Welcome to the Laker E-ffect, the monthly newsletter of the LSSU Office of Alumni Relations. Please note: Due to document size limits, this newsletter may be clipped. To view the full newsletter, click at the bottom where you see: [Message clipped]  View entire message. Thank you!

A Quick Hello from the New President! 

Hi Everyone! I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful summer weather we are blessed with having here in the SOO. I have been “drinking from the firehose” during my first several weeks in the president position. However, I cannot have hoped for a warmer welcome than what I have received from the campus community as well as the SOO communities on both sides of the river. I continue to be honored and thrilled to be in this position and am committed to serving this campus and surrounding community the way it deserves to be served.

In my short time here I have already seen strong evidence from the campus and surrounding community of great Laker pride that permeates deep. People have told me many stories about the past when the campus was vibrant and full of students. With the strong level of commitment I see every day and the impressive talent of our faculty and staff already in place, I’m convinced we’re going to get back to that. 

That is my goal…to make LSSU a great place once again. Your continued support in making that happen is essential. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you to listen to your ideas and identify ways that we can move the needle forward together.

Thank you for being a Laker!   

Kevin and Pam Cooper: A Legacy of Giving

Left to right: Kevin and Pam Cooper with LSSU Arts Center Staff Casey Snyder and Adam St. John.

Supporting Education and the Arts Lake Superior State University

Kevin and Pam Cooper, long-time residents of Sault Ste. Marie, have always been leaders within their community. Their commitment to education, athletics and the arts at LSSU have made a significant impact on many lives, and their recent contributions exemplify their generosity and dedication.

Honoring a Father's Legacy

Kevin Cooper has always been inspired by his father's dedication to education and student athletes. To honor Bud Cooper’s legacy, Kevin and Pam have donated $50,000 to the Bud Cooper Endowment which supports DII athletes at Lake State. This endowment aims to support student-athletes pursuing degrees in various fields, ensuring that Bud's passion for education continues to inspire future generations.

Bringing the Community Together Through Film

The Coopers' philanthropy extends beyond education. They are also avid supporters of the arts in Sault Ste. Marie. Recently, they have sponsored several movie nights at the LSSU Arts Center. These movie nights have been well attended, reflecting the community's appreciation for the Coopers' efforts. More screenings are scheduled for the coming months, promising more opportunities for residents to enjoy quality films.

Leadership and Vision

Kevin Cooper's commitment to his community has also been recognized at the state level. Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently appointed him to the Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Board of Trustees. In this role, Kevin is poised to contribute his leadership and vision to the governance of the university, furthering his impact on higher education in the region.

A Grateful Campus Community

The Coopers' contributions have not gone unnoticed. The Lake Superior State University campus is grateful for their generosity and continued support. Whether through their financial contributions, sponsorship of Arts Center events, or leadership roles, Kevin and Pam Cooper continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of many.

In a world where giving back is more important than ever, Kevin and Pam Cooper are indeed leaders in the community by representing the very spirit of philanthropy. Their legacy of giving will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that Lake Superior State University continues to offer educational excellence. Their contributions enrich the university community and foster an environment of growth and opportunity for students, faculty and staff alike

Calling All LSSC/LSSU Women's Athletics Alumni: Celebrate 50 Years with Us!

Join us in commemorating 50 Years of Women’s Athletics at LSSC-LSSU on September 19-21, on the campus of Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie! This special event is dedicated to the women’s athletics alumni and their families, celebrating decades of excellence, camaraderie, and shared history.

Our Schedule of Events includes a variety of activities designed for you and your loved ones, allowing everyone to reminisce and create new memories together. Click here for the Schedule of Events and other important information about the weekend, including special apparel, down town meet-ups and much more.

Event highlights include:

Friday, September 20, in the evening, "Munchies & Memories" is a special event where you can showcase your LSSC-LSSU memorabilia (photos, clothing, etc.) and share cherished memories with fellow alumni and their families. Start gathering your items now!

