Welcome to the Laker E-ffect, the monthly newsletter from the LSSU Office of Alumni Relations. Please note: Due to size limitations, this newsletter may be clipped. To view the full version, scroll to the bottom and click the link that says: [Message clipped]. View entire message. Thank you!

Celebrating an Unforgettable Season!

The LSSU Lakers men's basketball team had an exceptional season, finishing with a 30-7 record and making a historic run to the Elite 8. Key players like Devin Womack, who led the team with 20 points per game, and Tyson Edmondson were instrumental in their success. The team’s strong defense, impressive shooting, and unselfish play helped propel them to one of the best seasons in program history. This unforgettable campaign not only showcased the Lakers' talent and determination but also left a lasting impact on the legacy of Laker basketball.

Lakers Make History on the Court Advancing to Elite Eight

LSSU's men's basketball team has been crowned the 2025 Midwest Region Champion team after beating the Tritons of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) in the 2025 regional final on March 18th. UMSL took the lead initially, but the Lakers fought back. The team traded the lead back and forth throughout the game with LSSU taking a 2 point lead at halftime. The back and forth continued until a stunning 3-point corner shot by junior Kendall Smith swung the tide in favor of the Lakers near the end. LSSU kept the momentum going and closed out the game with a 75-62 win. To read more, click here.

The Lake Superior State Lakers' historic season came to an end on Tuesday, March 25th with a hard-fought loss to the Dallas Baptist Patriots in the Elite Eight. Despite a strong start and valiant effort to fight back in the second half, DBU’s late surge secured their spot in the Final Four. Devin Womack led the Lakers with 20 points, while Tyson Edmondson and Hunter Soper added key contributions.

Get the full story and box score from the game, click here.

LSSU Hosts Successful FIRST Robotics Competition!

From March 20-22, 2025, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) proudly hosted an action-packed FIRST Robotics competition, welcoming 39 teams from across the state. The event, which drew hundreds of students, mentors, and families, was a resounding success, thanks in no small part to the incredible support from the Laker Community and the generosity of donors who helped make this event possible.

Participants and mentors alike praised LSSU for its exceptional hosting, with one seasoned mentor noting that, after attending numerous FIRST events—including the prestigious World Championships—LSSU stands out as the best host by a considerable margin. The university’s reputation as a top-tier host was attributed to the friendly, helpful, and professional environment created by the campus community.

The success of the event was the result of collaboration across many departments. Facilities, academics, catering, IT, campus life, admissions, purchasing, public safety, athletics, and students all came together to create a seamless experience for competitors and attendees. The collective efforts of these groups helped foster an environment where everyone—participants, supporters, and visitors—felt welcomed and supported throughout the event.

The competition also served as a great opportunity to showcase LSSU’s programs and campus to prospective students. With approximately 500 students and between 1,000 and 2,000 attendees in total, the event was an exciting and informative experience for all involved. In addition to the robotics competition, LSSU offered Robotics Lab and Engineering tours, an academic showcase featuring displays from various LSSU departments, and engaging giveaways that drew 99 participants.

An exciting part of the event was seeing the broad range of academic interests expressed by attendees. While half of the participants showed interest in engineering, the other half represented a diverse array of disciplines, including Business, EMT, Nursing, Fire Science, Computer Science, Psychology, Teaching, Fisheries, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, and Conservation Biology. This diversity underscored LSSU’s wide appeal and its commitment to offering a variety of programs to students from many different fields of study.

This year’s competition would not have been possible without the generous support of our donors. Their contributions played a key role in ensuring the success of the event, and LSSU is deeply grateful for their commitment to fostering educational opportunities and advancing student engagement. Their support helped provide the necessary resources to host the competition and offer valuable experiences for both the competitors and the LSSU community.

For highlights from the event, click here.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Meet Beck Tapert, an LSSU Computer Engineering & Robotics Engineering Alum

Beck Tapert, originally from Rochester Hills, MI, graduated from LSSU in Fall of 2024 with degrees in Computer Engineering and Robotics Engineering. During his time at LSSU, Beck was an active member and later president of the Lake State Society of Women Engineers (SWE) with a passion for helping advance diversity and inclusion in STEM. He was also the 2022 Laker Success Coach of the Year and 2020-2021 Student Government Sophomore of the Year.

