Schedule subject to change. Registration will be required, and venue maximums apply to many events, so register early to guarantee your spot. Online registration will open in May.
Wednesday, July 31
12–4 p.m. | Early Check-In and Registration—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor)
Thursday, August 1
8 a.m.–4 p.m. Check-In and Registration—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor)
10:30–11:30 a.m. Tech Talk: A View of the Past, Present, and Future of Michigan Tech's Jewel: the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum with John A. Jaszczak—Memorial Union Building (34), Alumni Lounge (first floor). Alumni Reunion 2024 kicks off with a presentation by John A. Jaszczak, director and curator of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. Founded in 1902 by Professor A. E. Seaman, the mineral museum that now bears his name is world renowned for its superlative collections of minerals from Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond. With a focus on key people and great minerals, this talk will take a look at the museum's rich history, current status, and ideas for the future. Refreshments will be available. Limited attendance. No charge
11:30 a.m. Lunch on campus available in the Memorial Union Building (MUB) Commons—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor). Enjoy lunch like current Tech students do throughout the year by "dining in" at the MUB. Various grill and deli options will be available. No registration required. Meal price varies upon selection
12–4 p.m. Research Vessel Agassiz Waterway Science Cruises—Meet at Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (Phoenix Drive). The University operates the RV Agassiz to support its aquatic sciences mission. These scientific excursions will provide insight into the research being conducted by faculty and students. Tours will leave every hour on the hour from 12 to 3 p.m. and you will sign up for a specific time slot when completing your online registration. This event is weather dependent. Note: Attendees must be at least seven years of age to ride in the vessel. Max attendance: 18 per trip Cost: $15/person
12:30–3 p.m. College of Engineering Boat Cruise on the Ranger III—departs from the Isle Royale National Park Office dock in Houghton (next to Dee Stadium at 800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton). Relax and enjoy the lake breeze aboard the Ranger III for a beautiful tour of the Keweenaw Waterway and a scrumptious lunch. In addition, this boat tour is the perfect opportunity to meet and catch up with fellow MTU alumni of all majors, together with their family and friends. Boarding will begin at 12 p.m., and the cruise will depart at 12:30 p.m. sharp. The tour will last approximately two and a half hours. ($20 of each ticket will be donated to a Student Development Scholarship fund in support of students seeking to broaden their educational experiences through study abroad.) Max attendance: 100 Cost: $56 adult/$38 youth (age 12 and under)
2–4 p.m. Open Climb with Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP)—Student Development Complex (SDC 24), Multipurpose Room Climbing Wall. Whether you're a first time climber or a seasoned mountaineer, this family-friendly activity is sure to delight all ages! OAP invites all alumni and friends to join them for an indoor adventure at the SDC. OAP staff will be there to allow each participant, no matter their climbing experience, to safely explore the climbing world while having fun. Note: Michigan Tech’s indoor climbing wall consists of four top-rope walls (bulge, flat, roof, and crack) and a 10-foot tall bouldering wall. The bouldering wall is constantly changing with new routes. It contains climbs that cater to both beginners and advanced climbers. The top rope walls, with the exception of the crack, each contain at least four routes of varying difficulty (Beginner < =5.8, Novice 5.9, Intermediate 5.10, Advanced 5.11-5.12). All equipment will be provided including shoes, harnesses, and helmets. Must be five years old to climb. Max attendance: 30 Cost: $15 adult/$7 youth (ages five through 12)
3:30–5 p.m. Campus Tours—Memorial Union Building (34), John Edgar McAllister Welcome Center (ground floor). After a brief presentation from admissions, join a student guide for a 75-minute walking tour through campus. From new additions like the H-STEM Complex and the Alumni Gateway Arch, to traditional Michigan Tech landmarks like the MEEM, this tour provides a first-hand view of how the campus has grown while maintaining its historical integrity. Max attendance: 50 No charge
5:30–7:30 p.m. Pasty Dinner—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Enjoy a traditional “Yooper” dinner of pasties from Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant and pickled eggs from “The Dog” as you swap stories with alumni, faculty, and friends. Side salads, desserts, and soft drinks are included. Vollwerth’s hot dog meals will be available for children. Beer and wine will be available at the cash bar. Max attendance: 300 Cost: $21 adult/$12 youth (age 12 and under)
7:30–9:30 p.m. Fellowship with College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) Alumni and Dean at The Dog—The Douglass House Saloon (517 Shelden Ave, Houghton). All alumni are welcome to join CFRES Dean David Flaspohler for a casual get-together at “The Dog”. No charge, cash bar available
7:30–9:30 p.m. College of Computing Reception—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Lobby. Join new and old friends from the College of Computing at an informal reception with the College of Computing faculty. There will be brief remarks about both the five year anniversary of the college and the 50 year anniversary of computer science. No charge
8 p.m. Welcome Social hosted by the Alumni Board of Directors—Keweenaw Brewing Company (408 Shelden Ave, Houghton). Join members of the Alumni Board of Directors, along with other alumni and friends, at this local favorite and enjoy a microbrew to round out your first day of Reunion. No charge, cash bar available
Friday, August 2
8 a.m.–4 p.m. Check-In and Registration—Memorial Union Building (34), Commons (ground floor).
