Owen Armstrong came to Michigan Technological University looking for community. As he found it, he also created a legacy of collaborative excellence through fraternity brotherhood and campus service that will last long after the Winter Carnival statues he helped build have melted.
Armstrong's parents are Michigan Tech alumni. Paul and Leah Armstrong both graduated with degrees in mechanical engineering in 1996 and 1994, respectively. Stories of their time on campus were a big influence on their son. When he enrolled at Tech, Armstrong knew chances were strong that he'd find the community he was looking for — and he put his own spin on what it means to be part of the Husky family.
"The way my parents talked about being up at Tech had such an impact that I wanted to come up here and experience it for myself," he said. Naturally, some of those stories included Winter Carnival, a cherished Husky tradition.
From the start of his time as a Husky, Winter Carnival has been a part of Armstrong's time at Tech. The Sigma Tau Gamma brother started on the fraternity's snow statue building team his first year and has worked on the statue every year since. His specialty is ice work.
"Working with ice is a highly detail-oriented and time-consuming process that requires patience, precision and teamwork," said Armstrong. "It's incredibly rewarding to see our hard work come to life and contribute to the tradition that makes Winter Carnival so special."
His appreciation for dedication and tradition inspired the electrical engineering student to join the Michigan Tech chapter of Blue Key National Honor Society. The student organization has been responsible for Winter Carnival's success since 1934.
"I joined Blue Key in my second year because of the incredible experiences I had during my first year, and I wanted to take a more active role in the organization that brings Winter Carnival to life," said Armstrong. "I wanted to contribute to its continued tradition and impact on campus."
Armstrong is Blue Key's current vice president, a position he holds with honor and pride. He assists Blue Key President Skyler Spitzley in ensuring Carnival runs smoothly. His responsibilities include all aspects of the event, from arranging hotels for the judges and guest comedian to making the rounds during the All-Nighter to oversee operations.
For Armstrong, the All-Nighter portion of the snow statute building contest is what he looks forward to the most. "It's amazing to watch students, alumni and visitors come together to enjoy the sculptures, games and events that make Winter Carnival so special," he said. "The sense of community and tradition during this night is something truly unforgettable."
Armstrong joined Michigan Tech's Sigma Tau Gamma chapter for the same reasons. "I wanted to find a group of brothers who share my values, support one another and create lifelong friendships," said Armstrong. "I was looking for a community that would push me to grow personally and professionally while also making a positive impact on those around us." Armstrong has previously served as treasurer and secretary of the fraternity.
Sigma Tau Gamma, a longtime Winter Carnival participant, is no stranger to success in the snow statue competition. Since 2020, the organization has placed in the top three of the month-long statue contest every year but one, competing in the co-ed division in collaboration with the MTU chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, including this year's winning statue.
The joint statue endeavor echoes the cooperative spirit between Winter Carnival and Fraternity and Sorority Life at Michigan Tech that Armstrong has helped to maintain and strengthen for future Huskies.
"I hope to leave a legacy of excellence and strong cooperation between Greek organizations and Blue Key, as this event wouldn't be possible without both," said Armstrong. "Winter Carnival is a Michigan Tech tradition whose success relies on the collaboration between Greek organizations and Blue Key to make it truly special."
Armstrong, who graduates this spring, knows where he's headed. The soon-to-be Husky alumnus has accepted a position with Burns & McDonnell, one of the largest design firms in the world. While he's excited to embark on the next chapter of his life, he's grateful for the community he found and helped build upon here at Michigan Tech.
"Being involved with Blue Key and Sigma Tau Gamma have been the greatest decisions of my college career. I've met some of the most amazing people and have enjoyed my time here more than anything else," he said.
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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