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 is clipped. To view the full newsletter, click at the bottom where you see: [Message clipped] View entire message. Thank you! | |
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Thank you to all our alumni, friends, and families who joined us for Great Lakes State Weekend 2024! You made this year’s celebration unforgettable, from the Laker Hockey games to the Alumni Awards and everything in between. We’re grateful for the opportunity to reconnect, share memories, and celebrate the Laker love together. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
For photos from our Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame event, click here.
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Now Available on LakerCast! | ICYMI Dr. Stephen Mulholland's campus talk during GLSW 2024 is now available for viewing on LakerCast! Click the link below to watch Ice, Scalpel, Start Ups: An Innovation Journey. | |
LSSU Board of Trustees 2nd Annual
GLSW Pre-Game Tailgate
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On Saturday, October 19th, the LSSU Alumni Association hosted the 2nd Annual Pre-Game Tailgate, sponsored by the LSSU Board of Trustees. Alumni, students, families, and the community came together to enjoy free food, GLSW T-shirts, Grandpa’s Mini Donuts, classic 1994 National Championship Laker hockey game replay, face painting, corn hole competitions, a photo booth, and Beerboni drinks—all leading up to a thrilling Laker hockey shutout win!
Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you again at GLSW 2025!
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LSSU President David Travis Speaks at Sault Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Luncheon | |
LSSU President Dr. David Travis was invited to speak at the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Economic Luncheon held at Kewadin Casino on Thursday, October 24th. The luncheon, which serves as a networking event and a means of getting small businesses involved in the community, was an opportunity for Dr. Travis to share future plans for LSSU and the Sault Ste. Marie community. Also speaking at the event was Michigan State Senator John Damoose, who spoke of opportunity in the EUP region from the Soo Locks to the vast array of partnerships within groups such as the Chippewa County EDC, the The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Lake Superior State University, and the innovative companies in our region. | |
Celebrating 20th Anniversary of LSSU Arts Center | |
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The LSSU Arts Center celebrated a special milestone by hosting a 20th Anniversary Open House on Friday, October 18th, as part of the Great Lake State Weekend festivities. The event was made possible through the generous support of the LSSU Foundation Board, offering an evening of live jazz music, commemorative Arts Center wine glasses, a wine bar and hors d'oeuvres. Attendees were able to meet the Arts Center team and learn about future projects and plans.
Since its construction, the Arts Center has been a hub for creativity, cultural exchange, and education both for LSSU students and the community. For a complete list of past and upcoming events being hosted at the Arts Center, click here.
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LSSU Launches 'Step Up' Prison Education
Program, the First in the UP
LSSU announced the launch of its 'Step Up' prison education program in early October. 'Step Up,' also known as 'Success Through Educational Pathways in the UP,' was designed to offer a chance at an Associate Degree in Small Business Administration to the underserved population of Chippewa Correctional Facility.
The development of the program began in 2022 with approval from the Higher Learning Commission and Michigan Department of Corrections. This fall, the program welcomed 20 students incarcerated at the Chippewa Correctional Facility. Those who complete the program will graduate with their Associates degree in Summer 2026.
One of the current students states, "I’ve been here for ten years and spent every moment of every day trying to figure out how to make time go by faster. Since the start of the semester, I’ve wanted time to slow down, I want more time to study, read, learn, and work on homework.”
Read more here.
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Giving Tuesday is a chance for our community to come together in support of causes we care about. This year, let’s rally around LSSU and invest in the future of our students and programs. Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact!
Here are some of the initiatives you can support this Giving Tuesday:
- Bud Mansfield Student Emergency Fund
- Campus & Community Partnership Fund
- Laker Team Road Meal Sponsorships
The need is real, and every contribution matters. On Giving Tuesday, December 3, you can make yours!
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School of Nursing
LSSU's School of Nursing teamed up with MyMichigan Medical Center Sault for the 26th annual Community Baby Shower, which took place on Tuesday, October 29th. The event was held at the Walker Cisler Center, where LSSU student nurses educated local pregnant and new moms on a variety of topics. The event helped connect attendees with community health resources and helpful products and services.
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College of the Great Lakes Ecology and Education
Congratulations Laci and Eli, two LSSU students who were inducted into the Golden Apple Scholars Program!
The Golden Apple Scholars Program was created to prepare future educators for success in challenging teaching environments. Both Laci and Eli are eligible for up to $15,000 in paid summer professional development at the Scholar Institute and instruction from outstanding Michigan teachers.
For more information about the Golden Apple Scholars Program, click here.
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College of Engineering & Technology
Earlier this month, LSSU's School of Engineering and Technology received a new robot from Mission Design and Automation. an intelligent automation company.
This robot is the first of four that the College of Engineering & Technology will be receiving as replacements for the equipment lost last year in the September 2023 CAS fire.
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Today we’re excited to highlight two outstanding LSSU Biology Pre-med alumni, Rebbekka (Ranta) Pittsle '21 and Sadie Drockton '24!
These two recently celebrated their White Coat Ceremony at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine!
Both Rebbekka and Sadie have been admitted to the program, with Sadie earning her spot through LSSU's Early Assurance Pathway.
Rebbekka shared a wonderful note with her LSSU professor: “For anatomy, in addition to the cadaver lab, we also use McGraw Hill, the same program we used in your anatomy class at LSSU! Your anatomy class helped me get started on my anatomy here at MSU CHM!”
We couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments and the legacy of excellence at LSSU!
Learn more about the Early Assurance Pathway and program here.
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It was great to see so many outstanding and successful engineering alumni at the 2024 Career Fair at LSSU on Thursday, October 17th. These LSSU engineering alumni returned to campus to recruit the next generation of engineering students for full-time positions and internships. The alumni in this picture represent various engineering companies including 4D Systems, Acme Manufacturing, Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Hyperion Automation, JR Automation, KUKA Robotics, Lear, Mission Design & Automation, Textron Aviation, Tool North, and TRANTEK.
