On Saturday, Apr. 6 , the Black Student Association (BSA) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) hosted their fifth annual Ebony Gala. This event was born from the desire to highlight the accomplishments and resilience of black students and to showcase what the organizations had been up to in the past academic year. 

Alumnus (‘19) Jimmy Cannon gave the keynote address in which his main points of focus were the concepts of resilience and building a strong base in the communities in which you thrive. The event also recognized the graduating seniors that are in both organizations and gave them an opportunity to be recognized for achieving this accomplishment of graduating from Michigan Tech. 

During this time students were able to recognize their peers and give speeches talking about the character of the highlighted student, further exemplifying the themes of empowerment and representation that this event promotes. 

As the night progressed there was space for a talent show where students had the opportunity to present a talent or share words of encouragement going forward. There was poetry, singing, guitar playing, and even stand-up comedy. As the night drew to a close, hearts were full, and event-goers were smiling. The Ebony Gala is more than just an event. It is a testament to the power of community and symbolizes the ongoing journey at Michigan Tech toward equity and inclusion.

  Through shared experiences, stories, and dreams, the gala serves as a reminder of the strength of founding unity and the transformative impact of collective action. 

The post The Ebony Gala celebrates its 5th anniversary first appeared on The Lode.

Members of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity are once again gearing up to host their annual Tau Trot Philanthropy 5K, scheduled for Apr. 13. The event promises not only a day of fitness and fun, but also a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

The Tau Trot is set to kick off at 11 a.m. from the Phi Kappa Tau house. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for check-in starting at 10 a.m. The route will start at the Phi Kappa Tau house in Hancock and finish in front of the Alpha Sigma Tau house on College Avenue.

What sets this event apart is not just the spirit of friendly competition, but also its mission. All proceeds will be evenly divided between two amazing organizations: Girls on the Run and the SeriousFun Network. 

Girls on the Run is a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls from third to eighth grade. Through carefully designed programs, they aim to enhance girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills, giving them the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

The Serious Fun Network is also a non-profit organization for critically ill children and their families. With a global network of 30 camps and programs, they provide free recreational experiences to children facing serious illnesses. These programs offer not only a break from the daily difficulties these children encounter, but also a chance for them to laugh, play, and simply be kids, even in the face of adversity.

By participating in the Tau Trot and supporting these worthy causes, runners and donors are not only investing in their own health, but also in the well-being of others who need it. Every step taken and every dollar raised contributes to making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

For those looking to lend their support, it is $25 to register at the link below. So lace up those running shoes, mark your calendars, and join Alpha Sigma Tau and Phi Kappa Tau in their mission to make a positive impact, one stride at a time. Runners and donors can use this link to contribute:  https://ast.crowdchange.co/39383.

On Saturday, Apr. 13, the Michigan Tech Athletics Department, Recreation Department, and Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) will be hosting a silent auction for some of their used and surplus gear. The auction will be held in the concourse of the SDC ice arena. The silent auction will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All bids are final, with winners responsible for payment and pickup the day of the auction. 

According to their website, items being auctioned include “Key Log synthetic rolling logs, cross country skis and boots, snowshoes, athletic gear, and other items.”All items start at $50 or more. People who want to sell their own used equipment can do so through the OAP auction. The deadline to register those items is Friday, Apr. 12 at noon. The OAP will be taking $10 from each sale for consignment items. Additional information about the silent auction can be found at events.mtu.edu/event/athletics-and-recreation-equipment-and-gear-auction.

Additionally, the OAP will be operating all summer for equipment rental needs. At the entrance of the Tech Trails, the OAP offers bikes, kayaks, backpacks, and other equipment for a multitude of outdoor activities. Recent Michigan Tech graduate, Seamus Lux, said, “I rented a canoe last summer to go fishing with some friends and it was really a blast. It really opened up the possibilities that the Keweenaw Peninsula provides.” The OAP also operates a high ropes course open to the public. Dates for the course vary throughout the summer. For more information on how to get involved with the OAP or what they have to offer, check out their website at michigantechrecreation.com/oap/, or give them a call at 906-487-2290.

With finals week coming up, some may be looking to take a short break before they get buried in studying for their exams. For this reason, student organizations hold different events towards the end of the semester, and some just before finals week. This week there is a campus wide event happening that all students are welcome to get involved in. 

