March 30, 2023

Work by Radwin Askari (GMES/RISE) and Hassan Masoud (ME-EM/AIM) as researchers and educators has been recognized with CAREER Awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

“Drs. Askari and Masoud join a long line of over 50 Michigan Tech faculty who have received this prestigious national award,” said Vice President for Research Dave Reed. “The NSF CAREER Award recognizes early-career faculty and is focused on the integration of their teaching and research efforts.”

Learn more about Askari’s study of volcanic cavitation and Masoud’s nature-inspired work in fluid dynamics and collective behavior of aquatic robot swarms at Michigan Tech News.

Upper Peninsula mining established Michigan Tech — and the boom days’ remains, from mine tailings to abandoned shafts, are sparking world-changing energy-transition breakthroughs at the University.

One idea that’s attracting national headlines and international collaboration? Using hydropower to store energy in old hard-metal mines.

Find out how old mines can power the future in our 2023 Michigan Tech Magazine.

Please join Young Americans for Freedom in welcoming Riley Gaines at 7 p.m. Monday (April 3) in M&M U115.

An All-American swimmer and women’s rights activist, Gaines will be sharing her story and how she is fighting to preserve women’s sports.

For more information about Gaines, please see the Riley Gaines Save Women's Sports website.

This event is sponsored by the Leadership Institute.

Department of Computer Science (CS) undergraduate student Josh Dafoe has received a 2023 Michigan Tech Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).

SURF recipients conduct a research project under the guidance of a Michigan Tech faculty mentor during the summer semester. Dafoe will work on the "Hardware-assisted Self-repairing in Decentralized Cloud Storage against Malicious Attacks" project with Associate Professor Bo Chen (CS) in the Secure and Privacy (SnP) lab.

The SURF is highly competitive, and typically only 16 Michigan Tech undergraduate students receive this fellowship each year. SURFs are open to all Tech undergraduates who have at least one semester remaining after the summer.

Learn more on the Computing News Blog.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering candidate Sneha Singh will present their master's defense today (March 30) at 3:15 p.m. in person in Chem Sci 201 or virtually via Zoom.

Singh is advised by Caryn Heldt.

The title of Singh's defense is “Virus inactivation by novel virucidal materials.”

From the abstract:
Development of virucidal coatings to inactivate a broad spectrum of viruses has gained popularity. Antiviral coating of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as facial coverings can reduce the accumulation of viral burden and mitigate the transmission of airborne illnesses which occur primarily through direct contact with respiratory aerosols or droplets carrying infectious viruses. Moreover, modification of PPE to inactivate viruses upon contact improves their reusability and reduces waste. Coating high frequency touch surfaces with similar virucidal coatings can reduce the risk of in-direct disease transmission associated with contaminated surfaces. This study explores the development of three novel virucidal materials to control the spread of viruses which occur either through direct or indirect exposure. The first novel virucidal material utilizes a clay mineral platform to infuse cupric ions (Cu2+) as the antiviral agent. The second and third material coat non-woven fabrics, utilized in facial coverings, with a quaternary ammonium compound and, a copolymer solution of poly acrylamide and 6-hydroxydopamine, respectively. Depending on the material, the antiviral efficacy was demonstrated against non-enveloped and enveloped viruses.

M.S. in Computer Science candidate Robbie Watling will present his final oral examination (master’s defense) on April 12 at 10 a.m. in Dillman 208 and virtually.

The title of Watling’s defense is “Analysis of GPU-Based Graph Processing Algorithms.”

Join the Zoom meeting.

Learn more and read the defense abstract on the Computing News Blog.

Genevieve Flaspohler, chief data officer at nLine Inc., will present an on-campus Department of Computer Science (CS) Colloquium lecture next Friday (April 7) from 3-4 p.m. in Rekhi 214.

The title of Flaspohler's talk is “From the Ocean to the Electric Grid: Mobilizing Algorithms, Robots, and Sensors for Society."

Flaspohler is an independent auditor for the world’s electric grids, measuring and improving investments in grid infrastructure, solar mini-grids and electricity access across seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. She received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, with a joint degree in applied ocean engineering from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, focusing on uncertainty quantification and adaptive sensing.

