June  2020
ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
LAKER E-FFECT


Lake State Classic 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.

How Will it Work?
The Classic will still be a golf scramble, best ball format in foursomes, split up into two divisions. The first division will be those that play their round at Wild Bluff out in Brimley, MI. The second division will include those foursomes that play at other golf courses.

Click here to learn more about the Lake State Golf Classic.
STUDENT KUDOS
 

LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education students successfully  released about 30,000 Atlantic Salmon into the St. Mary's River on June 11. Click here to watch videos from the release. 
ALUMNI IN THE NEWS


Shaun Antler '81, has taken on the task of gathering information about the musical history of  Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. 



Anthony D'Aniello '89, was appointed to the advisory board of Global Legal Group and Goldman & Co Lawyers Pty Ltd.



Rick Mitchell '75, has stepped down as the athletic director at Paw Paw High School, after serving in the position for the last 26 years.



CAMPUS UPDATES

LSSU Announces New Bachelor Degree Completion Programs Available in Escanaba

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is pleased to announce, in partnership with Bay College, their baccalaureate programs in elementary education and secondary education will be available entirely in Escanaba starting the fall 2020 semester.

Recognizing the shortage in qualified teachers in Michigan, LSSU and Bay College are working together to offer local citizens the ability to pursue their teaching degree without leaving the area. With 100% job placement, graduates of LSSU's education programs are prepared to teach and are rated effective or highly effective by their principles in their first year of teaching. Read more.



Lake Superior State University and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Sault Sainte Marie celebrate their continued partnership, which encourages active duty members and their spouses to seek a higher education degree at LSSU.

As both a military veteran and an academic, LSSU President, Dr. Rodney S. Hanley recognizes the value of this partnership. "The members of the Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie, are an integral part of our community," he stated, "I am proud to continue the long standing agreement with the USCG and I look forward to welcoming more active duty members and their dependents to take advantage of LSSU's unique and innovative programs." Read more.



Dr. Kathy Berchem will serve as Interim Dean of the College of Health and Behavior and Dr. Barb Light will serve as Interim Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Emergency Responders. Read more.



Dr. Ashley Moerke Elected as President of the Society of Freshwater Science

Center of Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) Director, Dr. Ashley Moerke, was recently elected as President of the Society of Freshwater Science at the annual meeting held via Zoom.  Dr. Moerke's position began on June 9, 2020 where she will serve one year as a President-Elect, one year as President and one year as Past President.  The Society of Freshwater Science is a 2,000 member international scientific organization, founded in 1953, whose purpose is to promote further understanding of freshwater ecosystems and ecosystems at the interface between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Read more.



Dr. Jason Garvon appointed to the Michigan Wildlife Council

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Jason Garvon, Ph.D., a professor of biology at Lake State Superior University has been appointed to the Michigan Wildlife Council. Dr. Garvon is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last 3 years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations, for a term commencing June 24 and expiring March 31, 2024. Read more.



Bud Cooper Memorial Fund Established With Generational Support

The Cooper family has fully embraced Bud Coopers' philanthropic spirit and recognizes how best to support his appreciation for the Laker men's basketball program by creating a memorial fund in his name. Read more.



Breed Family Business Scholarship Fund Established

The Breed family has a deep connection with Lake Superior State University.  With six children, the financial landscape was challenging at times but for Bill and Sandy Breed it was important to support the college aspirations for their family.  In order to accomplish this task, the Breed family knew that student financial aid and scholarships would be a necessity.  Student financial aid and scholarships would ultimately help the Breed family fulfill their college dreams. Read more.



Lake Superior State University Approves New Five Year Strategic Plan

Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees approved the new five year Strategic Plan during a special board meeting on April 24, 2020. This new plan focuses on an overall theme of Superior Education. Superior Experience. Superior You. During the fall 2019 University Convocation, President Rodney Hanley challenged the LSSU community to think strategically about the future of LSSU over the next five years - who we are, why do we do what we do, and how can we do it better.  The response from the LSSU community was overwhelming and drew from all constituents in the university as well as the Sault Ste. Marie community.  A Strategic Planning Committee was formed that was comprised of faculty, staff and student representation from across LSSU.  After extensive listening sessions, the priorities and theme of the Strategic Plan were developed. Read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS

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












Check here regularly for updates regarding future events.
LAKER ATHLETICS
CAREER SERVICES


Preparing for a career or searching for employment is never easy and it can seem even more challenging during a global pandemic. You can gain valuable learning and resume building experiences by participating in a FREE Virtual Intern Experience.

The Virtual Intern Experience runs from June 16 - July 30, and offers an incredible lineup of online workshops and boardroom sessions that will offer real-world, real-work professional development and networking oppor tunities designed to give you an edge as you enter the workforce. This is your chance to meet and chat with top executives from companies such as TikTok, Detroit Pistons, Plante Moran, Lyft, AirBnB, Henry Ford Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

You can register for the experience and view the entire lineup at  www.virtualinternexperience.com.

This event is free for all LSSU Alumni. Please contact Geralyn Narkiewicz, Career Services Coordinator, at gnarkiewicz@lssu.edu if you have any questions.
WRAPPING IT UP


I want to thank Ryan Sigmon, Development Coordinator for his outstanding work on compiling this month's Laker E-ffect and his efforts advancing the Foundation and Alumni Relations. Congratulations to him for his recent completion of his MBA from St. Leo University!

I hope you enjoy Canada Day tomorrow and Independence Day on Saturday. A special week to celebrate two great countries.

Please be safe and stay well.

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