On Saturday, Oct. 28, around 500 students positively impacted the Keweenaw community. Each fall, Michigan Tech organizes Make a Difference Day to give students the opportunity to volunteer at one of the many participating service sites. This also gives students the opportunity to connect with organizations and people within the local community, all while doing a good deed. 

Students gathered in groups and were assigned to one of 60 service sites participating this year. Service sites were located within around 25 miles of campus. Some participating sites were the U.P. Wildlife Rehabilitation, Humane Society, Husky Food Pantry, Open Skies Project (Calumet Air Force Station), Habitat for Humanity, and local resident homes. Once at the service site, students were given tasks to complete within a rough time period of 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. These tasks included leaf raking, yard work, trail maintenance, organizing, and cleaning. 

Director of Student Leadership and Involvement, Danielle Mierow, has planned and coordinated Make a Difference Day for three years. Mierow shared, “Students come to Michigan Tech I think often because something draws them to the Keweenaw. It’s like this really beautiful, picturesque place of adventure and we don’t always think about the people in that. So I really love these opportunities where you get to connect with the local community who really has supported our institution and being in this area and generally wants to connect with our students.” 

Make a Difference Day began in 2014 and has since been the largest community service event at Michigan Tech. A student at the annual LeaderShape recommended organizing a large gathering of Michigan Tech students to volunteer and connect with the local community. Michigan Tech was able to bring this vision to life and keep the tradition alive for ten years. 

Students were encouraged to sign up either with a participating student organization or independently. Either way, students had the opportunity to connect with the local community and other peers, while making a positive impact. More information can be found on the Michigan Tech Student Leadership and Involvement website.

Temperatures are dropping, and snow has begun to fall in the Keweenaw. It is important for everyone to keep their bodies and feet warm and dry from the chilly snow. That is why the Michigan Tech Clothing Closet, located at 128 Douglass Houghton Hall, is seeking gently used or new winter coat and boot donations of all adult sizes from Oct. 15 to Nov. 5. These generous donations give huskies free and easy access to winter essentials. 

Donation bins for this drive are not only located around campus, but are also located in the community. Some of the many drop-off locations include the Dean of Students Office, the Van Pelt and Opie Library, Residence Education and Housing Services, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Evangel Community Church, and St. Albert the Great Church. 

Students are encouraged to donate items and to check out the closet to take any winter gear they may need before it gets too cold. Alexandra Marshall, the head of the Husky Closet Collective and Director of Residence Education and Housing Services, said, “Just as fast as it’s coming in, it’s going out, so I’m hoping that we can get a stash of stuff to hopefully last us a couple of months.” 

Aside from winter coats and boots, the Clothing Closet contains various donations. This includes jeans, sweaters, gloves, professional clothing, and more. Donations are accepted year round at any time Douglass Houghton Hall is open. Donations are also accepted in the Residence Education and Housing office located at 153 West Wadsworth Hall. The Husky Closet Collective also organizes the Career Closet for professional clothing around Career Fair in the fall and spring, as well as Gowns for Grads for students to borrow a cap and gown for graduation. 

Students are free to check out the closet and take whatever donated items they may need. “Instead of heading online to order something, go over to the closet and get it for free. People have been incredibly generous and there’s really nice stuff in there and so I want everyone to head there to get what they need,” Marshall encouraged. “It’s more sustainable, it’s more affordable.” 

For more information about donation drop-off locations, visit the Winter Coat and Boot Drive event listed on the Michigan Tech Events Calendar website. For more information about the Husky Closet Collective, visit the Husky Closet Collective website or the Instagram page @husky.closet.collective.

“From Forests to Shores We Love the Outdoors,” is the theme for the upcoming Winter Carnival set to take place Feb. 7-11, 2024. On Sep. 29, 2023, the Winter Carnival 2024 logo had its official social media reveal, stirring up excitement for the coming celebration. 

The Winter Carnival 2024 logo was designed by Connor Anderson, a fifth-year Computer Engineering and Robotics Engineering double major. Anderson submitted his design to Blue Key National Honor Society to be selected from a pool of logo design submissions, generally created by other Michigan Tech students. 

“The coolest and [most unique] outdoors experience that’s up here that’s like not necessarily [something] that I had before is going to Breakers and seeing the northern lights, so that was something that I instantly just wanted to include,” Anderson explained when asked about his inspiration for the design. From there, Anderson also envisioned including silhouettes of trees against the sky, a river to add to the “shores” portion of the theme, and a husky to tie everything back to the school. 

Once the logo was chosen from the collection of submissions, Anderson worked with the University Marketing and Communications team, along with the President of Blue Key National Honor Society. They made some additions and minor changes to his design, such as the Upper Peninsula as a constellation in the night sky, and converted it into the final product. 

Anderson has been involved in Winter Carnival throughout his time at Michigan Tech, specifically as a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. Each year on Winter Carnival’s All-Nighter, the fraternity sells buttons with the logo as a fundraiser. In working closely with the logo each year and being informed of the logo competition, Anderson decided to design what is now the new logo. 