There were several other engineering companies at the Fair including Accent Controls, APEX Controls, Convergix Automation, Online Engineering, Precision Edge, QComp Technologies, R&E Automated, and Tenaris.
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College of the Great Lakes Ecology and Education
Congratulations to Dr. Seth A. McCall, an assistant professor at Lake Superior State University, on the publication of "A Troubling Inheritance: Reworking Problematic Curricula." This compelling work makes a strong case for addressing and reshaping curricula that pose challenges. By drawing on relevant examples and re-contextualizing them in new settings, McCall offers a thoughtful approach to enhancing educational frameworks for a more inclusive future.
Review the attached flyer or follow this link to get your copy!
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Laker Hockey's William Ahlrik Named CCHA Rookie of the Week
Ahlrik was named Rookie of the Week by the CCHA league office on Monday, October 21st following the Saturday shutout against Stonehill in which he scored two of the three Laker goals, including the final game-winner.
Read more here.
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LSSU Cross Country Finishes 2nd at Bay College Invitational
Both the men's and women's Laker Cross Country teams placed second in their respective categories at the Bay College Invitational on Friday, October 18th. Noel Black was the first to cross the finish line for LSSU, taking second overall in the women's 5K with a time of 20:18:9. Roy Bowman led LSSU in the men's 8K with a time of 30:14:4.
Read more here.
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Laker Hockey Shuts Out Stonehill Skyhawks 3-0
The Lake Superior State University (LSSU) men's hockey team bounced back from a rough start to close out Great Lake State Weekend with a resounding win against the Stonehill Skyhawks on Saturday, October 19th. Even after a long intermission to replace a pane in the arena barrier shattered by a puck mid-game, the Lakers kept their momentum, earning themselves a win while goalie Rorke Applebee ended the night with his first career shutout.
Read more here.
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Laker Volleyball Bests Ursuline in Five Sets
The Lake Superior State University (LSSU) volleyball program came away from the Midwest Regional Crossover with a win on Friday, October 18th. The team pulled through a tough fight with a 3-2 set win against Ursuline. The team fell in a 1-3 set against the Truman State Bulldogs on Saturday, October 19th, but managed to come back in game two with a 3-1 set win against Lake Erie College.
Read more about the Lakers v Ursuline game here.
Read more about the Lakers v Truman and Lakers v Lake Erie games here.
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Miracle Showing at the LSSU Arts Center | |
A screening of the movie Miracle will be shown at the LSSU Arts Center on Sunday, November 3rd at 2pm, and Tuesday, November 5th at 7pm. The screening, made possible by the generous support of Kevin and Pam Cooper, is FREE for LSSU students, staff, and faculty. Tickets for the general public are $5 each.
Miracle follows the inspiring true story of the U.S. men's hockey team and their journey to the 1980 Winter Olympics, where they faced incredible odds against the dominant Soviet Union team. The film captures the grit, teamwork, and determination of the young American players, lead by Coach Herb Brooks, as they prepare for one of the most famous games in sports history!
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Superior Ice Showdown in Traverse City | |
The highly anticipated 2024 Superior Ice Showdown, where our LSSU Lakers will face off against Ferris State, is just around the corner on Saturday, November 16th, at 6:00 PM at Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City!
Limited ticket sales opened October 22nd at 10am. Purchase yours before the event sells out!
Important Details:
- Game: LSSU vs. Ferris – 2024 Superior Ice Showdown, Centre Ice Arena, Traverse City
- Date: November 16, 2024 Time: 6:00 PM
- Ticket Sale Period: Online purchasing began October 22nd (10:00 AM) and will run until the game begins, or tickets sell out
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Link to Purchase Tickets: Superior Ice Showdown Ticket Sale
Finally, please join us for the pre-game alumni event at the Traverse City Country Club sponsored by Rehmann. The event will take place from 3pm-5pm, and you do not need a game ticket to attend: Click Here To Register.
We encourage you to act fast as tickets are expected to sell quickly! Let’s pack the arena with Laker Blue and support our team in this thrilling CCHA rivalry game! Go Lakers!
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The Muppet Christmas Carol at the LSSU Arts Center
A screening of the movie The Muppet Christmas will be shown at the LSSU Arts Center on Friday, December 13th at 7pm, and Sunday, December 15th at 2pm. The screening, which was sponsored by the generous support of Kevin and pam Cooper, will be FREE for LSSU students, staff, and faculty. Tickets for the general public will be $5 each.
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Join your fellow Lakers in Detroit for Lake Superior State University Night at Little Caesars Arena on January 25th, at 7:00pm, and secure your co-branded Lakers and Red Wings quarter zip! Each ticket sold through this special package includes a donation to the Lake Superior State University Alumni Association.
A pre-game social will take place at The District Market inside Little Caesars Arena beginning at 6:00pm.
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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 help fund various alumni programs and services, like Great Lake State Weekend!
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Photo of the Month - Following Convocation and the President's Investiture this past August, Jim Devaprasad provided a tour of the LSSU Robotics Lab to some special guests visiting campus for the festivities. Left to right: Mark Mercer '73, former LSSU Board of Trustees; Parker Fairbairn, GOP 105th State House Primary winner; Dakota Baker '19, Legislative Aide to State Senator John Damoose; and Jim Devaprasad, LSSU Robotics | |
Bonus Photo of the Month features a collage of photos of the northern lights from the strong geomagnetic storm that lit up the night on Thursday, October 10th, including an image of the lights over a freighter in the St. Mary's River. #UP #NorthernLights #BestintheYoop | | | | |
