Weston, Connecticut
Gift Designation
Type of Gift
Updating Tech's Athletic Facilities
John and Ruanne Opie have demonstrated their commitment to Michigan Tech's facilities and academics time and time again through their generous gifts.
Most recently, the Opies made a significant contribution toward the purchase of a $615,000 video scoreboard for the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. The scoreboard offers Huskies fans an enhanced viewing experience with game replays, highlights, and information displays.
"Ruanne and I are pleased to join with other alumni and supporters of the hockey program by matching their donations to the project," said John, a member of the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame. "The video scoreboard will be an important addition to the arena."
John graduated from Michigan Tech with a bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1961. He delivered Tech's commencement address in 1987 and again in 2001, receiving Honorary Doctorates in Engineering and Business. He spent most of his career with General Electric, retiring in 2000 as vice chairman/executive director.
The Opies previously gave $1 million for the construction of 10 skybox suites in the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Along with supporting Michigan Tech's athletic programs, they have funded a 54,000-square-foot addition to the J. R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library and established an endowment to support the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
For more information on the wide range of options to support Michigan Tech, contact the Office of Gift Planning.