Welcome to the Laker E-ffect, the monthly newsletter from the LSSU Office of Alumni Relations. Please note: Due to length, this email may be clipped by your email provider. To ensure you’re viewing the full content, scroll to the bottom and click “[Message clipped] View entire message.” Thank you for staying connected with LSSU!

Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions Set

for Great Lake State Weekend

As part of the 2025 Great Lake State Weekend celebrations, the combined LSSU Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025. This tradition honors Lakers who have made outstanding contributions in their fields, communities, and athletic programs. Tickets will be available through the LSSU Alumni Association website — stay tuned for updates and sales information.

This year’s Alumni Award honorees include:

• Outstanding Alumni Award: Richard Gray, M.D. (Class of ’91) — This is the highest recognition given by the Alumni Association, honoring significant personal and professional achievements, as well as engagement with LSSU.
• Kenneth J. Shouldice Achievement Award: Christopher Merrett, Ph.D. (Class of ’86) — This award highlights graduates whose successes serve as powerful examples to the LSSU community.
• Paul E. Ripley Award for Young Alumni: Marisa Berlinger, J.D. (Class of ’13) — This honor recognizes exceptional success early in a graduate’s career and is awarded to alumni under 40 or within 15 years of graduation.

Established in 1995, the LSSU Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals and teams whose athletic achievements and commitment have left a lasting impact on Laker athletics. This year’s inductees will be honored during the dual ceremony at Great Lake State Weekend.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Kord Cernich ’90 – A standout Laker hockey player from 1986–1990 and key contributor to LSSU’s 1988 NCAA championship team, he ranks 15th all-time in assists and earned All-American honors three consecutive seasons.
• Jerry Cheynet – Head wrestling coach from 1969–1974, Cheynet turned a winless first season into a dominant run that included an undefeated dual season, multiple team titles, and three NCAA All-Americans, culminating in a top-10 national finish in 1974.
• 1972–73 LSSC Wrestling Team – They posted a perfect 13-0 dual meet record, captured the GLIAC and NAIA District 23 titles, and placed 11th nationally, marking one of the most dominant seasons in program history.
• Leeann (Huffman) Wise ’83 – From 1979–1983, Wise led LSSU women’s basketball as a record-setting guard, graduating as the program’s all-time leader in assists and ranking 18th in career scoring.

Plan to join us in celebrating the achievements of our fellow Lakers during a weekend full of pride, tradition, and connection. Details about Great Lake State Weekend, along with the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame inductions, will be available soon on the Alumni website.

Great Lake State Weekend Returns This Fall — October 24-25

The LSSU Alumni Association is excited to welcome Lakers back to campus for Great Lake State Weekend, October 24–25, 2025! Get ready for a fun-filled weekend celebrating Laker pride and reconnecting with fellow alumni.

Highlights include:

• Laker Hockey matchups vs. Bowling Green
• Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
• A spirited Tailgate Party
• And much more!

Mark your calendars and start planning your visit. Full event details and registration info will be available soon on the link below (this site will be updated as more information becomes available!)

A Warm Laker Welcome for the Class of 2025!

The next generation of Lakers has officially begun their journey at Lake Superior State University! We recently wrapped up our first New Student Orientation sessions for the Class of 2025, and campus was full of energy, anticipation, and a genuine sense of possibility.

Over the course of four two-day orientation sessions, incoming students and their families got to know their new home. From meeting with academic advisors and touring campus to forming new friendships and learning what it means to be part of the LSSU community, each session was packed with opportunities to connect and prepare. For many students, it was their first real step into college life — and a moment they’ll remember for years to come.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

LSSU Alumnus Mitch Mast ’14 Appointed Assistant Principal at Manistee Middle High School

Lake Superior State University graduate Mitch Mast '14 has been named the new assistant principal at Manistee Middle High School for the 2025–26 school year. Mast joined Manistee Area Public Schools in 2024 as a science teacher and quickly stood out for his leadership and dedication, stepping in to assist with administrative duties throughout the year.

He holds undergraduate degrees in integrated science, physical science, and computer science from Lake Superior State University, as well as a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Phoenix. Before joining Manistee Area Public Schools, Mast spent 11 years teaching middle and high school science at Les Cheneaux Community Schools in Cedarville, Michigan.

