About Us
Serving the Michigan Tech community for over 100 years
Mission Statement
We strive to comprehensively inform the Michigan Technological University community with relevant content. To this end, we are pledged to apply the utmost integrity and candor to our journalistic responsibilities.
Aims and Objectives
- To report on relevant news, events, and conversations in order to create a more informed student body
- To uphold integrity, fairness, and equitable coverage
- To engage and represent the campus community
Operations
Our history:
The Lode, Michigan Technological University’s student-run newspaper, published its first issue on February 17, 1921. The paper is published weekly on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters. The Lode operates out of Walker 105 located in the Writing Center on Michigan Tech’s campus.
The Lode operates at a STEM-centered university without a journalism program. The newspaper staff is composed of students from many academic disciplines and is representative of the wide range of programs available at Michigan Tech.
The Lode operates through an allocation received from Michigan Tech’s Undergraduate Student Government, from funds through the Student Activity Fee. Additional newspaper funding is received through ad sales in both our print and online editions.
Editorial Staff
Lydia
Derks
Managing Editor
(she/her)
I’m Lydia, and I’ve been with The Lode for four years, starting as a copy-editor and moving up to Managing Editor last semester. I’m pursuing an Engineering Management degree (graduating in the Spring of 2025!), and have a lot of fun in the outdoors while I’m not studying. I love to ski, hike, rollerblade, play board games and read.
Ethan
Plummer
Business Manager
(he/him)
Hello! I’m Ethan Plummer, a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering student aiming for a career in Neural Engineering. Originally from Cedar Springs, MI, just north of Grand Rapids, I’m an adventurous sports enthusiast, volunteer, and all-around busybody. I enjoy racquet sports, bowling, golf, and I recently started playing frisbee golf. Since September 2024, I’ve been the Business Manager at The Lode. I’m a social butterfly, so if you see me around campus, feel free to say hi!
Mara
Sorensen
Editorial Assistant
(she/her)
I’m Mara, a second year Ecology and Evolutionary Biology student. I started working with The Lode last semester through the Introduction to Journalism class, and now work as an Editorial Assistant. I’m from the UP, and in my free time, I love reading, hiking and thrifting.
Conlan
Houston
Media Editor
(he/him)
Hey! My name is Conlan and I’m a second year Biomedical Engineering major here at Tech. I joined The Lode last year and soon became Broadcast Manager before starting my current role of Media Manager. I enjoy both traditional and film photography as well as 3D modeling and programming video games.
Liam
Houston
Media Editor
(he/him)
coming soon!
Riy
Dalman
Design, Layout & Copy Editor
(they/them)
Heya! I’m Riy and as a first year here at tech this is also my first year here at The Lode! I’m pursing an Entertainment and Theatrical engineering degree. I spend my free time making music, playing video games, and taking walks on the Tech Trails.
Karissa
Sanders
Design, Layout & Copy Editor
(she/her)
Hello, I’m Karissa, a fourth-year English major with a media production minor pursuing an accelerated masters in business administration. I’ve just started this semester as The Lode’s Design, Layout and Copyeditor. I love to read, write and play video games, along with several other hobbies.
Meeting Times and Office Hours
Meeting times and office hours valid only for 2024 semesters
General Body Meeting: 8 p.m. in Walker 107 (Writing Center), weekly on Mondays
Production Meeting: 7 p.m. in Walker 107 (Writing Center), weekly on Sundays
Office Hours (located in Walker 105):
TR: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.