This coming Friday, Apr. 12, the Memorial Union Board (MUB) is hosting their annual Spring Fling from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. If there is inclement weather, this event will be held in the MacInnes Student Ice Arena at the SDC. Otherwise, this event will be spread across all of the main campus, with many student organizations set up around the Husky Statue. 

There will be various student organizations hosting a variety of activities. According to the MTU Student Scoop, “There will be all sorts of activities including tie-dying & caricatures, free catered food, plenty of giveaways, and more!” If any of these or similar activities interest you, be sure to stop by during the given time. 

Students can also use this opportunity to learn more about the different student organizations on campus. According to the Student Leadership and Involvement website, “It is also a time for organizations to recruit new members and let the campus know why they exist!” If you attend the event and find a group that interests you, be sure to ask them any questions you have. 

For more information on the event, check out:involvement.mtu.edu/event/9934063 or check out the Student Leadership & Involvement website: tinyurl.com/2fzcuhx.k If you have further questions, make sure to email mubboard@mtu.edu. 

As the end of the semester draws near, Michigan Tech students are preparing for the upcoming finals week. With stress levels rising, it’s essential for students to use effective study strategies to excel in their exams.

According to scientific research from the State University of New York at Albany, there are several proven methods to help students prepare for finals. First and most importantly, students are advised to avoid cramming and instead opt for studying in intervals. This method, typically involving 20-50 minute study sessions with short breaks in between, has been shown to significantly enhance long-term information retention. 

Experts also recommend diversifying study environments to enhance retention, suggesting students alternate between the library, study rooms, and quiet coffee houses. This strategy helps to create subtle associations between the material and surroundings, aiding in memory recall during exams. Effective time management during finals week is crucial to avoid last-minute cramming, which can cause increased anxiety and decreased performance. 

Taking care of your physical well-being before finals is just as important as mastering studying techniques. Having a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for optimal cognitive function and memory retention. However, physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet are also crucial if you want to be on your A-game when finals come around. Incorporating as little as 20 minutes of daily physical activity can boost memory and reduce stress, while a balanced diet filled with superfoods and antioxidants provides the energy and focus necessary for successful studying.

“[We] are using a year of eligibility to compete for a dying program.”

In a decision made at the end of Mar., Michigan Tech’s Track and Field program revealed significant changes aimed at refining its focus and strategic direction, impacting the careers of eight athletes starting in 2025. This decision, a result of discussions between the coaching staff and administration, outlines a shift towards only supporting distance events starting in the 2025 season– releasing eight non-distance athletes from the team’s roster.

The decision-making process involved weighing various factors including the program’s direction, the student-athlete experience, and the logistical challenges faced by the coaching staff. Among the considerations, were the limitations posed by the current athlete-to-coach ratio and the constraints of available resources, including coaching personnel and facilities. This shift aligns with the expertise of the current coaching staff who both hold strong distance-focused backgrounds.

The decision has been communicated internally to the track-specific athletes, with discussions ongoing regarding its broader implications. All athletes who are currently in a non-distance event will be given full coaching support this season, but next season these athletes will only get a written training plan and an estimated two to three inconsistently scheduled practices a week with coaching staff. After next year, they will no longer have roster spots for non-distance athletes. Throughout this shift, they will honor the current level of athletic scholarship for those who stay at MTU through the completion of their 4th year in their program, whether they continue on the team or not. While the transition may raise questions about the program’s competitive standing in events beyond distance running, Coach Robert Young remains optimistic about the team’s prospects and its ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate track and field.

Robert Young, the Head Coach of the Track and Field program, articulated the rationale behind the decision, emphasizing the desire to provide a more focused and fulfilling experience for student-athletes. “We need fewer athletes per coach to be able to coach them at the highest level within our sport…There’s more coaches or less total athletes,” Young commented, “And working with our administration and our picture within the overall athletic picture, they’ve decided that to help us give the best possible student athlete experience to the athletes we have, our number of athletes can come to a different level, a lower level total than what used to be. [This is] in favor of being able to really coach and really mentor and have that really, really strong relationship between coach and athlete to the benefit of the athlete moving forward.”

The athletic administration has voiced support for the coaching staff’s strategic approach, emphasizing the importance of aligning resources with areas of expertise and program priorities. Rhys Edwards, the Assistant Athletic Director, gave the administration’s perspective on this shift, saying,  “The athletic administration supports the decision by the coaching staff to focus on specific areas and positions within the program.” This move aims to enhance the overall student-athlete experience while ensuring the program’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Edwards also commented on the number of athletes affected, saying,“The majority of the student-athletes on the roster are unaffected and those that are will be supported.” 