When asked about LSSU, Beck said "Sault Sainte Marie became my home away from home, and through the LSSU School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, I have built incredible friendships with my peers, staff, and faculty. The small class sizes, one-on-one exposure with professors, and hands-on projects made my experience wonderful. LSSU has opened up great career opportunities for me and many other graduates. I thank all the LSSU Engineering and Engineering Technology staff and faculty for their support."

His advice for current and prospective students: "Your time at college is very short; enjoy it and build connections with your peers and professors. These relationships will open doors in your future and help you grow as an engineer. The LSSU School of Engineering and Engineering Technology is difficult, but the hardships are only temporary, and the lessons learned will help you in your career and throughout your life. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, learn from them, and always don't be scared to ask for help."

Beck currently works as a Controls Engineer for RESS Battery Manufacturing.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools

and Programs Reaffirms Accreditation of

Lukenda School of Business

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners reaffirmed accreditation of LSSU's Lukenda School of Business. ACBSP accreditation signifies that a program meets the rigorous education standards set for teaching and learning processes for students earning degrees in business.

LSSU's Lukenda School of Business was initially accredited in 2014 and was recently due to undergo the reaffirmation process required every 10 years to show LSSU's program has not faltered in the past decade and maintain accreditation. At LSSU, bachelor's programs including Accounting, Finance and Economics, and Business Administration programs focused on Entrepreneurship, International Business, Management, and Marketing were reaffirmed. Meanwhile, the newer Cannabis Business and general Business Administrator bachelor programs both earned accreditation.

LSSU's Mindy McCready, Interim Dean of the College of Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics at LSSU, said "We are proud to receive reaffirmation of accreditation from ACBSP and initial accreditation of two new programs in recognition of continued excellence and dedication within our business programs." She also stated, "This reaffirmation reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a rigorous, high-quality education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment."

ACBSP Chief Accreditation Officer Dr. Steve Parscale had good things to say about the Lukenda School of Business. "Laker Superior State University has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process," and that "This reaffirmation of accreditation is evidence that [LSSU] is committed to maintaining the highest quality business education for their students for the next 10 years, just as they have done since 2014."

LSSU’s Online MBA: The Smart Move

for Ambitious Professionals in 2025

After a powerful debut semester, Lake Superior State University's (LSSU) Online MBA Program is making waves in the world of professional education. With glowing student feedback and proven career impact, this flexible, high-touch graduate program is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 cohort, launching this August.

Tailored for working professionals, the LSSU Online MBA delivers personalized, career-focused education that fits your schedule—without sacrificing academic rigor or the collaborative energy of a traditional classroom.

“With my time heavily invested in my professional work, I can learn and build at my own pace,” says Joseph N., an LSSU alumnus and current Executive Director. “The program maintains the essential classroom roundtable feel, even online. It’s been both resourceful and impactful for my career.”

Empowering Professionals with Real-World Skills

Designed with the modern professional in mind, the program emphasizes:

Asynchronous learning for true flexibility
Collaborative projects and discussion-based learning that promote networking and critical thinking
Immediate application of concepts to real-life business challenges

“Courses like Digital Marketing and Finance have significantly enhanced my understanding of business practices,” shares Molly Ri., a full-time professional and MBA student. “Studying on my own time gave me the flexibility to maintain my job while completing assignments.”

“The focus on discussions and essay-style responses fosters critical thinking and real-world application,” adds Paolo D., another LSSU alumnus. “The supportive and cooperative culture among students and faculty has been truly motivating.”

Why LSSU’s Online MBA Stands Out

No need to hit pause on your career
Build practical skills with immediate ROI
Join a professional community that grows with you

Be Part of the Momentum – Apply Now

Whether you’re aiming to move up in your current field or pivot to a new career, LSSU’s Online MBA gives you the tools, support, and flexibility to do it—on your terms. Fall 2025 classes begin at the end of August (Fall 2025 semester). We have 15 spots available.