8:30–9:30 a.m. Breakfast with the President—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Start your morning with coffee and a delicious breakfast buffet! Following breakfast, President Rick Koubek will give a brief University update. Limited attendance No charge
9:30–10:30 a.m. Graduate Research Poster Session—Memorial Union Building (34), Alumni Lounge (first floor). Enjoy a spread of pastries and coffee while graduate students from across the University present their current research. This event is sponsored by Michigan Tech's Graduate Student Government and the Graduate School. No charge
10 a.m.–1 p.m. OAP Adventures on the Trails—Michigan Tech Trailhead (located off Sharon Avenue). Enjoy this family-friendly activity of exploration and adventure on the Tech Trails, hosted by OAP staff. Choose how you want to enjoy the trails by going on a wagon ride, self-guided hike, or zip lining adventure. Yard games and refreshments will also be available. No charge
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Class of 1974 and Golden M Celebration—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Celebrate this golden landmark with the Class of 1974 and other members of the Golden M Society. Max attendance: 150 Cost: $28/person
- 11 a.m. Golden M Photos—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Photos of present members from the Class of 1974, and all Golden M members will be taken in the MUB Ballroom.
- 11:15 a.m.–noon Golden M Ceremony—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Each 1974 graduate will receive their 50-year Golden M pin and certificate. In addition, current Golden M members (class years 1973 and earlier) and friends are invited to attend the ceremony and join in on the champagne toast to congratulate the new members of the Golden M Society.
- Noon–1 p.m. Golden M Luncheon—Memorial Union Building (34), Ballroom (second floor). Current Golden M members and friends are invited to join the Class of 1974 for a special luncheon to celebrate their induction into the Golden M Society. Be sure to bring your best stories to share.
12–4 p.m. Research Vessel Agassiz Waterway Science Cruises—Meet at Great Lakes Research Center (100), University Waterfront (Phoenix Drive). The University operates the RV Agassiz to support its aquatic sciences mission. These scientific excursions will provide insight into the research being conducted by faculty and students. Tours will leave every hour on the hour from 12 to 3 p.m. and you will sign up for a specific time slot when completing your online registration. This event is weather dependent. Note: Attendees must be at least seven years of age to ride in the vessel. Max attendance: 18 per trip Cost: $15/person
1–3 p.m. Department Open Houses—Several academic and administrative departments will welcome visitors to stop by and learn more about their facilities and programs. There's much to see during this campus showcase. Get the latest details when you check in! No charge
1–4 p.m. 50th Anniversary of Computer Science at Michigan Tech Celebration—Kanwal and Ann Rekhi Hall (28), 214. Join us as we review our 50 year history of computer science at Michigan Tech. The celebration of this anniversary will include a panel of alumni reflecting on their days at Michigan Tech, short presentations by faculty and students highlighting current research activities in the department, and tours of our facilities. Feel free to come for all or part of our activities. No charge
3–5 p.m. H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex Open House—H-STEM Complex (114). Join us for an open house at Michigan Tech's H-STEM Complex,
a new state-of-the-art facility built to advance interdisciplinary research and education
in health-related STEM fields. Attendees will be encouraged to check out the shared,
collaborative spaces and cutting edge labs and meet our talented faculty from multiple
disciplines. No charge
5:30–8 p.m. 2024 Honored Classes Dinner and Alumni Awards Ceremony on the Backstage—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10). Enjoy a spread of appetizers as you arrive
in the lobby of the Rozsa Center, before sitting down for a delicious family-style
dinner in a vintage jazz club atmosphere on the backstage. Immediately following the
dinner, we will recognize our 2024 Alumni Awards recipients. In addition to beer and
wine, a cocktail menu featuring favorite drinks of our honored award recipients will
be available at the cash bar throughout the evening. Business casual attire is requested. Max attendance: 120 Cost: $42/person
- 5:30 p.m. Guest arrivals—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Lobby. Enjoy a variety of light appetizers while you mingle with fellow classmates and the 2024 Alumni Award recipients. Seating for dinner to begin around 5:45 p.m.
