Greetings LSSU Alumni! As we step into 2024, it's a pleasure to reconnect with our you and share the latest from Lake Superior State University. Our alma mater continues to thrive, embracing innovation in education and making strides in various fields. This newsletter highlights the achievements of fellow alumni, updates on campus developments, and upcoming events to keep you engaged with the LSSU community. Your continued support and success inspire us, and we look forward to another year of shared accomplishments. Stay connected, stay proud, and remember, once a Laker, always a Laker! | |
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Lake Superior State University and Soo Co-op Credit Union announce the establishment of an endowment to benefit LSSU Career and Academic Services renaming the center the Soo Co-op Credit Union Career Services Resource Center. The endowment was created to assist LSSU students by supporting career and academic services at Lake Superior State University.
“We are grateful to Soo Co-op Credit Union for their generous donation, which enables us to further elevate the quality and scope of services offered by our Career Services Resource Center,” said Dr. Lynn Gillette, LSSU Interim President. “This endowment will not only impact the current student body but will leave a lasting legacy, shaping the future careers of LSSU graduates for years to come.” Read more.
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If you missed it, check out the Fall 2023 edition of the Laker Log! Click here.
The Spring 2024 edition of the Laker Log will be out in April 2024. LSSU Alumni can share life updates with their Laker family by submitting them to be published in the Laker Log Class Notes! Please share your career updates, weddings, anniversaries, births, adoptions, military service, and awards! Click here to submit your update.
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The Lukenda School of Business at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) proudly announces the launch of its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, offering working professionals the opportunity to earn a graduate degree virtually in just two years. The first cohort of students will begin on August 26th, 2024.LSSU’s online MBA Program provides a flexible, supportive, and affordable learning environment, allowing working professionals to balance education with personal and professional responsibilities using a holistic approach. Students will work together, participating in simulations and group discussions. Students will also build professional connections through networking opportunities and comprehensive support services.
“Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can offer various benefits. Whether students are looking to take their career to the next level or considering a complete career change, LSSU’s Online MBA Program empowers you to prioritize a healthy work-life balance while building a better future,” said Dr. Ralf Wilhelms, MIBA, DBA, LSSU’s Professor of Strategic Management and International Business. Read More.
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Lake Superior State University (LSSU) proudly announces a groundbreaking achievement in genomics as Biology Major Tailey McCloskey successfully produces LSSU’s first fully in-house genome.
The remarkable accomplishment is the result of McCloskey’s dedicated efforts in DNA extraction, nanopore sequencing, and assembly, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Kolomyjec, Associate Professor of Biology.
McCloskey’s work focuses on the complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater sponge Corvomeyenia everetti. The project represents a significant contribution to the field of genomics and showcases the caliber of research conducted at LSSU. Read More.
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The Lake Superior State University (LSSU) School of Nursing proudly announces a remarkable achievement as our 2023 NCLEX pass rate reached an impressive 100%.
This outstanding result surpasses both the national average for bachelors prepared nurses, which stands at 90%, and the state of Michigan’s average of approximately 87%.
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is the pivotal National Board certification exam that aspiring graduate nurses must successfully pass to obtain their state licenses. LSSU School of Nursing not only met but exceeded the expectations with a perfect pass rate, demonstrating the exceptional quality of education and preparation provided to our nursing graduates. Read More.
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LSSU taps Vice President Scott Smith to take on Legislative Affairs
Scott Smith has added legislative affairs to his role and with it a new title, Vice President of Advancement, Legislative and Alumni Affairs. His expanded role marks a strategic move for the university recognizing the close relationship between legislative affairs and advancement. Smith brings ten years of legislative experience to his new role in combination to over twenty years in advancement.
Pictured above, taken the day of the Governor's State of the State event (clockwise from top left) Scott Smith, VP Advancement, Legislative and Alumni Affairs, with Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Joe Tate, State Senator John Damoose, State Representative Neil Friske, and Senate Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks.
