From The President

By Glenn Mroz '74, President
Michigan Technological University

Will they create the future? This simple question, based on Michigan Tech's mission, is one that we ask ourselves each day as we work with students. It personalizes the responsibility that we bear as we work to uphold the trust that students put in us for their lifetime education. In this small way, we as faculty and staff are continually reminded that Michigan Tech is only successful when our students are successful. Yet in our hearts, we know the answer to the question; and the answer is yes-or we wouldn't be here. We know this because so many students have come before them and done just that; each taking knowledge and experience from Michigan Tech to create the future, but leaving behind even more in the form of the rich legacy that is the Michigan Tech experience.

We are reminded of this especially when prospective students come to campus. We ask them to look at the facilities that they will use and places they will live. More importantly, we ask them to talk to the faculty and staff who will help them learn, and the students they will join on campus-the students who will become their professional colleagues and their lifelong friends. And we ask them to consider the alumni legacy of those who have gone before, your legacy, unlocking the secrets of photosynthesis, designing machines to dig the English Channel tunnel, working with movie studios, and, in short, applying, managing, and communicating technology in myriad creative ways to improve the human condition for millions.

The combination of the commitment of faculty and staff and the record of our alumni is compelling evidence that the ability to create the future is within reach of each new student. Yet there is another key ingredient and that is the type of bright, motivated, and adventurous student who chooses to come to Michigan Tech. They are the people who, by their efforts and the decisions they make each and every day, prepare to create the future.

This issue of the Michigan Tech Magazine highlights the efforts of a few of those people; a new student, a senior, and a recent alumna who exemplify the Michigan Tech legacy. Will they create the future? I'll leave that to you to read and decide.

Wishing you all the best for the holiday season,

Glenn D. Mroz
President