Recent Michigan Technological University graduate Jason Gillespie was one of the recipients of the 2005 Michigan Tech Fund Merit Award. Six additional students were named nominees of distinction.

Merit Awards honor two seniors, a man and a woman, for their academic achievements and service. Each recipient is given $1,000 and a framed photo of the Michigan Tech campus.

Gillespie, of Oscoda, earned a 3.97 grade point average in mechanical engineering. He participated in MTU's Peer Mentoring Program and was a coach with the Chemical Learning Center, an orientation team leader, and a member of the varsity cross country track team, the Michigan Tech Concert Choir and the Campus Crusade for Christ.

During 2003-04, the Michigan Tech Fund, which operates the university's giving program, raised $18.9 million.