1. MICHIGAN TECH SIGNS CURRICULUM AGREEMENT WITH CAMBRIAN COLLEGE

Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology in Sudbury, Ontario, and Michigan Tech signed two agreements that will facilitate student mobility between the institutions and enhance credentials for graduates of Cambrian’s civil engineering technology program.

The first, the agreement of cooperation, is more general in nature and provides for the transfer of students from Cambrian College’s three-year diploma programs to Michigan Tech for the completion of a bachelor of science degree. The agreement of cooperation ensures that Michigan Tech will grant students full credit for all appropriate courses taken at Cambrian.

The second agreement is specific to Cambrian’s civil engineering technology program and Michigan Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Surveying degree program. Through this agreement, graduates from Cambrian’s three-year civil engineering technology program who have completed the required Cambrian courses will be admitted to the surveying program at Michigan Tech and may receive a Bachelor of Science in Surveying degree in two years.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Michigan Technological University,” said Cambrian College President Sylvia Barnard.  “This is a great opportunity for our students and graduates to add to their credentials and, in doing so, to enhance their career opportunities. And, with the focus both institutions have on online delivery, this is also a great opportunity for us, at some point, to look at making these study options available through Cambrian’s new electronic delivery of modular education facility, eDome.”

"This is an excellent chance for Michigan Tech to strengthen ties with our friends in Canada,” said President Glenn Mroz. “Michigan Tech has an historical connection with Ontario, and we have a strong alumni presence in the province. Our hope is that this new program, combined with our attractive scholarships for qualified students, will create new opportunities for Canadian students to study at Tech. I am excited to form a partnership with Cambrian as we pursue our mission to prepare students to create the future.”

The agreements, which were signed during a live video conference, with Cambrian College officials in Sudbury and Michigan Tech officials in Houghton, take affect immediately.

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2. REYNOLDS, HUMES WIN DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARDS

This year’s Distinguished Teaching Award winners excel at teaching subjects that many students would just as soon avoid.

Lecturer Ann Humes, who teaches math in the School of Technology, was honored in the assistant professor/lecturer category, and social sciences professor Terry Reynolds receives the award in the associate professor/professor category.

Reynolds, who recently stepped down as department chair to spend more time in the classroom, teaches Western civilization, military history, the history of technology, and the general education course World Cultures.

The current chair of the department, Bruce Seely, says that World Cultures in particular can be a challenge.

“It’s our hardest course to teach,” he said. “Many students come in with a chip on their shoulder.” Plus, the classes are big and cover vast amounts of material. “Terry had never taught that course before. He said he hadn’t worked this hard since he first started teaching.“

Apparently, it’s been the right kind of work for him. “In my 12 years as department chair, the bright spots in my day were in the one class I was teaching,” Reynolds said. “I thought that if teaching was the bright spot, then it was appropriate to go back to doing more of it.”

His students agree. “He definitely loves teaching this class,” said one student, in evaluating Reynolds. “He is one of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers I’ve ever had,” said another.

Reynolds, who put in 60-hour work weeks while preparing for World Cultures and Military History, a class he hadn’t taught in years, insists his award is “a fluke.” But just in case it isn’t, he tells his secrets to good teaching.

“Because I believe that visual images reinforce lectures, I try to use overheads and slides,” he said. “I don’t think many people learn well in a boring atmosphere, so I do my best to make my presentation dynamic.”

He uses anecdotes to enhance his lessons. “I’m constantly on the look out for a story that will illustrate a primary point in the lecture.”

Reynolds has been on the Michigan Tech faculty 21 years, after teaching 10 years at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He makes no claim to being a born teacher, but admits that after three decades, maybe he’s figured a few things out.

“Some people are very slow learners,” he says, in an oblique reference to himself. “Some of this I’ve only started in the past few years. You sort of stumble onto things.

“The more you teach, the more you get a feeling for what’s working and what isn’t. In my files, I’ll write a note saying, ‘This is a boring lecture, do something to spice it up.’ Then the next year, I’ll fix it.”

It’s a technique that works. “He has found a way to make boring material not only interesting but funny,” says one of his students. “He makes learning a fun, enjoyable experience and never a boring experience,” says another.

“What it comes down to is Terry’s commitment of time and energy,” Seely said. “I’m very pleased he’s getting this recognition. He’s very deserving.”

