Richard E. Ten Haken

Richard graduated with honors from Michigan Tech in 1970 with a bachelor's in accounting. He married his high school sweetheart Joyce {Guenther} Ten Haken, also a 1970 graduate with a bachelor's in accounting, in 1968. He was a founding member and treasurer of the Theta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Accounting Club member and Air Force ROTC scholarship recipient. He received his MBA from Oklahoma City University in 1975 and was named Outstanding Young Man in America in 1979.

Richard earned his USAF pilot wings at Vance AFB in Oklahoma. He was assigned there as a T-38 instructor pilot and was named Instructor Pilot of the month for his squadron in March, 1975. He was transferred to Beale AFB, CA, where he served as a KC-135 Q instructor pilot and wing staff officer, attaining Senior Pilot status.

After the Air Force, Richard turned his career toward commercial aviation. Flying for only 6 weeks as a co-pilot, he was promoted to captain. He flew a variety of B-737 models for over 27 years and over 22,500 flight hours. Retiring in late 2008, he has numerous memories and stories of his flying career.

While receiving many blessings, Richard always wanted to give back to his country, community, and alma mater. In addition to flying in the U.S. Air Force, he has been treasurer and school board chairman of his church. Since retiring, he has donated approximately 500 hours per year as a volunteer at the local police department.

For the past 20 years Richard and Joyce have annually funded scholarships for business students at Michigan Tech. Starting in 2016 they established and are funding two fellowships to support the School's faculty. Over the years they have contributed to several campaigns such as the Sam B. Tidwell Center for Business Student Excellence.

They are members of Michigan Tech's 1885 Society and Mc Nair Society. 

Richard's philosophy includes saying there are three legs for having a satisfying life: faith, family and education. His experience and education at Michigan Tech went a long way in achieving a satisfying life.

In 2017 Richard was inducted into the School of Business and Economics Academy of Business.

 

From the School of Business and Economics Academy of Business 2017 Induction Ceremony program.