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With degrees in hand, the 2016 Class of Michigan Tech is ready to make their impact on the world.
Nearly 1,000 graduates were bestowed with honors and benefits and responsibilities during this year’s Spring Commencement Saturday.
Graduate Paul Bristol dual-majored in Audio Production and Technology and Computer Engineering.
Bristol was awarded this year’s VPA Sound Design Award and helped developed the sound system for the MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
He followed the advice of a friend and chose to study at Michigan Tech.
Bristol said, “If you want to study Technical Audio, go up to Michigan Tech and study with (MTU Professor) Christopher Plummer. And since the department was that well known and it’s super exclusive, there’s only five people that are let into the program a year, I had to pick it, and it was just a great decision on my part.”
Bristol is now working for Miami-based Smart Monkeys…designing sound and control systems for theme parks such as Disney and Universal Studios.
MTU Women’s Basketball Stand-out Danielle Blake majored in Biomedical Engineering as well as three-time All-GLIAC first team, three-time All-GLIAC defensive team and All-American honorable mention, and was voted MVP of her team.
But it wasn’t always easy and Blake learned that she can count on those around her to help her through.
Blake said, “My friends and family got me through those low points. I mean especially with balancing athletics and academics, it was a constant struggle, but I’d just look over at my mom or my sister, or go to my coaches even and be like, I need help with this and they would always be there with a helping hand just ready with whatever I needed.”
Blake’s senior design team also won this year’s design expo. She will begin working with Nalco, an Ecolab Company, as a Technical Sales Manager.
Many local high school graduates look to study anywhere other than the Copper Country.
Calumet native Dallas Bond says there are benefits to staying in town to go to college.
Bond said, “That’s always the question—the thought you might want to leave because you grew up in the area, but I think that Michigan Tech, it’s sets itself apart from other universities. It’s ranked very high and we have such a high placement. If you graduate from Michigan Tech, most of the time you’re guaranteed a job and it’s a great university to be a part of.”
But that doesn’t mean you have to stick around after you graduate.
Bond earned a Finance Degree with a Global Business Minor and is now headed to the Czech Republic to teach English.
With the average starting salaries topping $60,000 a year, these graduates have a lot to look forward to.
