Michigan Technological University wins Donnelly Award

What’s happening: Michigan Technological University has been selected to receive the 2024 Jack Donnelly Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence, an annual recognition by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The award honors institutions that demonstrate exceptional efforts in preventing foreign theft of U.S. defense and national security technology. Out of more than 10,000 eligible organizations nationwide, Michigan Tech’s Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) was one of five recipients. The award was formally presented by Andrew Lochli, DCSA’s assistant director of Counterintelligence and Insider Threat, during the University’s Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, Oct. 11.

A long government history: The KRC originally worked with the U.S. government 71 years ago, assisting the U.S. Army for deep snow mobility testing. Now a world-class, multidisciplinary research facility, focusing on military, industrial, and commercial vehicle applications, the KRC operates over 900 acres of specialized proving grounds designed for evaluating ground vehicle systems. Overall, Michigan Tech has rounded out its available educational opportunities for cybersecurity, Army and Air Force ROTC programs and more. 

What they’re saying: “This award embodies the importance of academic contributions to security advancements,” Lochli said. “MTU is recognized as a leader in risk mitigation and has built counterintelligence-focused culture in implementing processes within their program to detect, deter, mitigate and expeditiously report suspicious contact activities through DCSA and other government agencies. They are so deserving of this award.”

What’s next: Continued work with the KRC and various government agencies will keep Michigan Tech and the Upper Peninsula on a united path. Additional students are applying to the university, keeping a stream of future workers available for sensitive roles.