from 2014 to 2020 and as interim chair for two years. His leadership helped guide the department through essential initiatives, including ABET accreditation and efforts to broaden participation in the geosciences.

But Gierke’s contributions weren’t limited to formal roles. Colleagues remember his generous spirit, collaborative nature and commitment to an inclusive community — whether supporting local projects, helping students press apples at his farm, or inviting faculty families out for ice fishing adventures. His service to the broader Keweenaw community dates back to his undergraduate student days, when he volunteered for Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly. Through international service projects with Farmers-2-Farmers and other organizations, he shared practical expertise in water well siting and agricultural irrigation designs.

Gierke’s legacy at Michigan Tech is profound, and while he may be retiring from active duty, his influence will endure. Please join us in congratulating Professor Emeritus John Gierke on his exemplary career and wishing him all the best in this next chapter of life! Reach out to Luke Bowman at ljbowman@mtu.edu or Brittany Buschell at babusche@mtu.edu for details regarding plans to celebrate John later this summer.

Job Postings for Friday, July 11, 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.

Custodian (second shift, 12 months), Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates July 11 to July 17, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.​

Custodian (first shift, 9 months, two positions available), Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates July 11 to July 17, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online. 

Custodian (first shift, 12 months, two positions available), Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates July 11 to July 17, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online. 

Groundsperson, Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates July 11 to July 17, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

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.

Laura Kasson Fiss (PHC) will deliver a paper, titled “Critical Voices from 1887: The Case of the 'Ruddigore' Cutting Book," today, July 11, at the Research Society for Victorian Periodicals conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Upper Great Lakes Family Health (UGL) mentioned Michigan Tech alum Trevor Hodges ’09 (BS Business Administration) in a press release about his appointment as CEO.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about seven Huskies attending NHL development camps. Players Jack Anderson, Owen Bartoszkiewicz, Rylan Brown, Isaac Gordon, Max Koskipirtti and Teydon Trembecky participated, while Benton Maass (ATH) served as a guest coach at the Washington Capitals camp.

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MidwestLiving mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about 15 small-town getaways in Michigan, highlighting Houghton and Hancock for their charm and local attractions.

Campus Water Service Disruptions

The City of Houghton is continuing to perform routine maintenance on the municipal water system today, July 11. This work may result in periodic water service disruptions to Michigan Tech campus buildings. Outages, if any, are anticipated to last approximately 45 minutes.

As more information on timing becomes available, Facilities Management will notify occupants of any affected buildings prior to any disruptions.

Please contact Facilities Management at 906-487-2303 if you have any questions.

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Brkfst & Co Closed on Summer Session Orientation Dates

Michigan Tech's Brkfst & Co campus dining location will be closed three days next week to accommodate the space and resources needs of MTU's on-campus Summer Session Orientation activities. Access to the Keweenaw Commons in the Memorial Union Building will also be limited during these dates.

Brkfst & Co will be closed:

• Monday, July 14
• Thursday, July 17
• Friday, July 18

On-Campus Dining Alternatives
While Brkfst & Co is closed, alternative campus dining options include the Library Cafe/Velodrome Coffee Co. for grab-and-go meal options, snacks, drinks, and bakery; or The Eatery at McNair dining hall (credit card only). For a full list of menus and hours, visit Michigan Tech's Dine On Campus website.

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

KISMA Volunteer Buckthorn Removal Event

Friday, July 11, 1:00–3:30 p.m. | Swedetown Trails trailhead and Chalet

Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities A new community-based approach to invasive species management Looking for a way to give back to your community, the environment, and...

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the following dissertation, thesis and report defenses occurring next week. Please consider attending to learn more about our students’ scholarship and celebrate their academic accomplishments. Check the University Events Calendar for last-minute updates to times, dates and locations.