Flaspohler has deep roots in her home state of Michigan: she received a B.S.E. in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan and grew up in the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula.

Learn more and read the talk abstract on the Computing News Blog.

Michigan Tech hockey coach Joe Shawhan has been named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, which is given to the CCM/AHCA Men's Hockey Division I Coach of the Year.

The winner will be selected by the nation's 60 NCAA Division I head coaches and announced Wednesday (April 6).

Shawhan is among eight coaches who have enjoyed on-ice success in 2022-23 and have been named finalists. The nominees include any coach who won or shared Coach of the Year honors in his conference this past season, as well as coaches whose teams have advanced to the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four. 

Shawhan was named the CCHA Coach of the Year in his sixth season as head coach of the Huskies. He is second all-time in program history with 119 wins, recording his 100th career win at Bowling Green on Nov. 4, 2022, and moving into second place in wins at Tech on March 4 in the CCHA Playoffs against St. Thomas.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech hockey defenseman Chris Lipe has signed a contract with the Iowa Heartlanders in the ECHL.

Lipe joins former Huskies Alec Broetzman and Tommy Parrottino in Iowa.

Lipe skated in 129 games for Michigan Tech over the past four seasons. He tallied a career-high 10 points this season with a pair of goals and eight assists.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech women's tennis was ranked No. 45 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) in the Division II poll on Wednesday (March 29).

The Huskies have won three straight matches and are currently undefeated in GLIAC play.

Leading Tech at No. 1 singles and doubles is Dominika Bobik. Bobik was individually ranked at No. 71 in Division II singles on Wednesday, and holds a 6-3 record at the top position in the lineup. She has won five straight matches.

Additionally, the No. 2 doubles pair Emily Cojocaru and Lauren Opalewski have also been ranked as high as No. 49 this season.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Job Posting for Thursday, March 30, 2023

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Administrative Aide 7, Graduate School (UAW posting dates March 30 to April 5, 2023 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW posting dates). Apply online.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

Charles Wallace (CS) is the principal investigator on a project that has received a $12,622 other sponsored activities contract from the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program.

The project is titled "DAPCEP Pathfinder Course: Introduction to Computer Programming."

Cassy Tefft de Muñoz (CEO) and undergraduate student Elsa Meyer (civil engineering) were virtual guests last Thursday (March 23) on “America’s Morning Headquarters.” Tefft de Muñoz and Meyer talked about the Michigan Tech Mind Trekkers traveling STEM festivals and demonstrations, and explained the popular banana piano demo while host Jim Cantore tried it out.

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The Daily Mining Gazette published two articles written by Sigrid Resh (CFRES/ESC), each with an undergraduate student co-author: Hannah Marlor (environmental science and sustainability) and Lydia Vander Kooi (applied ecology and environmental sciences). 

Resh and Marlor’s March 11 article discussed the harm invasive plants can cause and suggested native alternatives. 

Resh and Vander Kooi’s March 25 article educated readers on how to identify invasive Himalayan balsam, a Michigan watch list species moving westward toward the Keweenaw Peninsula.

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Provost Andrew Storer was quoted by UPWord, WJMN Local 3 and WZMQ 19 News in stories about Michigan Tech’s plans to absorb Finlandia University’s nursing program.

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The Daily Mining Gazette, Rink Live and Keweenaw Report covered Joe Shawhan (ATH) being named a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, given to the Division I men’s hockey coach of the year. Michigan Tech hockey’s Chris Lipe was also mentioned in the Keweenaw Report story — Lipe has signed a contract with the Iowa Heartlanders in the ECHL.

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The Ludington Daily News mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the U.S. Geological Survey’s research on Lake Michigan’s alewife population. The University assisted the USGS with research to determine whether ship noise affects the accuracy of acoustic survey assessments.

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WZMQ 19 News quoted two unidentified Michigan Tech students in a story about the 1,000-mile bus trip taken by students and members of the Huskies Pep Band and Mitch’s Misfits to support Michigan Tech hockey in their NCAA Regional game against Penn State on March 24. The trip was funded by donations from MTU alumni.

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WZMQ 19 News mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about former Husky basketball player Jake Witt’s football origins. Witt, an NFL Draft prospect, put on a standout performance at NFL Pro Day on March 19 at Central Michigan University.

