July  2020
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
LAKER E-FFECT


Make a Gift. Have it Matched. Get a Mask. 

We are calling on the entire Laker Community to unite in support of our students as they navigate their return to campus for Fall Semester 2020 beginning on August 10th.  Our students have additional challenges due to the complexities of the Covid-19 crisis.  It is our goal to welcome them back safely, provide the best "Laker experience" possible and raise funds to help our students in need. 

By creating a unique partnership between the LSSU Foundation, Campus Life, Financial Aid and Marketing/Communications we present  The Match & Mask Challenge Grant.

What is it?
The LSSU Foundation is providing a $10,000 Challenge Grant matching gifts for those who make a donation to the Bud Mansfield Student Emergency Fund prior to our Laker students returning on August 10, 2020.

This is a dollar-for-dollar challenge where you can double the positive impact of your gift in support of Lakers during these difficult and uncertain times.  Not only will your gift be matched, you will receive your choice of attractive Laker-themed protective masks!


ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

Jessica Murawski '12, was named Sault High volleyball coach. Jessica played volleyball at LSSU from 2008 to 2010.


Jon Olson '91, moved his company Superior Forensic Engineering LLC, from Howell to the SmartZone in Sault Ste. Marie. 


Joel Postma '92was hired by the Department of Justice as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) coordinator to cover the 12 federally recognized tribes in Michigan. 



CAMPUS UPDATES

Lake Superior State University Alumna, Lawyer, and Administrator Cynthia K. Williams Appointed to LSSU Board of Trustees

Veteran administrator, lawyer, and Lake Superior State University alumna Cynthia K. Williams has been appointed to the LSSU Board of Trustees by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.

Williams, who earned a B.A. in English from LSSU and a J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law, is the former executive director of the Michigan Education Special Services Association, a nonprofit that provides health benefits for state public education employees at the primary, secondary, and collegiate levels. She retired in 2016 after 16 years with the organization, which was founded in 1960 and is the largest provider network in Michigan. 
Read more.



Lake Superior State University to Open Newest Location in Central Michigan

Lake Superior State University will open its newest location in St. Helen, Mich., for the fall 2020 semester. A ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at the area site, which is at Charlton Heston Academy in Richfield Township, Roscommon County.

"One of the priorities in LSSU's strategic plan is to generate more community partnerships and engagement, and I can't think of a better example than this," said LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley. "Not only does it expand our Superior footprint once more. It also enhances the quality of life of the region, in this case in a part of the state that has limited access to the pursuit of higher education within reasonable driving distance." 



Lake Superior State University and the Michigan Army and Air National Guard Renew Tuition Agreement

Lake Superior State University and the Michigan Army and Air National Guard celebrate their continued partnership. This partnership encourages active drilling members to seek degrees at LSSU. Essentially, the program takes the stipend active duty members receive through the National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance program, which is intended to partially cover the costs of taking college courses, and accepts that stipend as full payment for tuition. Read more.



Online Cannabis Production Certificate Starting for Fall 2020 at Lake Superior State University

Leading the way in cannabis education, Lake Superior State University announces an online Cannabis Production certificate beginning in fall 2020.  The certificate combines courses from cannabis chemistry and cannabis business in a one year certificate with a limited lab residency.  The residency will be for a one week period beginning in the summer of 2021 on Lake Superior State University's campus in the Cannabis Center of Excellence.  The Cannabis Center of Excellence houses over $2 million dollars in cutting edge/state of the art analytical instrumentation and extraction equipment.  The Center works closely with partners in the cannabis industry to provide training and certification in the most current industrial protocols and methodologies keeping our Superior Education at the cutting edge of the cannabis industry. Read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS

July 17 - August 28 - Lake State Golf Classic - Play At Your Pace!

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 31st Lake State Golf Classic will be at your pace.  Meaning you can play any day between July 17 and August 28, 2020 at Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley, MI or at a favorite course near you. This is an opportunity to interact with LSSU Alumni and Friends, keeping safe through social distancing, while raising funds in support of Laker students. Learn more.








Check here regularly for updates regarding future events.
LAKER ATHLETICS

The LSSU Laker Club has launched for the 2020-21 school year, it  is the principal fundraising initiative for athletics at Lake Superior State University. Our aim is to ensure a financially stable and highly competitive program for all of our men's and women's teams.

Laker Club members are able to designate gifts to a specific sport, or choose to support athletics as a whole. Join Laker Club and make an impact today!

Check out our new member levels and benefits! 





CAREER SERVICES


Are you looking to launch your career or hit that next career milestone? All LSSU Alumni have access to College Central Network through  LSSU Career Services , which contains an expansive job board, career videos, podcasts, a library of career/job search documents, and a resume and portfolio builder. All you have to do to join is email Geralyn Narkiewicz, Career Services Coordinator at [email protected].
WRAPPING IT UP


Our lead story covers the issue that is "top of mind" for all of us: the Covid-19 Pandemic. Laker Alumni and friends have responded strongly by donating in support of the Bud Mansfield Student Emergency Fund receiving a mask and having their generosity matched. This is a great avenue to keeping fellow Lakers safe and helping our current students.  You still have time to join this effort!

As always, our alumni continue to push themselves to accomplish impressive achievements.  Your university is following suit by renewing existing partnerships with the State's Army and Air National Guard and an exciting, new venture with a new additional location in St. Helen, Michigan with the goal of providing collegiate-level opportunities to that area.

We are excited about welcoming back our students with move-in activities underway while I write this note.  Safety and the best Laker experience possible are our top priority as always.

Safe healthy and Go Lakers!
Thomas W. Coates '86 - Lifetime Member
Executive Director ~ LSSU Foundation

 

Visit us  online  for information about alumni events and programs, to update your information  with LSSU, and to become an Annual or Lifetime Member  of the  Alumni Association.
STAY CONNECTED:

Contributors/Staff:
Ryan Sigmon, Laker E-ffect Editor
Thomas W. Coates, Executive Director ~ LSSU Foundation