One of the eight affected athletes, who wished to remain anonymous, commented on this decision, saying, “It is understandable to not be able to afford a quality level of support, but even though the track side is ending it feels wrong to not graduate out the current athletes.” The person mentioned how the decision came a week before the second outdoor meet, and how many were not presented or downright denied the option to redshirt by the coaching staff. “[It] seems like they had been thinking about this for a while but not taking the athletes seriously enough to even let them save their eligibility for a future team. [We] are using a year of eligibility to compete for a dying program.” 

The decision has been communicated internally to the entire team, with discussions ongoing regarding its broader implications. Time will only tell if this shift is the correct one for the program, as the events being released held six out of the eleven Michigan Tech records in the past three years.While the transition may raise questions about the program’s competitive standing, Coach Young remains optimistic about the team’s prospects and its ability to strategically adapt to the evolving landscape of collegiate track and field. 

Want to follow the Huskies’ progress this season? Follow their progress at www.michigantechhuskies.com/sports/track/index or on instagram @mtucctf.

The Michigan Tech Undergraduate Student Government (USG) passed a student activity fee increase, funding for the Sailing Club,  swore in new executive board members and swore in new representatives at its Mar. 27 meeting.

The fee hike, the most debated topic, will raise the cost from $60 to $80 per semester starting Fall 2025. The measure passed 19-0-1, with some expressing concerns about affordability. Now, USG will present their recommendation to the Board of Trustees and the University President who will decide if the payment will increase.

“We understand the financial impact,” said USG Treasurer Emily Ruf. “But the current fee can’t keep up with rising costs for student groups.”

The fee supports Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) through equipment purchases, events, and conferences. The decision follows a year-long review by a USG ad-hoc committee tasked with evaluating the Student Activity Fee (SAF). The committee, led by Ruf, found that the current fee was insufficient to maintain the level of support RSOs have come to expect.

While the fee increase passed, some students expressed concerns about the financial burden it may place on certain demographics. In response, USG officials emphasized that the new fee will not take effect until Fall 2025, giving current students time to adjust their budgets.

Additionally, several new members were sworn in to take on roles within the USG. Ben Conlin was officially sworn in as the new USG President, taking on the leadership position. Newly elected representatives were also welcomed into their respective roles, including Owen Gorter for the 2nd Year Rep position, Matthew Staats for 3rd Year Rep, Connor Zavislak and Brendan Leddy for 4th Year Reps, Madison Mattila for College of Business Rep, Elise Buzzell and David Reeves for College of Computing Reps, Ethan Sommer, Mason Krause, and Ben Swenson for College of Engineering Reps, Wren Schmalz for CFRES Rep, and Maggie Denney for College of Sciences and Arts Rep. These individuals were acknowledged and sworn in during the meeting to begin their terms within the USG.

The Ways and Means Committee  also recommended that the Sailing Club be allocated  $17,950 from the Reserve Fund for the purchase of three used sailboats. The club, which cited the aging condition of its current fleet, argued that the new boats would be a cost-effective way to continue their activities. The recommendation will be voted upon next week by the USG body.

The meeting wrapped up a busy year for USG. The organization will officially transition leadership at its next meeting.

The first annual Living Superior Fair is set to take place on Saturday, Apr. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rozsa Center Lobby. This event offers a space to meet and support local authors, artists, makers and small businesses in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Living Superior Fair is sponsored by SunMoon Arts, the parent organization of author Kat de Falla and composer Lee de Falla. 

Attendees can anticipate a wide variety of attractions, including live instrumental music, concessions, and prizes, all provided free of charge to the public. Local composer Lee de Falla will be providing the live instrumental music with original guitar pieces. With a wide range of vendors confirmed to participate, there will be something for everyone at this community event. 

Among the featured vendors are several accomplished authors, including Deborah K. Frontiera, Terri Martin, Mikel B. Classen, Anne Miller and Nancy Besonen. Authors will showcase their works and engage with readers throughout the event. 