Passionate about STEM education, Mast plans to expand student opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence and real-world, hands-on projects. “Every student deserves the chance to explore their passions and discover their potential,” he said.

Mast lives in Ludington with his wife and daughter, with another daughter on the way. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and exploring nature, and incorporates his love for robotics and video games into the classroom to promote creativity and problem-solving.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Art in the Legislature: LSSU Talent Shines at the Michigan Capitol

Maggie Chism (Creative Writing) and Brady Myers (Teacher Education) had artwork accepted for this year’s Art in the Legislature initiative, which is a partnership between the Michigan Association of State Universities and the Michigan Legislature to promote art in everyday life.

“She is Michigan” by Artist Brady Myers. “Indigenous tribes have a strong, rooted history in our state. In fact, there are 12 federally recognized tribes just in Michigan. Saying this, this painting is meant to be a celebration and recognition of our state's rich cultural heritage. As well as the figure being native to Michigan, the painting also depicts both a male and female ruby-throated hummingbird and three American bumblebees, which is an endangered species in Michigan. Even the feathers in her hair belong to two native Michigan birds, the great-horned owl and the red-tailed hawk. Overall, this piece is meant to be a celebration of our state's culture as well as be convey a message about being one withnature and respecting our beautiful state.”

CAMPUS NEWS

College of Arts & Sciences: School of Biological Sciences

Dr. Jun Li (Biology) was co-author on an article titled “Horizontal and vertical transmission of covert mortality nodavirus in the marine fish” in the journal Aquaculture.

Read the full article, click here.

School of Chemistry, Environmental, and Geosciences

Anissa Overly, a double major in Cannabis Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry, won the YSI/Xylem Award at the Triennial AQUACULTURE 2025 Conference in New Orleans this past spring for her presentation, “Continued Analysis of Metal Ions in Closed Loop Aquaponics.”

Congratulations to Anissa on this well-deserved recognition of her hard work and expertise!

College of Great Lakes Ecology & Education

Dr. Britton Ranson Olson of Lake Superior State University recently teamed up with Mike McKay, Chris Weisener, and Peter Jobin from the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. Their collaborative project delved into the microbial impacts of oil contamination in freshwater environments, as part of the Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI) spearheaded by the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE).

The study highlights how oil pollutants alter microbial communities in freshwater systems — an essential piece in the puzzle of protecting aquatic health in the Great Lakes region. This work underscores the importance of microbial research in assessing and mitigating environmental threats to our lakes.

School of Chemistry, Environmental, and Geosciences

Lake Superior State University’s Geology 480 students recently took their learning far beyond the classroom — traveling from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Southwest Montana for a three-week intensive advanced field mapping course.

Over the course of their trip, six geology students mapped and studied areas near Bannack, the Ruby Range, and Twin Bridges, putting classroom theory into real-world practice. Their efforts continue a long-standing tradition of field-based education in LSSU’s geology program, led by Dr. Paul Kelso, Professor of Geology.

While in Montana, the students had the opportunity to meet with LSSU Alum Kyle Nacey '18, a geologist with Black Butte Copper. Nacey joined them at Elkhorn Hot Springs, where he provided an overview of Montana geology and discussed the region's mining activity and geologic history — offering valuable insight into professional applications of the skills the students are developing.

Through hands-on experiences like these, LSSU geology students are not only building technical skills — they’re making professional connections and exploring potential career paths in the geosciences.

Well done, Lakers!

LSSU Hockey Welcomes Back Liam Cound

as Head Sports Performance Coach

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Director of Athletics Tory Lindley and Head Hockey Coach Damon Whitten announce the appointment of Liam Cound as Head Sports Performance Coach. Cound will primarily oversee the comprehensive sports performance program for the NCAA Division I ice hockey team, marking his return to the LSSU athletic department.

To read more, click here.

LSSU Names Eric Soltys

General Manager of Men’s Ice Hockey

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Director of Athletics Tory Lindley and Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach Damon Whitten are proud to announce the appointment of Eric Soltys as the General Manager of its NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey program. Soltys brings a wealth of experience to the Laker program, spanning over 25 years in collegiate and professional hockey.

To read more, click here.

CCHA Announces 2025-26 Conference Schedule

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has unveiled the 2025-26 conference schedule. Each League member will play a full 26-game league schedule.

