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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula February 9, 2005 Text and Photos © 2005 Michele Anderson for Keweenaw Now

MTU Winter Carnival snow sculptors undaunted by thaw

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech's 2005 Winter Carnival is underway. Despite a recent thaw that melted some preliminary statue construction, students are working hard to complete their icy entries in the snow statue competition -- some requiring imported snow. The theme, "A Frozen Commotion from the Depths of the Ocean," has inspired some creative sea creatures. On Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 9, Keweenaw Now captured some of the action.

Matt Wirth, left,of Cottage Grove,  Minn., and John Aspland of Negaunee, Mich., add "bricks" to the First Year Experience snow sculpture near the entrance to the Walker Arts and Humanities Center on the MTU campus. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

In front of the entrance to the Walker Arts and Humanities Center, Adam Peckens of Howell, Mich., a geological engineering student, directed the construction of the First Year Experience sculpture entry, "As Mario Enters World 3 he plunges into the deep blue sea," based on a video-game character.

Adam Peckens of Howell, Mich., program coordinator for the First Year Experience snow sculpture entry, says the completed sculpture will be titled, "As Mario Enters World 3 he plunges into the deep blue sea." Mario is the video game character in the center. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

Opposite the Walker building, a giant squid seemed to be taking shape as members of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority worked with snow, ice and irons to complete their snow sculpture. Its title was still a secret as of Wednesday afternoon. 

Opposite the Walker Arts and Humanities Center, members of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority work on what appears to be a giant squid. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

In the center of campus, a giant replica of the Temple of Atlantis survived last week's thaw; however the very tall Greek soldier-guardians of the temple melted away. Hardworking TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon) fraternity members were replacing them with new structures, racing against time.

"It got warm, so we have to work twice as hard," said Christopher  Hesterberg of Port Huron, Mich. "Get 'er done!" he added.

Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity members resuscitate parts of their elaborate "Atlantis" structure. Pictured from left are Nick Schian of Davison, Mich., Christopher Hesterberg of Port Huron, Mich., and Matthew Gilbert of St. Clair Shores, Mich. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

Also braving Wednesday's colder temperature were members of Michigan Tech's Habitat for Humanity chapter, Aaron Tice of Clintonville, Wis., and Matt Barkley of Montgomery, Mich., who set up a table to call attention to their coming project, a collegiate build in South Carolina over Spring Break. 

Aaron Tice of Clintonville, Wis., and Matt Barkley of Montgomery, Mich., set up a table with information about their MTU campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

"We're thanking our sponsors," said Aaron Tice of Clintonville, Wis. 

Tice said ten students will participate in building a home in South Carolina, thanks to local sponsorship: U.P. Engineers and Architects, Premier Real Estate, Douglass Insurance Agency of Houghton, the MTU Office of Student Life, the MTU Parents' Fund and Richard Brooks, P.E., of Chassell.

In addition to their participation in Habitat's Collegiate Challenge during Spring Break, the campus chapter works with the local affiliate, Copper Country Habitat for Humanity, helping them build low-cost housing in the local area.

To view some completed, prize-winning sculptures, please go to page 2 of this article: "MTU Winter Carnival Sculptures ... more photos"

Editor's Note: Visit the Michigan Tech Winter Carnival Web site for details on the activities, results of statue competition and more photos, including Web Cams and a Carnival Video!

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