WELCOME WEEK

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of getting ready for fall semester and squeezing in the last bit of summer.

Labor day started the first week of classes and my family and I walked across the Mackinac Bridge, something we've avoided for the last fifty years. What a thrill! With a record crowd of 57,000, we walked from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City and enjoyed the incredible views, camaraderie, and perfect weather: sunny, 70s, little breeze.

As a bonus, we recognized some soldiers who were helping patrol the bridge as part of the Army Reserve. When we got home, we were able to tell their moms they were okay. And even a two-hour wait for the bus (longer than the walk itself) to bring us back across couldn’t dampen our spirits, or anyone else’s from what we could tell. It was one of those great Michigan moments you just have to do once. Actually, we made plans to walk the 75th anniversary!

We arrived back in the Keweenaw to students moving in, playing volleyball, and enjoying root beer floats as a way to kick off Welcome Week. Wednesday was the Community Expo, pictured above, and the executive team served breakfast on Thursday. The short week on campus culminated in K-Day having to be moved inside for the second year in a row (including the hot dog eating contest pictured below). The SDC was packed with student organizations and Tech students getting out of the windy, rainy, cold weather.

I’m sure alums have their own favorite K-Day stories, and I’d like to hear a few!

Finally, we went to the football game on Saturday, in perfect football weather. It was in the 60s and mostly sunny, and the team didn’t disappoint. After a slow start, the Huskies got rolling under the leadership of quarterback Steve Short and put 44 points on the board to Indianapolis’ 30. Short ran for four touchdowns, and Robert Haynes, the 100-meter track star, returned an interception in a hurry for another touchdown.

The crowd was a sea of yellow as students sported free t-shirts, and the Pep Band was in great form: singing “You Are My Sunshine” to two embarrassed Public Safety officers, joining the cheerleaders and messing up some cheers, and taunting the Indianapolis team: “Gimme an I, an N, a C. What’s that spell? Incomplete!”

On the soccer fields, the ultimate Frisbee team was practicing, and beyond them the trees were in various stages of changing. Fall has officially been kicked off, and we are ready!

Colorologist

The colorologist was at the game, too, and he said trees were at least 30 percent turned and way ahead of schedule. “If you don’t believe me, you can ask an expert,” he said. Who, I wondered. “Read this article from the Free Press,” he said. Sure enough, Tech’s own Dave Karnosky, forestry professor, is quoted here. The important part is “it’s very beautiful.”

At Tech

MICHIGAN TECH, SWEDEN WORK TOGETHER ON BIOFUELS: The Swedes have a goal: to make Sweden petroleum-independent. They are well on their way already, and Michigan Tech’s expertise in biofuels will help them accomplish that goal—and help the University and the economy of Michigan in the process. During August, a team of three from Michigan Tech visited Sweden as part of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s investment mission. David Reed, vice president for research, and David Shonnard, professor of chemical engineering, toured biofuel plants and a university in northern Sweden. President Glenn Mroz attended the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Days, where Governor Granholm was the keynote speaker.
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STUDENTS RECEIVE DEVLIEG FELLOWSHIPS: Three Michigan Tech graduate students have received the university's 2007-08 DeVlieg Fellowships. In the MS category, Karen Hauch (Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics) will receive $1,500. In the PhD category, Patricia Nadeau (Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences) and Jason Moscatello (Physics) will each receive $3,000. The fellowship winners were selected from among the nominees by a committee convened by the Graduate School, including representatives from each Michigan Tech school and college.
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OF BLOGS AND BIOTECH—DAPCEP COMES TO CAMPUS: The cohort of teens from greater Detroit are gracious in their praise of the Upper Peninsula. It's "scenic," "green" and "pretty"; they carefully avoid other adjectives that might arise in the minds of young folk from the big city. However, what they really liked about their visit to the north country was not the lakes, not the trees. It was the up-to-the-elbows educational experience they got at Michigan Technological University, courtesy of DAPCEP, the Detroit Area Precollege Engineering Program. "They dissected a heart and eyes, and you'd think it was Christmas," said their teacher, Michael Larson. "These kids are awesome."
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ADMISSIONS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE: Admissions has launched a new website designed to promote the university, provide plenty of important information and make it quick and easy for prospective students to become applicants. The new site, www.admissions.mtu.edu , provides easy access to the most important facts sought by students looking for a college: in-depth information on every major, financial aid, campus visits and online application.
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TECH STUDENTS USE NSF GRANTS FOR GREATER GOOD: It’s a might and a maybe and probably a long way down the road, but Michigan Technological University students Matt Barron and Meghan McGee believe the research they are working on today could help someone tomorrow. The graduate students, both working in biomedical engineering professor Seth Donahue’s lab under his direction, have been granted coveted National Science Foundation grants, Barron last March and McGee two years ago. Each grant is worth $40,550 for the first year of a possible three-year project, for a total of $121,500.
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Tech Sports