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Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is pleased to declare the successful installation of a cutting-edge Micro X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer. This achievement, made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), has established the university as the primary institution within a research consortium in the Upper Midwest.
The instrument will be a key component of the newly established Micro Analysis and Spectroscopic Characterization (MASC) Lab. An open house, open to the public, will be held from 12-4pm on Friday February 2, 2024 in Crawford Hall 105. Read more.
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As the new year inspires us to look ahead to the future, it also gives us time to reflect on the past. Lake Superior State University (LSSU) proudly unveils this year’s Banished Words List, a lively tradition that began in 1976.
This tradition highlights certain words that are often misused, overused, or have lost their meaning over the past year. It encourages us to laugh at ourselves as we reconsider and reflect on the importance of our vocabulary. Read More.
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College of Science and the Environment
Lake Superior State University became the first college in the country to offer a program focusing solely on cannabis when it launched a cannabis chemistry program in 2019. A survey of 2022 program grads reported an average starting salary of $51,000, with jobs in the compliance sector yielding the highest wages. Check out the article link below (published in the Cardinal News) where Dean Steven Johnson is quoted, “We can’t produce graduates fast enough,” Johnson says. In some cases “they’re making more money in two years than faculty with PhD's.”
Read article here.
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College of Great Lakes Ecology and Education
Congratulations to LSSU students Abbi Schrader, Taylor Gross, and Lauren Schagel on being selected as finalists for the Janice Lee Fenske Memorial Award! Each year, up to 25 finalists are selected based on their enthusiasm to protect fisheries and wildlife resources. The outstanding students will be announced during an award ceremony at the 2024 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Way to represent LSSU and the CoGLEE!
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Engineering and Technology
We're excited to have access to the Robotics Lab again as well as the machine shop and Senior Projects work area! Keep an eye out for a time to come celebrate the re-opening of the Robotics Lab in the new year.
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The Arts Center at Lake Superior State University is thrilled to welcome the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company on February 2, 2024 for a captivating performance of their new work, “Lake of the Torches.”
The performance promises an enchanting evening filled with historic tales and stories, brought to life through traditional native songs and dances. Using eagle feathers, moccasins, flute and drums, hoop dancers, and legendary warriors and hunters, Woodland Sky transports the audience to a bygone era. Read more.
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Eli Freeman '19, has joined the LSSU Advancement Office as Alumni and Data Director.
The Corunna, MI native graduated from LSSU in 2019 with a BS in Kinesiology Sports Management, and has previous work experience with the Sault Ste. Marie Country Club, Amazon, and Detroit City Football Club.
Freeman is excited to be back at LSSU as part of the Advancement team and is looking forward to building and maintaining great connections and friendships in his new role!
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Jeanna (Radzinski) Trotman '12, weekend sports anchor on 7 Action News WXYZ-TV Detroit Channel 7, recently shared her entertaining and creative take on the 2024 LSSU Banished Words list. Watch here.
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Kody Spiker '23, has accepted a position at Lake Superior Academy, located in Sault Ste. Marie, where she hopes to help students on a more personal level. Read more.
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Linda Hellebuyck '92, was recently named Chief Financial Officer at Henniges Automotive, headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI.
Henniges Automotive provides automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with sealing systems for doors, windows, trunks, lift gates, sunroofs and hoods as well as encapsulated glass systems Read more.
