Alumni and friends of Michigan Technological University from throughout the country return to Houghton this week for the University’s annual Alumni Reunion.
More than 500 visitors are expected for three days of tours, talks, cruises, awards and a pasty picnic.
Things kick off Thursday morning with a Welcome Breakfast and campus tours. Morning “Tech Talks” focus on rejuvenating rail transportation with Pasi Lautila (10 a.m. Fisher 135) and the wolves of Isle Royale with John Vucetich (11 a.m. Fisher 135).
Afternoon activities include a cruise aboard the MV-Ranger III. Boarding will be at 12:30 p.m. with departure at 1 p.m. from the Isle Royale National Park Office. The the Pasty Making Demonstration will take place at 1:30 p.m. in Douglass Houghton Hall. Tech’s Executive Chef Eric Karvonen will share thoughts and insights as he creates the Copper Country’s favorite specialty food, the pasty. A taste testing will follow.
At 4 p.m. hundreds of alumni are expected for the Pasty Picnic featuring a classic Keweenaw dinner of pasties, pickled eggs and Keweenaw Brewing Company micro-brews.
Friday’s activities include the All-Class Alumni Breakfast, Class Year gathering and “Stuff-a-Husky.” Tours aboard the RV Agassiz and campus and department open houses highlight Friday afternoon’s activities.
The Annual Alumni Reunion Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. This year’s winners are:
Outstanding Young Alumn Awards— Benjamin Almquist ’04 and Jonathon Aho ’08
Outstanding Service Award—Joshua ’03 and Jana ’05 Fogarty
Distinguished Alumni Award—William Bernard, Jr. ’69
Humanitarian Award—James Tanis ’57 ’58
Saturday is devoted to reconnecting with the Copper Country with events such as the Keweenaw Alumni Chapter 5K Run/Walk for Scholarship, Outdoor Adventure Program open high ropes course and a canoe trip on the sturgeon river.
For a complete schedule visit http://www.mtu.edu/alumni/connect/reunion/2016/schedule/