Saturday, September 21, the event will culminate with the Anniversary Dinner. This evening event will feature a silent auction to benefit women's athletics at LSSU, a cocktail reception, dinner and keynote speakers.

The deadline to register for the event is August 9, 2024. If you plan to attend the Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, you must register and purchase your tickets in advance by completing the form on our webpage. Click here to register. Please note that money will not be accepted at the door.

Act Now: Application Deadline Approaching for Lake Superior State University's MBA Program!

We are thrilled by the response and enrollment progress for our inaugural online MBA cohort, beginning this fall. As we gear up for the first cohort, there's still time to join us—apply now and unlock your potential!

Program Highlights:

• Flexible Online Courses: Study one course at a time, accelerating your path to graduation with focused goals.
• Tailored Support: Receive personalized assistance throughout your journey beyond the virtual classroom.
• Immediate Impact: Part-time online MBA programs for ambitious professionals with strong time management skills.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2024

Be sure to secure your spot in our first cohort! Don't miss this opportunity to join a community of future business leaders. Visit our website to learn more about our MBA program and the application process! https://www.lssu.edu/mba/.

Shape your future with Lake Superior State University

Welcome to LSSU, future Lakers!

Orientation 2024 took place on campus over the last two weeks, and saw 260+ new and transfer students discover their path to success! The students attended sessions ranging from LSSU’s academic offerings to exploring campus life and getting involved in student clubs.

We’re looking forward to seeing these new faces on campus this fall and to welcome you to our Laker family!

College of the Great Lakes Ecology and Education

Senior Fisheries and Wildlife Management students, Ellie Prow and Gwen Phillips, represented LSSU this month at the International Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) conference in Madison, Wisconsin!

They were among the few undergrads present, showcasing their incredible research on food web ecology in the Great Lakes, mentored by Dr. Jonathan Doubek, Assistant Professor at the School of Natural Resources and Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU.

Both Gwen and Ellie are leading upper Great Lakes-wide research projects on larval lake whitefish and cisco, working with scientists from other agencies spanning Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior. Ellie is testing relations between these larval fish, their food (zooplankton), and other water quality variables during the day versus night. Gwen is examining the occurrence, abundance, and type of microplastics in larval fish diets with water depth and watershed land use.

Their poster presentations received great attention, and they had the chance to interact with aquatic scientists from around the world!

College of Criminal Justice and Emergency Responders

Highlights from the Behavioral Health Emergency Partnership Certification!

Our students learn from highly qualified and experienced instructors who specialize in Behavioral Health Response, guaranteeing excellence in training.

16 Hours of Intensive In-Class Learning: Students dive deep into crucial concepts and strategies, maximizing their understanding and proficiency.

Real-Life Scenarios: Practice with dynamic role-playing exercises to apply knowledge effectively.



This mandatory and essential training ensures preparedness for all new law enforcement professionals.

College of Science and the Environment

Student Research Spotlight: Mia Morgan

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Mia, a dedicated student in the field of Environmental Geology, working under the mentorship of Dr. Mark Zierden. Mia's research is captivating as she delves into the intricate world of plant defense compounds and their role in regulating the acquisition of nutrients and metals from soil.

Mia and her team utilize cutting-edge technology in their research. They employ the Agilent 6230 LC-TOF-MS for compound identification, providing them with detailed insights into the chemical composition of plant defense compounds. Additionally, they utilize the Bruker M4 Tornado Plus uXRF for elemental imaging.

Shout out to Mia's research efforts - we wish her continued success in her research endeavors!

College of Science and the Environment

Students from the Chemistry, Cannabis Chemistry, and Environmental Science programs are monitoring water quality in Northern Michigan's inland lakes!

They are using both traditional culture-based techniques (Colilert-18) and molecular methods (qPCR) for microbial monitoring and source tracking.

it the next chapter in his remarkable journey.