Receiver Bobby Slowik

FOOTBALL'S 44-30 WIN OVER INDY IS EIGHTH STRAIGHT IN GLIAC—Huskies Turn Four Takeaways into 17 Points: A slow start didn’t derail Michigan Tech’s bid for an eighth consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference win. The Huskies compiled just 36 first-quarter yards before exploding for 44 points in a 44-30 victory over Indianapolis today at Sherman Field. Michigan Tech quarterback Steve Short accounted for five of the team’s six touchdowns on the day and the Huskies’ defense did the job with four takeaways.
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WOMEN TRAIL RUNNERS CAPTURE SECOND WIN—Huskies Clip UMD and Four Other Teams: The Michigan Tech women’s cross country team made it two in a row to start 2007 by winning the UMD Campus Quest hosted by Minnesota Duluth today. The Huskies held off the host Bulldogs by two points in the win, and also defeated four other squads in the process. Michigan Tech combined for a team score of 38, followed by UMD (40), St. Scholastica (82), Lakehead (86), Wisconsin-Superior (140), and Finlandia (183).
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ASHLAND SWEEPS DOUBLES IN 6-3 WOMEN'S TENNIS WIN OVER HUSKIES—Tech's Oliveros Moves to 2-0 at Number One Singles: Less than 24 hours removed from a marathon match against Mercyhurst, the Michigan Tech women’s tennis team played another today. The Huskies went five hours against Ashland before falling, 6-3, at the Gates Tennis Center. Unlike yesterday when Huskies’ doubles pairs pulled out two of three points, they were shut out by the Eagles.
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VOLLEYBALL NIPPED BY NORTH DAKOTA—Huskies Fall in Five Games (29-31, 29-31, 30-28, 30-24, 15-8): Michigan Tech wrapped up its play in the UMD Classic today with a five-game match against North Dakota. Unfortunately for the Huskies, the Sioux came out on top. Michigan Tech (2-5) won the first two games with identical 31-29 scores before dropping the final three games, 30-28, 30-24, and 15-8. “I’m highly disappointed in the weekend,” said head coach Krista Mikesch. “This was a team we could have beaten. We need to get back in the gym and put this behind us to get ready for the start of our conference matches next week.”
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Around the Keweenaw

Adapted from the Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6

NEW PARK HEAD TALKS WITH COUNCILS: The Keweenaw National Historical Park’s new superintendent discussed the park’s long-term plans and the progress toward rehabilitating the Quincy Smelting Works during a joint meeting of the Hancock and Houghton city councils Wednesday. In their first meeting in May, the councils voted to support the demolition of the smelter if funding for its rehabilitation could not be acquired by 2010. Superintendent James Corless said the park, Franklin Township and the cities have been working to address hurdles with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environmental Quality.
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PLANS READIED FOR BRIDGE REPAIR: Reairs to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge will lead to traffic detours near the bridge beginning in a week and a half. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be repairing concrete expansion joints on the bridge beginning Sept. 17 and continuing through the weekend of Oct. 13. The $195,000 project was spurred by defects found during an inspection a year and a half ago. The detours will be in place 24 hours a day. Construction on the bridge will likely start around 8 a.m. and continue until nightfall.

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HUNDREDS TAKE PART IN PORTAGE BRIDGE WALK: Walkers took in the Portage Lake Shipping Canal from both sides during the Bridge Walk on Labor Day. About 220 people participated in the walk, sponsored by Portage Health, which started at 9 a.m. at Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton. They walked along the canal to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, crossing the bridge and heading into Hancock. After walking through Porvoo Park then under the bridge on the Hancock side, they crossed southward back to Houghton and walked down Shelden Avenue, returning by way of the lakefront to Kestner Waterfront Park. It was a new route this year, which is the fourth year of the bridge walk.
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From the Emailbag

Dennis,
Saw this today: Yahoo Link

While I did not attend Michigan Tech while MacInnes was coaching, I know that he stood for everything great about Michigan Tech hockey. About time he was given the proper recognition, eh?

Caryn (Turrel) Sugden ‘90

Caryn: Yes, this is long overdue, and we are very excited about it up here!

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We are vacationing in copper country. yesterday after church at St. Al's we went to the welcoming reception luncheon. as we were sitting eating a young man and his parents joined us. during the discussion I asked where he was living on campus - Douglass Houghton Hall. I asked room number - he answered 336. that is the same room I was in when I started at Tech in the fall of 1956.