CS Colloquium Lecture with Qiben Yan

Qiben Yan of Michigan State University will present a Department of Computer Science (CS) Colloquium lecture tomorrow (March 31) from 3-4 p.m. in Rekhi 214 and virtually via Zoom.

The title of Yan's talk is "Securing Cyber Physical Systems Against Novel Physical-Layer Attacks.”

Yan’s research interests include Internet of Things (IoT) systems, blockchain system security, mobile and IoT security, and wireless communication and security. His research has been reported in various high-impact media outlets, including BBC Radio, Scientific American, Science Daily, Forbes, Popular Mechanics, Gizmodo and The Register.

Learn more and read the abstract on the Computing News Blog.

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Last Day to Register: Michigan Tech Recreation Indoor Triathlon

You don't have to win, you just have to TRI! Michigan Tech Recreation is hosting an indoor triathlon for MTU students and SDC Access Pass holders (minimum one month)! Unlike a traditional triathlon, which covers fixed distances of swimming, biking and running, indoor triathlons challenge competitors to race the greatest distance with a fixed time frame. Beginners and seasoned athletes are welcome to participate in the 10-minute swim, 15-minute bike and 10-minute run! Transition time is provided between events. Event capacity is limited.

The indoor triathlon will take place April 5 at 7 p.m. Open to MTU students and SDC Access Pass Holders (minimum one month) with a valid MTU student ID or SDC Access Pass. Must be 16 years of age or older to participate.

Registration Details:

• Cost: It's free! (But you must register to participate!)
• Registration opened: Thursday, March 16, at 8 a.m.
• Registration closes: Thursday, March 30 at 11:59 p.m.

For more information, visit the Michigan Tech Rec Indoor Triathlon page.

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Sustainability Awards Gathering

As a part of MTU Earth Month programming, you are invited to join in recognizing the four recipients of the second annual Michigan Tech Sustainability and Resilience Campus Leadership Awards.

This year’s awardees are:

• Undergraduate: Janelle Freeman (sustainability science and society)
• Graduate: Elise Rosky (Ph.D. in Physics candidate)
• Staff: Dan Liebau (Facilities)
• Faculty: Mark Rudnicki (CFRES)

We will gather for a celebration of the award winners and their accomplishments and provide a brief update on sustainability work at Michigan Tech with some time to enjoy snacks and interact with your peers.

Event Details:

• What: Sustainability Awards Gathering
• When: Monday, April 10, from 4-5 p.m. (formal program ends by 4:40)
• Where: Alumni Lounge in the MUB

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PhD Proposal Defense: Yuchen Wang, CS

Department of Computer Science (CS) graduate student Yuchen Wang will present his Ph.D. dissertation proposal tomorrow (March 31) from 4-5 p.m. in Rekhi 101.

Virtual attendance is also invited. Join the Zoom meeting.

The title of Wang’s presentation is “Dynamic Memory Management for Key-Value Stores.” Wang is advised by Professor Zhenlin Wang.

Read the proposal abstract on the Computing News Blog.

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ChE Seminar with Faculty Candidate Young Geun Park

Young Geun Park, Ph.D., will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Research Series tomorrow (March 31) at 10 a.m. in person in Chem Sci 201 and virtually via Zoom.

Park is an assistant research scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Park will present "Integrated plasmonic system and probes for high spatiotemporal biomolecular profiles."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

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This Week's C3 Luncheon

Menu for Thursday (March 30):

• Tangy BBQ Beef Brisket 
• Scallion Corn Cake (Vegan)
• Baked Beans (Gluten Friendly, Vegetarian)
• Memphis Style Coleslaw (Gluten Friendly, Vegetarian)
• Baked Macaroni & Cheese (Vegetarian)
• Roasted Green Beans & Cauliflower (Gluten Friendly, Vegan)

Dining Services presents this week's C3 Luncheon, being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

The C3 lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by executive chef Michael Landini and his culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee, tea, cookies and fruit are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $12 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union office (MUB 101). You can submit C3 feedback using our Google form. To join the C3 Google group and receive weekly menus, email business-support@mtu.edu.