- 6 p.m. Honored Classes Dinner—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Backstage. Reminisce with fellow classmates while creating new memories in this unique and intimate setting. A multi-course menu prepared carefully by Chef Luis will be served family-style.
- 7 p.m. Alumni Awards Ceremony—Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts (10), Backstage. The ceremony honoring our 2024 Alumni Awards recipients will begin at 7 p.m. Enjoy celebrating these outstanding and notable recipients in a speakeasy atmosphere on the backstage of the Rozsa.
Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3 MTU Athletics Reunion: Volleyball and Tennis Activities—more details to come soon.
- Friday, August 2
- 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | *OPTIONAL* Tee times available by request at Portage Lake Golf Course
- 7–10 p.m. | Volleyball & Tennis Alumni Social
- Saturday, August 3
- 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Men’s & Women’s Tennis Alumni Round Robin Tournament
- 1 p.m. | Volleyball Alumni Game
- 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Alumni Volleyball Pregame/Watch Party & Tennis Alumni Post Tournament Social
Saturday, August 3
7–8 a.m. Morning Bird-Watching Walk—Nara Nature Park (47375 US Hwy 41, Houghton). Join CFRES Dean and ornithologist David Flaspohler for a beautiful Keweenaw morning bird-watching walk. Attendees are asked to meet at the start of the Nara Nature Boardwalk at 7 a.m. sharp. The walk includes easy trails and sections of boardwalk through forest and wetlands and is mostly flat, easy walking. Binoculars are recommended as well as a hat, suitable clothes for the weather, and bug repellent. Possible bird sightings may include Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Mallard, and Trumpeter Swan. The walk will be an hour-long loop, ending at 8 a.m. back at the starting point. If you have a smartphone, we encourage you to consider downloading the Merlin Bird ID app. Dean Flaspohler will show attendees how the app can enhance your bird-watching experience during the walk. The walk will continue as planned in light rain. If there is heavy rain or thunder, all are invited to meet in the Nara Meeting Room by the Nara Trail system parking lot. Limited attendance. No charge
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. OAP Kayak Trips on the Portage Canal—Meet at the Michigan Tech Trailhead (located off Sharon Avenue). There will be two kayak trips available, with a maximum of 12 participants per trip: one from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and the second from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Registrants will choose one of those time slots when completing registration. OAP will provide transportation from the Tech Trails in 15-passenger vans to and from the canal. Enjoy the Portage Canal from the best seat. This beautiful stretch of the canal is peppered with historical, cultural, and natural points of interest. The trip begins at either Prince's Point below the Rozsa Center and paddles to Kestner Waterfront Park or the opposite, depending on the wind/weather. OAP will provide two trained staff to lead each trip. OAP staff will conduct basic instruction before getting on the water, and participants can plan for roughly two hours from start to finish, depending on skill level and weather conditions. Bring a full water bottle and any snacks you may need. The first trip leaves the Tech Trailhead meeting location at 8:30 a.m. sharp. The second trip leaves the Tech Trailhead location at 12:30 p.m. sharp. Note: Participants will be required to paddle a kayak for approximately two and one-quarter miles. Access to kayak landing and take-out is uneven and marked by sand, roots, and other obstacles. Access to or from Prince’s Point will require a short but steep climb. OAP will provide all necessary safety equipment. Previous kayaking experience is preferred but not required. Must be ten years old to kayak. Max attendance: 12 per trip Cost: $35/person
10 a.m.–1 p.m. Alumni Social and Honored Classes Exhibit—J. R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library (17), Opie Reading Room (first floor). Join us in the library for a curated exhibit of memorabilia, yearbooks, and other artifacts from our honored classes put together by University Archives. Coffee and donuts will be served. No charge
10 a.m.–2 p.m. Bocce Ball Tournament—Bocce Ball Court by Douglas Houghton Hall (31). Join this fun, family-friendly game
of bocce ball with tournament chair Fred Koerschner ’81. No experience is needed.
A team can consist of two to four players. You can sign up partnered with a player
or play as a single. Singles will be paired with a partner/team by the tournament
chair. Attendees have the option to register for just the tournament, or the tournament
+ lunch. For those that choose to sign up for the tournament + lunch option, a build-your-own
sandwich bar will be served, along with various sides and beverage options. Max attendance: 48
Tournament only: No charge
Tournament + Lunch: $21/person