Bruce G Kelly 60, 68,69

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Hi Dennis,
I always enjoy reading your newsletters and wanted to send a follow-up note regarding John Talsma's message about this year's drought conditions. I live in Magnolia, Kentucky and we have a Paso Fino horse farm. The weather here this summer has been brutal with 28 days over 90 degrees F and very little rain. We too are having to feed our horses hay since the pastures and hay fields have dried up. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has even posted a "hay hotline" so farmers and cattlemen can locate sources of hay for their livestock.

Round bales of hay are selling for up to $60/ea. locally and square bales of alfalfa & orchard grass mix hay are $5.00/ea. while last year at this time they were $2.75.

Best Regards,
Wayne Trombley

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There were two stations at Tech in the early days, 1960's. W8YY was in the old EE building. WA8CQR was in the elevator penthouse in Wads. The only one that was active was the Wads station. I remember that the transmitter was a Central Electronics single sideband exciter with an external VFO. I do not remember the receiver. I had a novice license at the time so did not get to be active.

The old W8YY was under a faculty advisor that made it difficult to get access to the station so I never got a chance to see it.

Chris Hill

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Hi Dennis,
I don't knew all the ins and outs of funding for colleges etc.,but it was my understanding that Tech, U Of M, and MSU were provided for under the Constitution of the State of Michigan. How was it to be funded under this orginal document?

Ron Hanson EE '57

Editor's Note: After a little digging, I discovered we were originally alloted $25,000 to create the Michigan Mining School over 1885 and 1886, and we rented the old Houghton Fire Hall (still standing) for $25 a month. By 1888, our allocation from the state had increased to $104,000, and soon new buildings were targeted, beginning with Hubbell Hall.

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Featured Alumni Benefit

Michigan Tech Gear

Class Rings
Diploma Frames
License Plates
University Images Michigan Tech Clothing & Giftware

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Get involved! Serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors

The Michigan Tech Alumni Association is calling for nominations for exceptional individuals to serve on its Board of Directors, one of three governing boards at Michigan Tech.

As the policy-making body for the Michigan Tech Alumni Association, the Board of Directors establish programs, set priorities for the Association, and work with the Director of Alumni Relations.

The Alumni Association works to engage alumni with the University in many ways, including increasing participation in chapter events, recruitment of prospective students, enhancing networking with HuskyLink, (Michigan Tech’s online community), promotion of Michigan Tech in areas where alumni live and assisting the Michigan Tech Fund with increasing annual unrestricted gifts.

The deadline for nominations is December 1. More information about the Alumni Association Board as well as the nomination form can be found at: www.alumni.mtu.edu/board/ or by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@mtu.edu 906-487-2400.

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Looking for Outstanding Michigan Tech Alumni and Friends!

The Michigan Tech Alumni Association supports a wide range of award programs to recognize the many outstanding achievements of alumni and friends. Consider nominating a deserving individual for one of the following awards:

Outstanding Service Award: presented to alumni and friends making significant contributions to the success of the Alumni Association and/or the University

Outstanding Young Alumni Award: presented to alumni under the age of 35 who have distinguished themselves in their careers. The award recognizes the achievement of a position or some distinction noteworthy for one so recently graduated.

Distinguished Alumni Award: presented to alumni who have made outstanding contributions both in their careers and to Michigan Tech over a number of years.

Honorary Alumni Award: honors individuals who have provided service and support of the University characteristic of a dedicated alum. The Association reserves this award to recognize the strongest non-alumni supporters of Michigan Tech.

Help us recognize the many outstanding accomplishments and contributions of our alumni and friends! The deadline for nominations is December 1. Award-winners are selected at the Association’s Winter Carnival meeting each year, with awards presented at the August Alumni Reunion.

For more information on the awards, past recipients and the nominating process, see www.alumni.mtu.edu/awards or by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@mtu.edu 906-487-2400.

Job Opportunities This Week

ON CAMPUS: Complete job descriptions are available by e-mailing jobs at mtu.edu

Environmental Science Educator, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education

Michigan Tech Transportation Institute Coordinator, Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI)
Position duration dependent upon external funding

Assistant Director, Athletic Communications, University Marketing and Communications

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OFF CAMPUS:

For off-campus jobs, go to the alumni section of the Career Center website for alumni jobs.

Also, there is a new local job board.

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Michigan Tech is on the web at <http://www.mtu.edu>. For the alumni pages, click on "Alumni/Friends" at the top of the home page.

Dennis Walikainen
dkwalika@mtu.edu
University Marketing and Communications
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931-1295
(906) 487-3510