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! | | |
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(Top row: Emilee McDaniel, Artsiom Barshchou, Jenna Fleming | Bottom row: Drew Hulse, Emma David, Scott Smith - Photo capturing a handful of diverse talents from the Graduating Class of 2023-24)
Lake Superior State University (LSSU) proudly celebrates the achievements of all 2023-2024 graduates, each representing an extraordinary journey and valuable contributions to their respective fields. As a distinguished institution dedicated to fostering innovation-driven, transformative education, we prioritize preparing our graduates with the knowledge and practical skills needed for meaningful careers.
Embedded within our mission at LSSU is a profound commitment to enriching the quality of life within the Great Lakes region and beyond. We firmly believe in the transformative power of identifying potential, fostering success, and propelling social mobility for all our students. By empowering our students academically, ethically, and socially, we cultivate a community where they can thrive personally and professionally.
As we eagerly anticipate the approaching commencement season, we are excited to shine a spotlight on a group of students and their unique stories, each serving as a testament to the diverse paths and remarkable achievements of our LSSU community. Read More.
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Lakers Memorable Season Culminates
in Historic Run to the NCAA Sweet 16
This year saw the Laker Men's Basketball team have unprecedented, season-long success (23-9 overall, 13-5 conference) that included a captivating run to the NCAA Sweet 16! Congratulations to Coach Hettinga, his staff and the the very talented Men's Basketball program! We're very proud of what they accomplished and are looking forward to the 2024-25 season! For more about their journey to the NCAA tournament, click here.
|  | Set against the backdrop of a slightly milder winter, the cherished tradition took place on March 21st at 5:30 PM, symbolizing the triumph over winter’s battles and the emergence of a brighter season. This year’s theme, “Flames of Renewal …Blazing a Path to Spring,” resonated with the collective spirit of transformation and optimism within the LSSU community. Despite the challenges faced, the tradition endured, serving as a testament to the University’s resilience. The winter season may have been a little less harsh, but the annual Snowman Burning tradition persisted, illustrating the enduring spirit of LSSU. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community were all invited to partake in this family-friendly event, promising a memorable experience for everyone. |  | |
The FIRST Robotics event hosted by Lake Superior State University (LSSU) from March 14th to 16th was a resounding success, characterized by innovation, collaboration, and intense competition. With 42 high school teams in attendance, the campus buzzed with energy as students showcased their talents and teamwork in a thrilling robotics showdown.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in spirited collaboration, forming alliances, devising strategies, and competing in a challenging field game that merged the excitement of sports with the precision of science and technology. Read More.
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Team AMORE, the exceptional group of undergraduate students from Lake Superior State University, achieved a remarkable milestone in the RoboBoat 2024 competition held in Sarasota, FL.
The primary objective of RoboBoat 2024 was to design and develop an autonomous boat, challenging participating teams to showcase their technical prowess and innovative solutions. Team AMORE, comprising students from diverse majors, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, Biology, and Business, demonstrated their collaborative spirit and interdisciplinary excellence throughout the competition. Read More.
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We're halfway through the Superior Give-A-Thon and we still need your support! We've raised $8,000 of our $20,000 goal in support of initiatives like the Fund for LSSU, Laker Club, and the Superior Simulation Center. You may choose one of these initiatives, or select the designation of your choice. The Superior Give-A-Thon runs through May 4, 2024, so there's still time to make your gift!
Our student call team has been busy reaching out and making connections with so many Laker alumni and friends. If you haven't already chatted with one of them, they look forward to speaking with you soon!
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Any gift, big or small, during Superior Give-A-Thon will help LSSU students in achieving their goals. It is our donors and their willingness to come together to sustain and build Lake Superior State University that is so inspiring.
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Lake Superior State University (LSSU) announced the launch of a new university-wide initiative designed to provide increased teletherapy and crisis support.
In collaboration with mental health and wellness solution Uwill, the university will increase its existing counseling capabilities with the addition of teletherapy that matches students with a licensed therapist based on student needs and preferences. The partnership also provides students with crisis support in the event of a mental health crisis. Read More.
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Presidential Meet and Greet with Dr. David Travis
Lake Superior State University invites you to the upcoming Presidential Meet and Greet to welcome LSSU's new president, Dr. David Travis.
When: April 4, 2024 from 4PM - 6PM
Where: LSSU's Walker Cisler Center, Crows Nest
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Reach for the stars with Go for Launch
At Lake Superior State University, we support enriching opportunities that prepare students for future academic and career success. One such opportunity is Go for Launch!, a hands-on, project-based learning experience aimed at fostering critical skills and igniting a passion for space exploration.
The latest article from UpNorthLive showcases the remarkable journey of Sault Ste. Marie students as they prepare an experiment to be sent into space. Their dedication exemplifies the endless possibilities of space exploration and the incredible potential of young minds. Read the full article here.
