Michigan Technological University is an institution of higher learning with its main campus in Houghton, Michigan. It also has the Ford Forestry Center and Research Forest, located in Alberta, Michigan. The 1800's were a time of copper mining success on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Michigan Tech was founded in 1885 as the Michigan Mining School. It was established by the state of Michigan to train mining engineers to better operate the local copper mines. The first classes were held by 4 faculty members and 23 students on the second floor of the Houghton Fire Hall. Later, the name changed to the Michigan College of Mines.
To reflect the variety of programs available beside mining, the name changed to Michigan Technological University in 1964.
Michigan Tech has a reputation as a top engineering school, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in many engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, civil, metallurgical, chemical and environmental. Michigan Tech is also a recognized leader in Forestry Science, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Michigan Tech opened a campus in India.
The school's sports teams are the Huskies. They compete in the NCAA's Division II Midwest Conference. The hockey team competes in Division I as a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
In January or February Michigan Tech hosts the annual Winter Carnival. Students compete in a variety of artistic and athletic events. The highlight of Winter Carnival is the statue competition. Students build sculptures out of snow and ice to match the annual theme, some of them in a single evening. Those built over the month long lead-up to Winter Carnival can reach a height of several stories. |