Rick Comley '71, former Laker hockey player (1967-71), Laker hockey coach (assistant coach 1972-73/head coach 1973-76) and currently Athletic Director at Northern Michigan University, has stepped into the role of interim head hockey coach at NMU following the departure of Grant Potulny. Read More

For more an update on NMU's search for a permanent head coach click here.

Fleming Receives GLIAC Spring Commissioner's Award

Lake Superior State (LSSU) senior women's javelin thrower Jenna Fleming has been named a recipient of the 2024 Spring Commissioner's Award, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday, June 11th. In total, six male and six female GLIAC student-athletes that competed in a spring sport were honored. Read More.

Lakers Earn 92 GLIAC Academic Awards for 2023-24

Lake Superior State (LSSU) division II student-athletes have earned 92 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) academic honors for the 2023-24 academic year, as announced by the league office on Wednesday, June 5th.

The Lakers amassed 36 GLIAC All-Academic honorees for maintaining a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0-3.49 and 56 Academic Excellence honorees for maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. In total, 74% of LSSU division II student-athletes that were eligible to be considered for academic recognition were honored (true freshmen and first-year transfer student-athletes not eligible).

Click here for a full list of GLIAC All-Academic and Academic Excellence Award recipients.

Grace Howrigon Named Head Women's Basketball Coach

The Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Athletic Department has named Grace Howrigon as the 13^th head coach of the LSSU women's basketball program, as announced by Director of Athletics, Tory Lindley, on Thursday, May 30th. Read More.

Former Lakers Inducted into U.P. Sports Hall of Fame

Former Laker men's basketball coach Terry Smith (1991-97) and former LSSU women's basketball player Jill Wettuhn-Beaudo '95 were inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024 on May 11, 2024. Read More.



Come see Jaws at the LSSU Arts Center Theater - one night only - on June 28th at 7:30pm. $5 General Admission. Free for LSSU students, faculty, and staff. This screening is made possible through the generous support of Kevin and Pam Cooper.

You're gonna need a bigger boat. Rated PG

Sponsorship Opportunities and Player Registration Now Open!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 35th Annual Lake State Classic taking place on Friday, August 2 at Wild Bluff in Brimley, Michigan. The event is a tremendous opportunity for LSSU alumni and friends to interact, while supporting LSSU and Laker Athletics.

Thank you to those sponsors who have already come on board for this year, as well as the nearly 50 golfers who have already registered!

Click the links below to view available sponsorship opportunities, and make sure to register your team registers early, as we SOLD OUT our 2023 event. 

Great Lake State Weekend

October 18th-19th

Great Lake State Weekend taking place October 18-19, 2024! Plan to join us for a memorable homecoming celebration that includes exciting Laker hockey games, Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame ceremony, 1974 and 1994 Laker Hockey anniversary celebrations of the 1974 and 1994 National Championship teams, Tailgate Party, and much more!

Planning is underway and more details will be available soon!

As part of this year's Great Lake State Weekend, we will be celebrating the 50th and 30th anniversaries of 1974 and 1994 Laker Hockey National Championship teams! More information will be coming soon including registration for members of the 1974 and 1994 hockey teams. It will be a great reunion weekend!

Details coming soon!

Laker Pride for your Ride!

Lake Superior State University fans, alumni, and friends can display their Laker pride with the LSSU affinity license plate. The Michigan Secretary of State's Office offers specialty fund-raising license plates, including state-supported universities. $25 from the sale of each new license plate goes to the LSSU Alumni Association and we receive $10 for each renewal. Proceeds help fund various alumni programs and services, like Great Lake State Weekend!

June's Photo of the Month features Governor Gretchen Whitmer greeting LSSU VP of Advancement, Legislative and Alumni Affairs, Scott Smith, at a reception hosted by lobbying firm Kelley Cawthorne on May 7th in Lansing, MI.