Humes teaches algebra, trigonometry, calculus and pre-calculus, often to students who struggle with math. Her classes become springboards for many who have found those courses to be stumbling blocks.

One recent graduate credits Humes for his eventual success in the subject. “I want to say that she was an outstanding teacher,” the former student wrote. “I always had a difficult time with the math programs at Tech, and I found her approach to be extremely helpful. I had a very successful experience in her class, and it was due to her teaching.”

“Students consistently compliment her for her ability to communicate and encourage,” said a campus advisor. “I have even had students who continued on to higher math courses than required because of the confidence they gained with Ann’s instruction.”

Now in her fifth year at Michigan Tech, Humes previously taught at the middle school level, as well as teaching adult and alternative education students in the Algonac Community Schools. She was inspired to become a teacher herself while attending Nazareth College.

“I started tutoring high school students,” she said. “I loved it, and I knew that was what I wanted to do. I loved that making-a-difference feeling.”

Humes continues to impact her students. “She is the most dedicated, intelligent, kind and all-around best teacher I have ever had,” said one. “She is by far the best teacher I’ve ever had in my whole life,” said another.

“Ann’s very dedicated,” said her colleague Assistant Professor Maryfran Desrochers. “She brings innovative methods into the classroom and spends a lot of time out of class working with students, including holding office hours in the evening.

“She goes above and beyond; she really tries to make it better for the students. We’re very, very proud of her in the School of Technology.”

For some of her success, Humes credits a slogan she picked up in a math class from her previous life: “You Can.”

“That carried over into my teaching,” she said. “Because I believe in my students, somewhere along the line they begin to believe in themselves. I don’t know if that’s the magic.”

Her students say it’s more than that. “She makes the class fun,” wrote one.

“I do have a sense of humor, and we laugh a lot in class,” Humes said. “Somebody said I make math fun. I’m not sure how I do that—it just happens.”

She also stresses to her students that math has a lot in common with her hobby, running. “If you want to be a good runner, you have to run a lot. And if you want to do well in math, you have to spend a lot of time at it. As Thomas Edison said, success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.”

Humes’ dedication prompted her students to go above and beyond on her behalf, as well.

“When the budget crisis surfaced, over 100 of her students signed a petition to save her job,” wrote a colleague. “I know of no better example to illustrate the degree to which Ann connects with her students.”

Humes and Reynolds will each receive $2,500 and be recognized at President’s Convocation in the fall.

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3. EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

The recipients of the 2004 Staff Council Employee Excellence awards have been announced.  Joe Martino, a building mechanic in the Daniell Heights apartments, was chosen in the crafts/foodservice/maintenance/technical category.  Administrative assistant Corrine Leppen, of the civil and environmental engineering department, was chosen in the office professional category. Michael LaCourt (MEEM) was honored in the administrative/professional category.

Martino was lauded as a superior problem-solver by supervisor and nominator Robert Wenc.  “Joe has the finest hands on a mechanical mind of any maintenance employee I’ve known in my 33 years as a property manager,” said Wenc.  Having gone above and beyond his job requirements on a regular basis, Martino has worked for approximately five years to make Daniell Heights a better place for students to live.

“When you like doing what you do, it’s easy to do it,” said Martino.

“The ability of any large academic department to operate smoothly and successfully depends upon the productivity, performance and quality of work of the support staff,” said C. Robert Baillod, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, when nominating Leppen for the Employee Excellence Award.

Baillod cited Leppen’s involvement in numerous committees across many different departments in her 23 years of service to the university.  He also noted her professionalism and willingness to offer her assistance to anyone who approaches her.

“She always performs her job in a professional manner,” he said. “And when needed provides a sense of comfort and nurturing to new undergraduate and graduate students.”

“I am greatly humbled and honored,” said Leppen.  “It’s overwhelming . . . I know the competition was tough, and in light of that it is a special award.”  Leppen added that the faculty, staff and students in the department are great, particularly the graduate students.

“The grad students in particular fill a void in my life since my own children have left home,” she said.

LaCourt, a 27-year veteran of Michigan Tech, has served in the MEEM department for 12 years.  Responsible for the laboratory component of a required manufacturing course taken by more than 250 students per year, he often goes beyond the call of duty to stay late and assist his students with their work.

“Mike is the quintessential example of a dedicated, hard working and devoted employee,” said MEEM department chair William Predebon.  “Mike is extremely devoted to the students—they come first.”