“I am definitely going to get a sweatshirt,” Anderson said when asked about what he is most looking forward to for Winter Carnival. He is also excited to enjoy his last Winter Carnival as a student, hanging out with everyone throughout the celebration. More information can be found on the Michigan Tech Winter Carnival website.

As fall progresses and the temperature drops, flu season approaches. In order to combat the spread of the flu, the Michigan Tech Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being is partnering with UP Health System – Portage to bring walk-in flu shot clinics to campus throughout the month of October. These clinics will be easily accessible on campus for students, faculty, and staff. 

The flu shot clinic kicked off on Oct. 4, and was available again on Oct. 10. There are two more available options on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rozsa Center for Performing Arts and Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 4-6 p.m. in the Student Development Complex Wood Gym. 

The flu shot is free to all with proof of a valid insurance card. Without an insurance card, participants can pay $40 cash or credit at the time of their walk-in. Additionally, participants are asked to fill out and bring the registration form that can be found on the Student Mental Health and Well-being website. If participants forget to do so before attending, there are printed-out copies of the form available to fill out at the location. 

Student Mental Health and Well-being coordinator, Hannah Bershing, said, “What we do with these flu shot clinics is we just give people, students in particular, the opportunity to get this vaccine that will just help them. So whatever symptoms they may get, if they do end up getting the flu, it will just be a lot more mild.” 

With the weather getting colder, and immune systems becoming more susceptible to catching the flu, the vaccine helps mitigate symptoms and protect students and the community. Bershing stated, “You’re helping them and you’re helping yourself.” 

More information about the clinics can be found on the Michigan Tech Student Mental Health and Well-being website at https://www.mtu.edu/well-being/student-services/flu-shot/.

On Oct. 1, 2023 the Husky soccer team lost a hard-fought game 2-0 to the current first place team in the conference, the Grand Valley Lakers. The loss at Kearly Stadium brought their current conference record to 3-1-2 and overall record to 4-2-4. 

Despite leading Grand Valley 7-5 in shots on goal, Michigan Tech gave up two unlucky goals on set plays. The first Lakers goal was scored in the first half after connecting a corner kick to a header. The second Lakers goal was scored in the second half on a penalty kick after an unfortunate handball in the box. 

“We got pretty unlucky on two set piece goals, but at the same time they didn’t score during the play,” senior defender Mikayla Marshalek said, “We were able to move the ball pretty well against a very technical team…For both halves, we were in their half a lot.” 

Cassie Bonifas ended the game with two shots on goal. Bonifas had two penalty kick opportunities from the 40-yard line, but they were ultimately stopped by Grand Valley’s goalkeeper. Seulgi Lee had two shots on goal, followed by Julia Pietila, Taylor Noble, and Brooke Green each with one shot on goal. However, the Huskies were not able to capitalize on the opportunities. Additionally, goalkeeper Gracie VanLangevelde had three saves during the game. 

The Huskies will play again on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at Kearly Stadium against their rivals, the Northern Michigan University Wildcats. They will then have their chance at redemption against the Grand Valley Lakers in an away game on Friday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. More information can be found on the Michigan Tech Women’s Soccer website. 

The many trees of the Keweenaw are beginning to turn red, orange, and yellow which means one thing: fall is quickly approaching. The Upper Peninsula sports a beautiful fall and there is no better way to celebrate it than with the people that support you. Michigan Tech has organized Support Pack Weekend (formerly known as Family Weekend) to encourage students to get outside and enjoy the breathtaking sights that the Keweenaw has to offer. Organized by the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, Support Pack Weekend is set to take place Friday, Sep. 29 and Saturday, Sep. 30. 

Support Pack Weekend is planned to bring in parents, families, friends, and significant others to visit their students with various activities to partake in. From homecoming activities to cheering on huskies at athletic events to exploring the natural wonders of the Keweenaw, the weekend will be bustling with activity. 

Anna McClatchy, Ed.D, director of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, noted, “It’s good to have an organized event where those people who are supporting you are able to come back on campus, see how you’re doing, and see what’s going on on the campus when things are in full swing.” McClatchy also welcomes those participating to check in at the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success office, “For those who did register for Support Pack Weekend, we are giving away tote bags to all of them, so they can come pick that up and then meet some of our staff, which is always good so they can see who’s there to support their student.” 

Huskies and their support pack are encouraged to explore and enjoy the fall before the first snow. “Go to the football game, eat somewhere in town, maybe do a hike if the weather’s good. Just take advantage of the season,” McClatchy says. When asked a follow-up question about what her favorite local fall activity was, she answered hiking above the Mont Ripley ski hill or hiking Bare Bluff to see the fall colors. “I think the colors here are just so vibrant that they’re really exciting to see.” 

More information, including a schedule of events and places to explore, can be found on the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success website https://www.mtu.edu/success/ .

As the Michigan Tech student population continues to grow, there is an increasing need for more convenient housing options for students. In response, Houghton Off Campus Housing has begun construction on a new apartment. Set to open in August of 2024,the new apartment complex will be located next to what is currently known as Julien-Heights and Hillcrest Apartments on Upland Avenue near campus. 