The Lakers will open league play on Oct. 24-25 with a two-game series against the Bowling Green Falcons in Taffy Abel Arena for Great Lake State Weekend.

LSSU will then resume CCHA action on Nov. 7-8 when they travel to Minnesota to face the Bemidji State Beavers before hosting Minnesota State the following weekend. The Lakers will then travel downstate to Big Rapids to take on the Ferris State Bulldogs on Nov. 21-22 before returning home to battle Augustana a week later. LSSU closes out the 2025 portion of its league schedule on Dec. 5-6 at St. Thomas.

To read more, click here.

Twister at the LSSU Arts Center

Get ready for a high-stakes ride through the heart of storm season with Twister, showing at the LSSU Arts Center Theater on Friday, June 27th at 7:30pm. General admission for the public is $5. Free admission for LSSU students, faculty, and staff. Don’t miss the whirlwind — see you there!

This presentation is supported by the Campus & Community Partnership Fund.

Classic Social Returns July 31 — Don’t Miss the Kickoff to the Lake State Golf Classic at Wild Bluff in Brimley

We’re excited to bring back a longtime favorite: the Classic Social, happening Thursday, July 31 at 6 PM at Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley. It’s the perfect way to kick off the 36th Annual Lake State Classic Golf Tournament and Auction, and we hope you’ll join us.

The Classic Social has always been a highlight preceding the annual golf scramble — a relaxed evening where friends of LSSU, alumni, staff, and supporters can catch up, enjoy some great conversation, and gear up for Friday’s big event. We’ll have free snacks and beer, a cash bar, and plenty of familiar faces.

The event is made possible thanks to generous support from O'Connor's of Pickford and The Calcaterra Family Foundation.

Plus, donations made during the evening will go even further thanks to a $1,000 challenge match sponsored by Edward Jones – Financial Advisor Joshua Macdonald and Team Rubinstein/5 Water Realty. Every dollar helps support Laker Athletics and the student-athletes who make us proud all year long.

Looking to get a few swings in before the tournament? Call (906) 248-5860 for discounted golf all day on July 31.

RSVP for the Classic Social and sign up your foursome for the tournament using the links below — only three team spots remain!

LSSU Arts Center Launches 2025–26 Season

with ZUZU African Acrobats

Get ready, Sault Ste. Marie — the Lake Superior State University Arts Center is kicking off its 2025–26 season with an unforgettable experience for all ages.

The internationally renowned ZUZU African Acrobats will take the stage August 29 and 30, bringing with them the thrill of Tanzanian acrobatics, vibrant cultural rhythms, and nonstop energy. Hailing from East Africa, the group has wowed audiences around the world with their breathtaking stunts, athleticism, and show-stopping creativity.

From towering human pyramids and gravity-defying unicycle tricks to live African drumming and comedic flair, the ZUZU performance blends traditional culture with high-energy entertainment for a show that’s as educational as it is exhilarating.

This two-night event marks the official opening of the Arts Center’s fall season — and it promises to be a powerful start. Information on tickets is coming soon — stay tuned!

Whether you're a longtime supporter of the arts or looking for something new to experience in the Sault, this is one event you won't want to miss. Join us as we kick off a season of live performance, global culture, and Laker community spirit.

Create a Lasting Legacy:

Explore Your Gift Planning Options at LSSU

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.

For more information on Planned Giving, contact Andrew Rubinstein at (906) 635-6219 or arubinstein@lssu.edu.

Laker Pride for your Ride!

Show off your Laker pride wherever you drive with an official LSSU affinity license plate! Offered through the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office as part of their specialty fundraising plate program, this plate lets alumni, fans, and friends represent Lake State on the road. Even better — $25 from each new plate and $10 from every renewal goes directly to the LSSU Alumni Association, helping support key programs and events like Great Lake State Weekend!

Photo of the Month

Photo of the Month: LSSU Engineering faculty recently toured Precision Edge Surgical Products in Sault Ste. Marie, where many Laker alumni are proudly contributing to cutting-edge manufacturing. L to R - Prof. Jim Devaprasad, Dr. Masoud Zarepoor, LSSU Alum Rick Miller '19, Precision Edge General Manager Todd Grove, Prof. David Leach, and Dr. Edoardo Sarda.