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CFRES Seminar with Sarah Hoy

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) will have a seminar at 12:30 p.m. today (March 30) at Noblet G002 with speaker Sarah Hoy, research assistant professor of CFRES.

Hoy’s talk is titled “The causes and consequences of selective foraging behavior in northern goshawks, moose and gray wolves.”

From the abstract:
Foraging is a primary activity of any wild animal and a behavior that can be influenced by a wide range of environmental factors (e.g., changes in weather, species abundances or predation risk). Research about how wild animals forage is vital for understanding how species select habitats and interact with other species, predicting how wildlife may respond to changes in the environment, and for understanding community dynamics. In the seminar, I will be discussing: (i) how three generalists’ species, goshawks, moose and wolves, exhibit strongly selective foraging behavior (i.e., disproportionately forage on certain types of prey or plants), (ii) the various factors which shape and influence their foraging behavior, and (iii) how selective foraging behavior can alter the stability of food-web dynamics and the impact that predators can have on the health and resilience of prey populations.

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Physics Colloquium with Anupam Gupta 

Anupam Gupta from the Indian Institute of Technology will be presenting at this week's Physics Colloquium. The seminar will be presented via Zoom only at 11 a.m. today (March 30).

Gupta's presentation is titled "Matrix viscoelasticity controls spatio-temporal tissue organization."

Registration is required for this Zoom colloquium. Please register to attend.

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

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ADVANCE Campus Child Care and Family Support Discussion

Join us today (March 30) at 1 p.m. EDT for a virtual discussion on the equity issues faced by campus communities due to inadequate child care and caregiver support.

Led by Wendy Robeson and Autumn Green, this event is a continuation of the Jan. 26 discussion with a focus on implementing child care and family support in campus communities. If you were unable to attend the prior session, you are welcome to still join this session.

Register to attend the discussion.

In the end, we hope that we all can recognize that our campuses need to uphold care infrastructures that are flexible, and value community members' values, cultures, gender, ethnicity and diversity so that all members can advance and reach their potential and thereby enhance the campus to which they belong.

This discussion will be inclusive of all members of the community: undergraduate and graduate students, staff and faculty.

This event is part of the ADVANCE Midwest Partnership — Joining Forces, a partnership of four research-intensive institutions funded by NSF ADVANCE.

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BioSci Seminar with Haiying Liu

Haiying Liu will present as part of the Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series from 3-4 p.m. today (March 30). The seminar will be held in the Great Lakes Research Center, GLRC 202.

Liu is a professor at Michigan Technological University in the Department of Chemistry. He will present "Near-infrared fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of intracellular pH changes."

From the abstract:
Intracellular pH is a crucial factor in various cellular processes such as cell functions, regulations, proliferation, cellular apoptosis, enzymatic activity, ion transport, and endocytosis. Abnormal intracellular pH values are linked to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's, emphasizing the need for accurate monitoring of pH fluctuations in live cells. This monitoring can help understand physiological and pathological processes and explore cellular functions. Fluorescence imaging is a powerful tool for determining intracellular pH due to its advantages, including high sensitivity, rapid response, high spatial and temporal resolution, operational simplicity, non-invasiveness, and real-time monitoring. We have developed a series of near-infrared fluorescent probes based on near-infrared BODIPY, rhodol, rhodamine, and cyanine dyes to detect intracellular pH changes. These probes take advantage of the unique features of near-infrared imaging, such as low biological autofluorescence background, low photobleaching issues, and deep tissue penetration. To overcome systematic errors caused by intensity-based fluorescent probes, such as fluctuations in excitation light source, sample heterogeneity, uneven dye distribution, concentration variations, and compartmental localization, we have also developed ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent probes. These probes achieve better performance and reliability in quantitative and comparative analyses of pH changes in live cells by utilizing a built-in self-calibration capability with dual emission bands.

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ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker: Beckry Abdel-Magid

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. today (March 30) in MEEM 112.

Beckry Abdel-Magid will present “Durability of Thermoset Composites and Optimization of Thermoplastic Composites.”

Abdel-Magid is professor, chair and founding faculty of the composite materials engineering program at Winona State University. His expertise is in mechanics, mechanical characterization and durability of composite materials.