With the addition of the new building, the current residence buildings will be renamed. The three buildings will be known as “The Elements” with the new building as E1, Julien-Heights as E2 and Hillcrest Apartments as E3. Aside from the name change, the E2 and E3 buildings will remain the same. However, tenants of “The Elements” will have access to a brand new outdoor patio, grilling stations, 24/7 fitness center, study lounge with private study rooms, social lounge, and a snack shop. Additionally, all tenants can apply to purchase parking passes on a first-come, first serve basis. Parking includes the standard parking already available as well as a heated garage with a self-serve car wash station, and covered parking. 

E1 will differ slightly from its sister apartments. Apartment options for this building will include a fully-furnished studio, one-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments with individual leases. Additionally, some of the four-bedroom style options have cheaper shared bedroom leases available. All utilities will be included, with tenants only needing to pay for parking. Another convenience for students is the choice between a one-year (August to August) or nine-month (August to May) lease. Leases and pricing vary depending on apartment style and range from $750 – $1,450 per month per person. 

Apartment co-owners Jen and Jon Julien are very excited for the opening of this new cohesive community. When asked what they were most excited about in relation to the building opening, Jen Julien responded, “We are really excited for this to have these common spaces for all of our tenants to collide with each other and be able to hang out in spaces other than just in their apartment.” Jon Julien added, “Personally, I’m most excited for having the snack shop on site… You can get a dozen eggs or a jug of milk or a toothbrush at 10 o’clock at night.” 

Jen Julien also pointed out that a key feature that sets E1 apart from other off-campus housing options is  the location. She noted, “It’s surrounded by campus on all four sides. It’s very close to campus and it allows students to get back and forth from class very quickly.” Other key features that Jen mentioned were the new amenities included in the apartment complex, and the overall increased quality of the new building. 

In finishing the interview, both Jen and Jon Julien thanked all of their current tenants for their support. More information can be found on The Elements Houghton website or by contacting contact@HoughtonOffCampusHousing.com.

Michigan Tech is set to hold its bi-annual career fair in-person on Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023 from 12-5 p.m. at the Student Development Complex (SDC). Career Fair is the perfect opportunity for students of various majors to get professional exposure and to apply and interview for full-time, co-op and internship positions. 

As one of the largest career fairs in the country, Michigan Tech boasts more than 400 companies and 2,000 recruiters in attendance each year. Booths are scattered throughout the multi-purpose and Wood gyms in the SDC, giving students the opportunity to walk around and connect with recruiters from various companies. While searching for a job at Career Fair, students can have conversations with recruiters to gain more information about the company or job position, ask questions, and hand a resume to the recruiter. The days following Career Fair are filled with interviews for select candidates, and can be followed shortly by verbal offers. 

“It is the best opportunity to connect with employers to find a job. Almost half of all of our co-op students find their co-ops at Career Fair,” said Nicolas Kweik from career services when being asked why students should attend Career Fair. Kweik also was quick to add that employers are looking for both engineering and non-engineering majors in saying, “you should come to Career Fair no matter what your major is, because somebody is looking for you there.” 

Before attending Career Fair, make sure to have the Career Fair Plus app downloaded, have companies researched, have several printed resume copies, and dress formally. Some additional advice from Kweik is to “Come to one of the resume reviews on CareerFEST days and get your resume looked at. Come early [to Career Fair], block out as much of your day as you can to do it. Be prepared for interviews the next day.” 

Recruiters will be making the trip to Houghton soon, eager to talk to many huskies. More information can be found on the Career Services website or on Handshake.

Michigan Tech is set to hold its bi-annual career fair in-person on Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023 from 12-5 p.m. at the Student Development Complex (SDC). Career Fair is the perfect opportunity for students of various majors to get professional exposure and to apply and interview for full-time, co-op and internship positions. 

As one of the largest career fairs in the country, Michigan Tech boasts more than 400 companies and 2,000 recruiters in attendance each year. Booths are scattered throughout the multi-purpose and Wood gyms in the SDC, giving students the opportunity to walk around and connect with recruiters from various companies. While searching for a job at Career Fair, students can have conversations with recruiters to gain more information about the company or job position, ask questions, and hand a resume to the recruiter. The days following Career Fair are filled with interviews for select candidates, and can be followed shortly by verbal offers. 

“It is the best opportunity to connect with employers to find a job. Almost half of all of our co-op students find their co-ops at Career Fair,” said Nicolas Kweik from career services when being asked why students should attend Career Fair. Kweik also was quick to add that employers are looking for both engineering and non-engineering majors in saying, “you should come to Career Fair no matter what your major is, because somebody is looking for you there.” 

Before attending Career Fair, make sure to have the Career Fair Plus app downloaded, have companies researched, have several printed resume copies, and dress formally. Some additional advice from Kweik is to “Come to one of the resume reviews on CareerFEST days and get your resume looked at. Come early [to Career Fair], block out as much of your day as you can to do it. Be prepared for interviews the next day.” 

Recruiters will be making the trip to Houghton soon, eager to talk to many huskies. More information can be found on the Career Services website or on Handshake.