Ready to invest in your future?

Visit www.lssu.edu/mba or contact the MBA Program Office at mba@lssu.edu.

Teacher Spotlight: Jonathan Doubek shares enthusiasm for the natural world at LSSU

Jonathan Doubek brings a passion for understanding the natural world to both his students and his research at Lake Superior State University.

Doubek is a professor at the Center for Freshwater Research and Education where he has made a career out of sharing his passion for understanding the life that lives in our lakes and rivers.

Doubek grew up in Menominee, Michigan and spent much of his childhood fishing both in Michigan and just over the border in Wisconsin.

He was very young when he realized that he really enjoyed understanding and analyzing the natural world around him.

"I spent a lot of time outdoors and grew an appreciation for natural resources at a pretty early age just being outside a lot," said Doubek. "Whether I was fishing or just being out in nature, I started to think about aquatics and water, but didn't really know much."

It was this curiosity about how the world works that drove Doubek to study environmental sciences.

"I used to go with my stepdad, and we would catch fish. We would get up really early, get out there at dawn and go out there and catch salmon or trout or whatever. I was really interested in hearing about things like the fish population might be decreasing, but at that age I didn't really understand it," said Doubek.

He began his education at the University of Michigan. Over the years, Doubek ended up studying at a number of different schools throughout the country, including Virginia Tech where he earned his PhD.

Throughout his education, Doubek mainly focused on research experiences and internships but eventually found an opportunity to teach during his graduate courses. Over time, he began teaching more and more.

"My passion definitely began with the science but once I started to teach a couple courses I realized I really, really enjoy doing this," said Doubek. "I realized you can make a big impact beyond just doing research, you can get a lot of people excited to get into that career, which I really enjoy."

Doubek spent much of his time learning about the microscopic beginnings of the food chain in water. Plankton, aquatic animals so small they can't swim against the current, and the important ecological role they play were fascinating to him.

When Doubek was getting ready to graduate, he thought about his original plans of becoming a research scientist. But after spending so much time with professors and students, Doubek realized that teaching was just as exciting to him as lab work.

Doubek's first teaching job was at Lake Superior State University, where he has worked for the last six years.

Around three-quarters of Doubek's job involves teaching. The rest of the time he spends conducting the research that made him passionate about science in the first place.

Today, Doubek teaches mainly out of the CFRE building where he has easy access to the water that he studies. Most of his classes involve bringing students to water sources and processing samples.

Doubek said his favorite part of teaching is being able to work right next to the St. Marys River. Sometimes his class will take a moment just to watch as freighters pass by.

“Every course I teach here I really enjoy, which is what keeps me going,” said Doubek. “Teaching and training students to be the next leaders in their field, getting them excited and passionate about the subject material, to go make a difference in the world. It’s just awesome.”

(Story courtesy of the Sault News, 3/15/2025)

Save the Date: Great Lake State Weekend 2025!

The LSSU Alumni Association is thrilled to invite you back to campus for Great Lake State Weekend on October 24-25, 2025!

Join us for a weekend full of exciting events, including:

Laker Hockey games vs. Bowling Green
The Alumni Awards & Hall of Fame Ceremony
A Tailgate Party and much more!

Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for more details – we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

We’re halfway through the Superior Give-A-Thon and still need your support! Thanks to generous donors, we’ve raised over $10,545 of our $20,000 goal, benefiting the Fund for LSSU or a designation of your choice. The Superior Give-A-Thon continues through May 3, 2025, so there’s still time to contribute!

Our student call team is in the home stretch and is excited to connect with Laker alumni and friends. If you haven’t had the chance to speak with one of them yet, they’re eager to chat with you soon!

Click here to learn more and to make a donation!

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference during the Superior Give-A-Thon and helps LSSU students reach their dreams. The incredible commitment of our donors, united in support of Lake Superior State University’s growth and success, is truly inspiring.

For more information on the Superior Give-A-Thon or to make a donation, click here.

