Michigan Tech students arrive on campus for the first day of classes of the fall semester

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) – Hundreds of students flocked to Michigan Tech’s campus Monday for their first day of classes.

Official figures will not be available until next month, but the university has a rough idea.

“We have over 1,400 freshmen,” said MTU Dean of Studies Kellie Raffaelli. “And a total of just over 6,000 undergraduate students this year.”

Raffaelli says there are a variety of events for students to enjoy, including several Welcome Week events such as organizational meetings and a pizza party on Friday. Next week also marks Keweenaw Day, an event designed to teach students how to get involved on campus.

In addition to the students, the university also welcomed new employees.

“We have a new dean in the School of Engineering, a new dean in the School of Science and Arts, and a new dean in the School of Forestry and Environmental Resources,” Raffaelli said.

Michelle Scherer currently serves as Dean of the School of Engineering. David Flaspohler serves as Dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences, and LaReesa Wolfenbarger serves as Dean of the School of Science and Arts.

Raffaelli also points out that she will be holding open office hours at the university library to talk to students and get feedback from them. These will take place on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

This year’s student body is made up of a wide variety of students, including Matthew Grabowski, a freshman from the Lower Peninsula. He is studying electrical engineering and wants to work in motorsports.

“I have SYP [Summer Youth Programs] two years ago,” Grabowski said. “I love the area. I love the campus staff and the facilities they have here. And I also want to get out and see the area.”

Then there’s Joey Miller, a senior from Minnesota who is pursuing a degree in robotics engineering. He wants to make the most of his final year.

“I’m hoping to camp as much as possible,” Miller said. “That’s another big reason I came here, just the camping experiences and stuff. I went hiking yesterday, was at Breakers the day before and am trying to get out as much as I can before it’s white out everywhere.”

The students say they are also looking forward to next month’s career fair, which will be attended by over 400 companies.

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