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The Lake Superior State (LSSU) track and field program competed at the Jet's Pizza Invitational, hosted by Saginaw Valley State, on Friday and Saturday. Read more. | |
The Lake Superior State (LSSU) hockey program (12-14-1, 9-9-1 CCHA) fell to the Michigan Tech Huskies (11-11-5, 8-7-1 CCHA) in a 1-0 defensive battle in which both teams left it all on the ice. Read more.. | |
The Lake Superior State (LSSU) men's basketball pro-gram (13-6, 5-4 GLIAC) earned a tough win on the road over the Wayne State Warriors (8-10, 2-7 GLIAC) by a final score of 64-62 after Devin Womack (Ypsilanti, Mich.) drove in for the game-winning layup while being fouled with three seconds remaining in the game. Read more. | |
The Lake Superior State (LSSU) women's basketball team (1-17, 0-9 GLIAC) fell to the Wayne State Warriors (12-6, 5-4 GLIAC) by a final score of 87-57 on Saturday. Read more. | |
The Lake Superior State hockey program (12-13-1, 9-8-1 CCHA) picked up three crucial points in the CCHA standings after a 3-1 victory over the visiting Michigan Tech Huskies (10-11-5, 7-7-1 CCHA), marking the first career win in goal for Easton Hesse (Beaumont, Alta.). Read more. | |
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Friends of Laker Hockey January Event
Friends of Laker Hockey recently held their January event - bowling at Dondee Lanes - where everyone had a great time! This donor driven program gives behind-the-scenes access to the team, exclusive Laker Hockey apparel, and pre-game access to the coaching staff through a series of chalk-talks during the season.
For more information on joining Friends of Laker Hockey contact Andrew Rubinstein at [email protected] or call (906) 635-6219.
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Support Men’s D1 Hockey, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, and both Men’s and Women’s ACHA hockey through “Pledge Per”. Fans and supporters can pledge as little as $0.50, and as much as $10 per goal and assist for Laker Hockey (D1 and ACHA), and 3-pointers for Men’s and Women’s Basketball. For Men’s and Women’s basketball, as little as $0.05, and up to $5 can be pledged per rebound. | |
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Lake State Night at the Red Wings - February 10th, 1:00pm
Get ready for Lake Superior State University Night at Little Caesars Arena on February 10th and secure your co-branded Lakers and Red Wings jersey! Each ticket sold through this special package includes a donation to the Lake Superior State University Alumni Association.
The pre-game social will take place at The District Market inside Little Caesars Arena beginning at 11:30 am.
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Join fellow teammates, coaches and Laker fans back at the Cooper Gym for the annual Laker Basketball Alumni Reunion Weekend! Register by February 19 and you will receive up to 2 FREE tickets to Saturday’s Men’s AND Women’s basketball games, and also 2 FREE tickets to the Laker Hockey game on Friday, March 1st vs. Ferris State!
This year we will be honoring the 10th anniversary of the 2013-14 Men’s Basketball GLIAC championship team, and the 20th anniversary of the 2003-04 Women’s Basketball GLIAC Regular Season and Tournament championship team.
For more information, please contact the Alumni Office at 906-635-2844, or email [email protected].
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2024 Golden Grad Reunion
Calling all 1946-1974 members of our Golden Graduate Society! You are cordially invited to march in Lake Superior State University's 2024 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The Golden Graduate Society includes those who left campus at least 50 years ago or earlier. If you didn't receive a diploma, we define your "graduation year" as the last year you attended as a student.
There will also be a special luncheon for the Golden Graduate Society on Friday, May 3rd, beginning at 11:00am at the Barch Center for Freshwater Research and Education. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP's must be received by Friday, February 2, 2024, to have your name included in the 2024 LSSU commencement program.
For questions, please contact the LSSU Alumni Association at [email protected], or 906-635-2844.
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Create a Lasting Legacy at LSSU through Planned Giving
There are many factors to consider when choosing how to make your future gift. You can direct your philanthropy to LSSU in the areas that mean the most to you. Visit our gift planning site, explore the giving opportunities, and find a charitable plan that lets you provide for your family while supporting Lakers for generations to come! We look forward to helping you translate your LSSU story into a lasting legacy.
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January Photo of the Month features LSSU Board of Trustees Chair Tim Lukenda, former Board of Trustees member Dr. Mark Mercer '73, and Dr. Kevin Cooper '79 as they cheered on the Lakers this past weekend against Michigan Tech. | | | | |