CAMPUS NEWS

Native American Center

LSSU's Native American Center hosted its annual Zhooshimaan (snow snake) game on the main campus' Pleger Commons on February 24th.

Snow snake is a traditional winter game in which participants throw a wooden "snake" down a track made of snow to see how far they can make it go. It has been played by indigenous people in what is now the northern US and Canada. Students and staff at LSSU stopped by the track between classes to try their hand at the game.

College of Great Lakes Ecology & Education

The Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society held its annual meeting in Marquette, MI.

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) had 11 students in attendance, with two students giving oral presentations and three students presenting posters.

A standout moment came when Gwen Phillips was awarded runner-up for best oral presentation. This remarkable achievement highlights her talent and determination, especially as she competed against graduate students—an impressive feat for any undergraduate!

The Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is a vital professional organization committed to upholding high standards in the fisheries profession and actively promoting the conservation of Michigan's invaluable aquatic resources.

College of Great Lakes Ecology & Education

Delaney Stec, Brianna Petersen, Gabriella Smith, and Brooke Baker, students of Dr. Toni Stith in the School of Education, recently presented their work on virtual learning at the MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) conference in Detroit. As part of their math and science methods courses with Dr. Stith, these students designed asynchronous math and science lessons for K-6 students.

During their presentation, they shared insights from analyzing survey results collected from their peers who created similar lessons. They also reflected on their personal experiences in designing these lessons and discussed how the project will influence their future teaching practices.

Dr. Stith accompanied the students to the conference, where she said they did an outstanding job leading the session! She said their hard work, thoughtful data analysis, and engaging presentation made a significant impact, showcasing their dedication to shaping the future of education.

College of Engineering & Technology

Team AMORE recently returned from RoboBoat 2025 in Sarasota, FL. While at RoboBoat, the team put their skills to work and overcame a set of five assigned tasks. The team was able to tackle everything RoboBoat threw at them, including difficulties presented by their own machinery, without giving up. The team came away with the Team Engagement Award for having the best social media presence of all competitors!

REGIONAL CENTERS

Escanaba/Iron Mountain Regional Center - Bay College

LSSU's Bay College Region Center chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) carried out their annual "Chain of Love" fundraiser from February 24-27 to support the Local Area 1 Special Olympics. The Special Olympics program is entirely donor-funded and does not operate on any federal funding.

The "Chain of Love" event involves making a symbolic chain of with one link to represent each dollar donated to the program as a visual representation of the community's support for the olympic program.

For more information regarding the LSSU Regional Centers, visit the Regional Centers website.

LAKER ATHLETICS

LSSU Goaltender Rorke Applebee

Named to CCHA All-Rookie Team

LSSU goaltender Rorke Applebee was selected to the CCHA All-Rookie Team on March 11th, 2025. Applebee, a freshman at LSSU, started for the Lakers in 31 games his first season. He's recorded two shut-outs, a save percentage of 0.907, goals against average of 3.00, and a whopping 898 saves this season alone.

To read more, click here.

LSSU Basketball Senior Tyson Edmondson Named to NABC All-Midwest Region First Team

LSSU's Tyson Edmondson has been selected to the 2024-25 NABC All-Midwest Region First Team. He's led the Lakers in scoring this season with an average 16.9 points per game and 25 points per contest in the Lakers' tournament run to win the 2025 Midwest Region Tournament. His performance has earned him the title of Midwest Regional's Most Outstanding Player.

Edmondson was also named to the D2CCA All-Midwest Region Team and the All-GLIAC First Team this season.

To read more, click here.

Save the Date: Lake State Golf Classic Scramble

Friday, August 1st at Wild Bluff

The 36th Annual Lake State Classic Golf Tournament and auction, in support of Lake Superior State University and Laker Athletics, will be held Friday, August 1st at Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley, Michigan. More details on sponsorships and player registration to come soon!

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!

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!

Photo of the Month

Photo of the Month: Laker Men's Basketball coach, Steve Hettinga with this senior class and the hardware awarded as the Lakers captured the 2025 Midwest Regional Championship!

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.