Register for the upcoming Go for Launch! event by Higher Orbits, hosted at Lake Superior State University, July 23-25, 2024. It's a chance for students (8-12 grades) to reach for the stars, explore the wonders of space, and embark on an unforgettable journey of learning and discovery.
To learn more about the event click here.
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School of Computer Science and Mathematics
The LSSU programming team "We _Think_ We're Graduating" took 1st place in the annual Northern Michigan University Programming Contest.
Left to right are team members: Ivan Baumann, Zach Stepp, and Kevin Spearman. The team answered 4 out of 6 programming challenges.
Two of the three (Stepp and Spearman) also competed together with Stephen Clifton at the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest held at Michigan Tech last term. Their Team, Software Archeologists, took 5th place at the MTU site.
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School of Computer Science and Mathematics
The LSSU math faculty, including Dr. Joni Lindsey, Dr. Rob Kipka, Dr. Bridgette Russell, and Dr. Jen Gorman, hosted an incredible Pi Day event on March 12th for 115 enthusiastic high school and middle school students from across the EUPISD.
Teams of 5-6 students engaged in multiple rounds of challenging math problems, skillfully crafted by our brilliant Lake State math professors. From problem-solving to a "who can recite the most digits of pi" contest, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.
A huge congratulations to all participants, and a big shoutout to the winners. Long live the love for math and pi!
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School of Chemistry, Environmental & Geological Science
GEOL468 Tectonics Systems visited the Appalachian Mountains for spring break studying the plate tectonic processes which create mountains and the sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks which provide evidence for the different mountain building processes.
In the bottom left photo Jordan Wilmot measures a fault orientation near Duffield, VA. In the bottom right photo Nick Strader and Alex Ware measure a fold orientation near Kingsport, TN.
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Alex Stamm '20 and Kyle Burton '20, are both graduates from LSSU's Class of 2020 with Bachelor's degrees in Biochemistry.
From the early days of their academic journey to their recent Match Day celebrations, Alex and Kyle have exemplified perseverance, dedication, and a passion for healthcare.
Alex and Kyle's journey was uniquely supported by Lake Superior State University's partnership with the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSUCHM) through the Early Assurance Program. This program offers LSSU students interested in pursuing a career in medicine a streamlined pathway into medical school, providing mentorship, resources, and guidance along the way.
Through the Early Assurance Program, Alex and Kyle gained early acceptance into MSUCHM, setting them on a trajectory towards their medical careers straight out of undergrad. Read More.
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Chelsea Hoffrichter '10, LSSU Nursing alumna (RN, BSN) and nursing manager in Hematology/Oncology and Infusion Therapy at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault, has been honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses!
Chelsea's dedication to the Hematology/Oncology Department and Infusion Therapy is an inspiration to us all. Read More.
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The Lake Superior State (LSSU) men's and women's golf teams competed at the 2024 Klash in Kentucky over the March 23rd-24th weekend in Perry Park, KY. Read More. | The Lake Superior State (LSSU) women's tennis team (2-7, 0-1 GLIAC) narrowly fell by a score of 4-3 to the Saginaw Valley State (SVSU) Cardinals (6-6, 2-0 GLIAC) on Saturday, March 23rd. Read More. | |
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The Lake Superior State (LSSU) basketball program (23-9) fell to the Ferris State Bulldogs (28-7) in the closing moments of the Midwest Regional Championship in a hard-fought game by a final score of 86-81 on Tuesday, March 19th.
"The finality of it always hurts no matter what time of the year it is, especially deep into March like this, but I wouldn't trade spots with any coach in the country," said LSSU Head Coach Steve Hettinga. Read More.
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The Lake Superior State (LSSU) hockey program (17-20-1) fell to the Bemidji State Beavers (20-15-2) by a final score of 4-1 in the CCHA Mason Cup Semifinals on Saturday, March 16th.
The Beavers opened up the scoring less than two minutes into the game with an early strike from Eric Pohlkamp off the face-off, but the Laker defense was able to hold Bemidji State to just the one tally for the remainder of the period. Read More.
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35th Annual Lake State Golf Classic Scramble
set for Friday, August 2nd at Wild Bluff
The 35th Annual Lake State Classic Golf Tournament and auction, in support of Lake Superior State University and Laker Athletics, will be held Friday, August 2nd at Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley, Michigan. Read More.
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Save-the-Date!
Save-the-Date for the 50th Anniversary of Women's Athletics at Lake Superior State University the weekend of September 20-21! More information and registration to come soon. Read More.
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Great Lake State Weekend 2024 | |
The LSSU Alumni Association is thrilled to announce 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!
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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!
Stay tuned - exciting details will be coming soon!
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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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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 fund various alumni programs and services.
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March's Photo of the Month features LSSU Norris Center Operations Coordinator, Steve Habusta and LSSU Annual Fund & Athletic Development Director, Andrew Rubinstein, aboard the Joseph L, Block, the first freighter through the Soo Locks to kick off the 2024 shipping season! Read More. | | | | |
