Rockwell pledges $500,000 to MTU hockey

Former Michigan Tech hockey player John Rockwell (1975-79) has provided $500,000 towards Michigan Tech's $3 million Hockey Enrichment Campaign, as announced by MTU senior director of athletic development Rick Yeo.

The campaign has raised approximately $2.4 million, and is slated to continue through June 30, 2007.

"It is great to see results on the ice, and the program looking so promising," said Rockwell, currently the Chairman of the Hockey Enrichment Campaign. "I had a very rewarding experience at Michigan Tech, and am pleased to be in a position where I can give back to the hockey program."

Rockwell, who is a 2006 inductee to the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame, played 69 games and made 2,268 saves in net for the Huskies from 1975-79. The goaltender earned All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association First Team honors in 1978-79 and was the team’s most valuable player that season. Originally from Bloomington, Minn., Rockwell also earned the team’s most improved player award and Winter Carnival MVP laurels during his career. He is an active member of the Hockey Advisory Council.

Rockwell now serves as managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) Element in Menlo Park, Calif. DFJ Element is a leading venture capital fund focused on clean technology. The Fund invests in emerging companies bringing innovative solutions to environmental and resource constraints in energy, water, and other large industrial and commercial markets.

Rockwell received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Michigan Tech and a master's degree in business administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

"John has been a very loyal hockey alumnus who has been very active in the Hockey Enrichment Campaign," said Yeo, who is set to retire at the end of this month. "He has been quite successful in his business ventures, and is more than willing to give back to a program that he believes is going in the right direction."

To contribute to the Hockey Enrichment Campaign, or for further information, contact Randy Heinonen, director of athletic development, at 906-487-1604.