"It's All About People!"
By Glenn Mroz '74, President
Michigan Technological University
 You've probably heard me say it before. The role of talented people is critical to the sustainable development of communities, and education is at center stage in both attracting talent and developing it into skills that serve us all.
In this issue of the Michigan Tech Magazine, we're proud to share with you stories about Tech faculty, students, and alums—even a former Tech president—who have all made contributions to the sustainable development of our communities in Michigan, the nation, and the world.
Join the Michigan Tech chapter of Engineers Without Borders on a trip to Bolivia where they constructed a new septic system and bathroom building for an elementary school and worked to educate the local community about how to engineer and maintain a clean water system.
Take a trip to downtown Houghton where two Tech alums haven't entered the fray of competition, but rather have designed a "blue ocean" business plan that complements their competitors and other local businesses while adding to the economic base in our local community.
Ponder the secrets of Lake Superior revealed by a five-year study and discover how "who is eating whom" could impact the balance of the lake's ecosystem.
And visit with President Emeritus Ray Smith who was recognized at this year's Reunion as an honorary alumnus, appropriately acknowledged for his many years of service—and many more of support—to Michigan Tech. He finally clears the air as to why Hubbell Hall had to go.
What do all of these stories have in common? People—talented people to be exact.
One of Michigan Tech's goals is "to attract exceptional faculty and students who will develop, understand, apply, manage, and communicate science and technology—all with the goal of a prosperous, sustainable world." In the end, the answer to the question of "what will sustain development in our communities" is more accurately stated as "who will sustain development in our communities." You know the answer—people. And you'll find many of those people right here in the Michigan Tech community.
My thanks to you for being a part of it.
Glenn D. Mroz
President
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