Art enthusiasts will find much to admire, with artists and makers such as Christine Brown showcasing intricate scroll saw art, Silverthumb Jewelry offering unique handcrafted pieces, and DG Laser Art presenting their laser engraved creations. Sandy VanPatten will be on hand with her signature brooms, balms and bubbles, while A Novel Idea will showcase innovative sculpture work. Additionally, SHEI WoodWorks LLC, Lake Superior Pebble Art, Creative Dual and Ilea Fuller Fiber Artist will be displaying their craftsmanship. 

The fair will also feature a variety of local businesses, including Crystal Haven Body, Mind and Spirit, Kat’s Eye Photography and Jackie Nees providing tarot and numerology readings. Soulfull Integration LLC, Daylily, Stacey Sews and Rustic906Co will also be showcasing their products and services. 

With a diverse lineup of vendors and activities, the Living Superior Fair provides an opportunity for all to engage with the talent and creativity flourishing in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Don’t miss out on this inaugural event celebrating all that makes the region truly superior. For more information about the Living Superior Fair, including a full list of vendors, visit their official website at livingsuperiorfair.com.

On Apr. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Michigan Tech Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being is hosting its final Board Game Night of the semester. The event will take place in the Wads Annex in the basement of Wadsworth Hall. All members of the Michigan Tech community are welcome to attend. The event is hosted by Jim Grider, a clinical counselor at Michigan Tech. Additionally, members of the Board Game Club often attend the meet-ups. 

Board Game Night features a variety of games, and participants are not expected to play one game at each meet-up. Instead, participants can choose from many games or bring their own. While Euchre remains the most popular game, Grider noted that every type of game from Sorry to Exploding Kittens is played. While refreshments aren’t necessarily provided, Grider admitted that he’s often willing to buy a beverage from the Cafe for anyone interested.

Grider believes that Board Game Night provides students with an excellent opportunity to socialize as “board games are an easy way to meet new people and make friends.” Grider noted that many of the participants have used Board Game Night as a way to step out of their comfort zone. Since the start of the fall semester, Board Game Night has exploded in popularity. At its beginning the meet-ups only consisted of Grider and a “few interns” but now regularly see between 10 and 30 students attend.

Going forward, Grider wants to use advertising in order to get more students to attend. Thanks to an increased budget, snacks or beverages will be provided at meetings in future semesters. Regardless of the changes, the purpose of Board Game Night remains the same: to give students a place to belong within the Michigan Tech  community. When reflecting on the meet-ups Grider concluded, “Board games make you think about family and closeness, and this makes you feel like you are part of the Husky Family.” 

The Michigan Tech Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being hosts many events besides Board Game Night including Husky Hour, Cookies and Coloring, and Let’s Talk. More information about Board Game Night and other similar social events can be found at https://www.mtu.edu/well-being/student-services/events/ 

Michigan Tech Theatre will be performing “Purple Hearts,” written by C.S. Wallace, from Apr. 10 to Apr. 13. Set in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, “Purple Hearts” tells the story of three navy soldiers who are trapped aboard the sunken USS West Virginia, and the loved ones who await them back home. In this intimate story, we explore these men’s relationships and character as they fight for the lives they hope to live, and wrestle with the lives they’ve lived thus far.

This play displays how hope is sometimes the only thing you have that keeps you going. “Purple Hearts” is directed by Nich Radcliffe, who says that, “At the end of the day, ‘Purple Hearts’ is a drama with jokes about hope. Though not necessarily in the way we might most immediately think of hope.”

One of the biggest questions “Purple Hearts” will raise for audience members is when, if ever, war is necessary. When does the cost of war outweigh the cost of everything lost– life, love, promises? Radcliffe says, “If we don’t remember the past, if we don’t study the past, we are doomed to repeat the past. Mostly, war is avoidable and unnecessary. And I think this play gives us an opportunity to examine that question, around ‘What is a just war? What is a valid reason to go to war?’ And the play also provokes us to consider the cost of war, the cost of violence. Just or unjust, warranted or unwarranted, those costs are still there.”

Audience members should be aware that “Purple Hearts” includes topics of war, perilous situations, suicide, death, and the presence of graphic language, cigarette smoking, tight quarters, and other mature topics. Radcliffe says, “It is a tough play. A powerful play. An important play. It’s also a surprisingly funny play.”

“Purple Hearts” opens Wednesday, Apr. 10, and runs through Saturday, Apr. 13 in the McArdle Theatre. Tickets are $15, but are free for Michigan Tech students. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 7 p.m. and the show runs approximately 100 minutes with no intermission.