“Simply put, ‘He makes it happen,’” said William Endres, associate professor in the MEEM department.  LaCourt spends time working with senior design groups and Enterprise teams, as well assisting other departments on campus.

“I was surprised to be nominated,” said LaCourt.  “I work with a pretty good bunch . . . and the fact that they took the time to fill out the forms was not surprising.  What surprised me was that my name was on the forms.”

The nominees all faced stiff competition in the three different categories, each of which had several nominations.  According to Becky Christianson, Staff Council co-liaison to the Employee Excellence Award committee and coordinator of the awards process, nominees were chosen based on what was written about their service to MTU in four categories: demonstrated performance ability, relationship with associates, personal qualities and campus involvement.

“We were very pleased with the number and quality of the nominations submitted this year,” said Christianson.

The three recipients will each receive their award and $1,500 in the fall at the annual President’s Convocation ceremony.

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4. MICHIGAN TECH RISES TO “CHALLENGE X”

Michigan Technological University is one of a handful of U.S. and Canadian universities selected to take part in the latest advanced vehicle technology competition, Challenge X.

"It's going to be the premier student automobile competition," predicted William Predebon, chair of MTU's Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics. "They have raised it to another level."

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility challenges engineering students across North America to explore vehicle solutions that minimize energy consumption and reduce emissions while maintaining the vehicle's utility and consumer appeal.

Teams from 17 schools were chosen from more than 100 applicants to participate in the competition. It replaces FutureTruck, which is winding up this year. At kickoff ceremonies Tuesday in Washington, DC, teams received $10,000 in seed money to jump-start their efforts.

Students will spend the first year of the three-year Challenge X designing their vehicle on the computer. The second year, they will receive the Equinox, a GM sport utility vehicle, and begin putting their plans into action.

"It's up to the schools to decide how to approach the problem," Predebon said. "At Michigan Tech, we've been emphasizing hybrid technology."

Associate Professor John Beard, longtime advisor for MTU's FutureCar and FutureTruck teams, will also help shepherd the Challenge X effort.

"It's probably the most challenging engineering contest that's been put on," he said. "It's another level up from FutureTruck. With all the engineering we're going to do, it's very exciting."

MTU's FutureTruck teams have traditionally used advanced design technology, particularly gas-electric hybrid engines, to build their entries. "We're going to use all our strengths to make it lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient," Beard said. "With gas at $2 a gallon, I don't know what could be more appropriate."

Challenge X will be part of Michigan Tech's Enterprise Program, in which interdisciplinary student teams solve industry problems or participate in high-end competitions.

Other universities participating are Mississippi State University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, San Diego State University, Texas Tech University, University of Akron, University of California at Davis, University of Michigan, University of Tennessee, University of Texas at Austin, University of Tulsa, University of Waterloo, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virginia Tech and West Virginia University.

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5. C2E2 GRANTS ANNOUNCED

The provost has awarded four C2E2 grants at the recommendation of the Century II Campaign Endowed Equipment Committee.

Ramakrishna Wusirika (Biological Sciences) received $3,135 toward the $7,535 purchase of a NanoDrop Spectrophotometer for Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.  The additional $4,400 required was contributed by his department and various faculty.

The Forest Productivity Lab in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science received $2,000 of support for PCR Thermal Cycler Equipment in the lab.  An additional $4,000 to support the equipment was contributed by various faculty.

Owen P. Mills (MSE) received $3,083 for the purchase of an ACMAL Sputter Coater.  ACMAL and the Michigan Tech Fund contributed $7,667.

Patrick Martin (Social Sciences) received $2,500 toward the purchase of a GPS receiver and software for Industrial Archaeology.  His department and the Michigan Tech Fund contributed an additional $3,500.

C2E2 grants support small equipment purchases. For more information about applying for a grant, visit http://www.admin.mtu.edu/research/vpr/internal/century.html.

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6. BUSINESS STUDENTS SHOW PORTFOLIO PROWESS

By Dean Woodbeck

Shhh. Don't tell these students that the stock market is in turmoil.

A group of Michigan Tech undergraduates, investing $750,000 in real money, managed to significantly beat the market indexes this year. The money is part of the university's endowment.

As they wrapped up their one-year stints as money managers, the students earned a 19.34 percent return over the academic year, as opposed to the 9.71 percent return on their portfolio benchmark.