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Film Board Presenting 'Rush Hour'

This week, the Film Board is presenting "Rush Hour," a 1998 film rated PG-13.

Summary: A loyal and dedicated Hong Kong inspector teams up with a reckless and loudmouthed Los Angeles Police Department detective to rescue the Chinese consul's kidnapped daughter, while trying to arrest a dangerous crime lord along the way.

Showings:

• Friday, March 31 — 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 1 — 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.

Located on Michigan Tech's campus in Fisher 135.

Tickets are $3 and concessions are $1. We hope to see you at the movie this weekend and have a great day.

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance by Appointment

Thursday, March 30, 12 a.m. | Academic Office Building (AOB), G015

The College of Business is pleased to again offer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Accounting majors will provide free income tax preparation assistance for students and...

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Michigan Tech Art Presents: Snowsports Faculty and Staff Art Show

Thursday, March 30, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. |

MICHIGAN TECH ART PRESENTS SNOWSPORTS FACULTY AND STAFF ART SHOW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023 THROUGH SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2023 A-SPACE HOURS: M-F 8 A.M.-8 P.M.

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Flow Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation Using a Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach

Thursday, March 30, 11 a.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Seminar Brennan Vogl Advisor: Dr. Hoda Hatoum Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world and is...

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Physics Colloquium - Dr. Anupam Gupta

Thursday, March 30, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Anupam Gupta from the Indian Institute of Technology will be presenting at a special Physics Colloquium. Please join the Zoom-only presentation at 11 a.m. Thursday (March...

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Saving Women's Sports Activism Event

Thursday, March 30, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Walker Lawn

Come by our table near the Hamar House parking lot this Thursday, March 30th to have a little fun with this activism event! We will be out from 11 am to 3 pm.

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Cookies & Coloring Books

Thursday, March 30, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. | Center for Diversity and Inclusion (basement)

Let's talk and color your cares away! Drop in to de-stress with an afternoon of adult coloring and find out more about what the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being...

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Biological Science Seminar Series - Dr. Haiying Liu

Thursday, March 30, 3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Dr. Haiying Liu Professor Department of Chemistry Michigan Technological University Near-infrared fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of intracellular pH changes ...

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Master's Defense: Sneha Singh

Thursday, March 30, 3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 201

Chemical Engineering Advisor: Caryn Heldt Virus Inactivation by Novel Virucidal Materials Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/82775661802

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Durability of Thermoset Composites and Optimization of Thermoplastic Composites

Thursday, March 30, 4 p.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 112

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Beckry Abdel-Magid, PhD Winona State University Abstract The phenomenal, more than twenty-fold, growth of...

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Adult Huskies Swim Lessons Spring 2023 Session 3

Thursday, March 30, 5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons provides aquatic education for the beginner to the intermediate swimmer who is looking to become more comfortable in the water and learn the...

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Adult Huskies Swim Training Spring 2023 Session 3

Thursday, March 30, 5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Training provides additional attention and competitive guidance to swimmers ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their swimming skills and fitness...

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The 2023 Friends of the Library Book Sale will take place on March 30 and March 31, 2023!

Thursday, March 30, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom

The main sale will be FRIDAY, March 31, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the Member-only Pre-Sale the evening before, March 30, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. All Michigan Tech...

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Outdoor Venture Crew Weekly Meeting

Thursday, March 30, 5:15 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Fisher 129

We'll be voting on our weekly trip and discussing other relevant information. While our meetings run until 7:00 PM, they don't usually last longer than 20 or 30 minutes. Feel...

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Youth Leadership Workshop

Thursday, March 30, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Fisher Hall - Room 329

The Leadership Institute’s Youth Leadership Workshop (YLW) is a free, three-hour, training that gives an overview of the skills necessary to be an effective youth leader. The...

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Club Roll

Thursday, March 30, 8:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | SDC Pool

Come join the Log Rolling Club in the SDC Pool. No experience needed, we would be more than happy to help you learn and have a great time! Everyone that participates in...

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CDI x CSMHW: Cookies and Coloring Books

March 30, all day | Hamar House Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Lower Level

De-stress with an afternoon of adult coloring and find out more about what resources the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being has to offer! Come color with us or...