The Applied Portfolio Management Program, in the School of Business and Economics, not only beat the market indexes but also outperformed 95 percent of all public mutual funds last year.

Started in 1998, the APMP annually selects students to manage a portfolio of real money over the next academic year.

“The program has gotten so popular in the last six years that we now have had to split into two teams,” said Dean Johnson, associate professor of business and the team's advisor.

Each year, the portfolio team competes in the RISE Symposium, where teams demonstrate their market prowess. In the four-year history of the RISE program, the Michigan Tech team has reached the semi-finals three times, including their victory in 2002 and a third place in 2003.

Most of the RISE competitors stack their teams with MBA students, while Michigan Tech's team is all undergrad all the time.

“More schools have started to include undergraduates,” Johnson said, “in part because of our success.”

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7. JOYCE APPOINTED CHAIR OF WCHA

Professor Pat Joyce (SBE), Michigan Tech's faculty representative for athletics, will serve as chair of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in 2004–05 it was recently announced at the league's annual meetings in Marco Island, Fla.

In his role as chair, Joyce will lead the Executive Committee. The four-person group, in conjunction with the league commissioner, is responsible for conducting the day-to-day operation of the association. Joining Joyce on the Executive Committee will be Rick Yeo, Michigan Tech's athletics director; Craig Dahl, head men's ice hockey coach at St. Cloud State; and Linda Baumann, faculty representative for athletics at Wisconsin.

Yeo will also chair the WCHA Structure Committee in 2004-05 and serve as a member of the Honors Committee.

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8. MEMORIAL UNION FOOD SERVICE RE-DESIGNED FOR SUMMER

The Memorial Union food service has been re-designed for the summer.

The Food Mall and Corner Store items will continue to be available all summer in one convenient “Summer Marketplace” that will include Sbarro pizza, a full grill menu (including breakfast), the Salad Bowl, Freshens smoothies, gourmet coffee, candy, snacks and bottled beverages.

A home style “plate special” is available daily, served from the grill area, and will include an entrée, starch and side dish.  The daily soup selection is located near the salad bar. The Wok About Stir Fry Station has been expanded and relocated next to Sbarro Pizza. Customers can continue to choose from two daily menu specials or “create your own stir fry” from a large choice of meats, veggies, starches and sauces.

The Sara Lee Deli is closed for remodeling this summer, but “Grab ‘n’ Go” sandwiches, subs and salads will continue to be offered. Sandwiches can be made to order with advance notice or during slower times of the day.

Comments and suggestions on summer operations are welcome at the MUB Manager’s Office, 7-2543 or any of the following e-mail addresses:

Jim Hainualt, Associate Director of Auxiliary Services, jmhainau@mtu.edu

Theresa Coleman-Kaiser, Assistant Director, tacolema@mtu.edu

Matt Lean, Retail Manager, mhlean@mtu.edu

David Maplethorpe, Executive Chef, dlmaplet@mtu.edu

Mark Galley, Catering Manager, mggalley@mtu.edu

THE MUB SUMMER MARKETPLACE WILL BE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.

Individual shop hours vary as listed below:

THE GRILL

*7:30 A.M. UNTIL 3:30 P.M.

BEVERAGES, CONVENIENCE and SNACK ITEMS, GRAB ‘N’ GO SANDWICHES and SALADS

*7:30 A.M. UNTIL 3:30 P.M.

SOUP AND SALAD BAR

*10:30 A.M. UNTIL 3:30 P.M.

SBARRO PIZZA

*10:30 A.M. UNTIL 2 P.M.

WOK ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ENTREES AND "DESIGN YOUR OWN" STIR FRY STATION

*11 A.M. UNTIL 1 P.M.

HOME STYLE ENTREE

*11 A.M. UNTIL 1 P.M.

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9. FOURTH THURSDAY IN HISTORY: 

KEEWENAW IMAGES—LIFE AS A MICHIGAN COPPER MINER

Trace 6,000 years of Keweenaw copper mining history with this presentation by Larry Molloy, professor at Oakland Community College, author, and local Keweenaw historian. Using a series of historical photographs, the presentation will illustrate work above and below ground as well as the social, religious and educational systems that made the Keweenaw a unique place to work and live.

The event will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 27, in the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne's.  The former church is located at the corner of Fifth and Portland Streets in Calumet. The presentation is free and open to the public.