LSSU Scholarship Listings

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Joseph and Bonnie Halvorsen Memorial Scholarship

Joseph and Bonnie HalvorsenThe Joseph and Bonnie Halvorsen Memorial Endowment was established by the Halvorsen’s five children to honor their parents and to provide financial assistance to a sophomore student pursuing a career as a park ranger for the State of Michigan or National Park Service. Joseph and Bonnie were married in 1952 shortly after Halvorsen began his career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Between 1963 and 1977, Halvorsen managed F. J. McLain State Park in Hancock, Grand Haven State Park, Brimley State Park, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park until his retirement in 1991. Despite all these accomplishments, Halvorsen always felt his advancement was curtailed because he lacked a college degree. He spent the last years of his career training people who would go on to surpass him, always willing to assist and provide advice because of his love and commitment for the job.

Judson (Bucky) Swart Soo Lions Club Memorial Scholarship

swartJudson (Bucky) Swart was a lifetime resident of Sault Ste. Marie. He was a career banker working for Huntington Bank (formerly Sault Bank) for 35 years. A strong supporter of his community, Bucky gave much of his time to help others. With the financial support of friends, family and the Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club, of which Bucky was an active member, a scholarship was established in 1999. Awarded to a graduating senior of any high school in Chippewa, Luce or Mackinac Counties, recipients must be a major in any program of the Lukenda School of Business. Selection is based on academic excellence.

Justin M. Kelly Memorial Endowment

Justin KellyJustin Michael Kelly grew up in Milford, Michigan, graduating from Milford High School in 2016. He played basketball, ran track, and was a swimmer for the high school. He joined the United States National Guard and attended Lake Superior State University as a Fire Science Major – Fire Science Helmet #24 from 2017-2018. He loved Laker Hockey and was one of their loudest fans. He liked hunting and fishing, and was an avid Tigers fan. Justin died in February 2018 at age 20, as a result of an accident. He will be forever remembered by family and friends as a happy young man who was exuberant about life. Selection is based on a written essay that shares the spirit of fire science. Successful candidates must be of sophomore status majoring in the LSSU Fire Science program with a minimum 2.8 GPA.

Kaleel (Kal) & Josephine I. Jones Scholarship

LSSU SealThrough a trust established in 2008, Kaleel and Josephine Jones chose to support students in four academic areas at LSSU. In doing so, their gift became the second largest bequest in LSSU history.

Kaleel (Kal) Jones and his wife of 68 years founded A & K Cartage, a trucking company servicing the Detroit area. Over 44 years, the company’s fleet grew to eight trucks and maintained the longest running private contract with the city.

With the passing of Josephine in April 2014 and Kal that June, their trust stipulates that a scholarship supporting LSSU criminal justice students will be named the John Williams Jones VIII Scholarship in memory of their son who was a Detroit police officer for 22 years, while engineering, nursing and education students will benefit from the Kaleel (Kal) and Josephine I. Jones Scholarships. Successful candidates must major in one of the four programs with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Karen M. McLean Memorial Award

lssukarenmcleanThis endowment was established in 2013 by Donald and Christine McLean in memory of their daughter, Karen who was a bright, caring, compassionate person throughout her short life. She placed great value in family and friends; helping and caring for all creatures big and small. She was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and enjoyed writing short stories and poetry reflecting on her experiences in life. The two years she spent at Lake Superior State University (1988-90) were years she valued and spoke of fondly. Successful candidates must be an incoming freshman majoring in any course of study with a minimum 2.5 GPA who is a graduate of a public high school in one of the following school systems: Brimley Area Schools, Detour Area Schools, Pickford Public Schools, Rudyard Area Schools, Sault Ste Marie Area Public Schools and Whitefish Township Community Schools.

Kelsey Raffaele Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Kelsey was a senior at Sault Area High School and was preparing to graduate in May 2010. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 17 in January of that year following an automobile accident. She was a member of Business Professionals of America and after placing in a regional competition for website design, she was on her way to the state BPA competition. She was a very special girl, who was loved by all who knew her. This scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman who is a Sault Area High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in any course of study. Preference is given to students who are members of the Business Professionals of America organization (BPA).

Kim and Nancy Strawe Fisheries & Wildlife Scholarship

Kim and Nancy Strawe

This scholarship is established by Kim ‘68 and Nancy Strawe of Curtis, Michigan. Kim graduated from LSSU in 1968 with a degree in biological science and has always had a passion for the outdoors and a love for nature. Since 1998 Nancy has been a volunteer at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. She has also served on the board of directors for the Seney Natural History Association (a non-profit organization that funds programs and interns at the Refuge). It is Kim and Nancy’s wish to provide financial assistance to those students who also have an appreciation for the outdoor environment. Successful candidates must be a Fisheries & Wildlife Management major of at least sophomore status and a Michigan resident who has earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the Fisheries & Wildlife faculty.

Kurt and Mary Brammer Scholarship

brammer-kurt-maryArriving from Denmark in 1923 and settling in Chicago, Kurt Brammer began his career at L.E. Myers Company as an apprentice electrician to later become the company’s chairman of the board. Mary’s grandfather, the Reverend Frederick Bagnell, homesteaded on Neebish Island near the Sault in 1896 and used the island for religious retreats. The Brammers were summertime residents of Neebish Island and followed the development of then Lake Superior State College over the years. When asked why he established his named scholarship, Mr. Brammer replied, “I like the way they [LSSC] do things. I like the kind of students they have.” The scholarship is awarded to students based on academic excellence.

Laker Impact Scholarship

LSSU LogoThe Laker Impact Scholarship provides the financial opportunity for eligible students who wish to attend LSSU without incurring significant financial debt.  This scholarship helps LSSU to attract and support a talented group of men and women who will make a difference to the university community and to become productive citizens in their communities and around the world.

Laker Spirit Award

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This scholarship was created to recognize a student that exemplifies Laker Spirit while attending LSSU. Successful candidates must be a full-time student majoring in any course of study with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate involvement in community and campus activities.

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Athletics

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Arts & Letters

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Biological Sciences

Jim Smith and Tom Wiles Science Scholarship

LSSU SealJim Smith and Tom Wiles are both graduates of Bedford High School (1972) and classmates at Lake Superior State College. Upon their retirement, they returned to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. “Our experiences as students at Lake Superior State College in the 1970s to our present stage of life, have been the foundation for our desire to fund an award for an incoming freshman and a science scholarship to a current student. They have issued their recipients a challenge: To apply all the knowledge that you have/will learn for the benefit of generations present and future.

The science scholarship is given to a student of sophomore status with a minimum 3.0 GPA who is seeking a career path as a scientist. The hope of the future lies not in curbing the influence of human occupancy – it is already too late for that – but in creating a better understanding of the extent of that influence and a new ethic for its governance. ― Aldo Leopold, Game Management

Joseph and Bonnie Halvorsen Memorial Scholarship

Joseph and Bonnie HalvorsenThe Joseph and Bonnie Halvorsen Memorial Endowment was established by the Halvorsen’s five children to honor their parents and to provide financial assistance to a sophomore student pursuing a career as a park ranger for the State of Michigan or National Park Service. Joseph and Bonnie were married in 1952 shortly after Halvorsen began his career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Between 1963 and 1977, Halvorsen managed F. J. McLain State Park in Hancock, Grand Haven State Park, Brimley State Park, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park until his retirement in 1991. Despite all these accomplishments, Halvorsen always felt his advancement was curtailed because he lacked a college degree. He spent the last years of his career training people who would go on to surpass him, always willing to assist and provide advice because of his love and commitment for the job.

Marian and Raymond Chelberg Outstanding Science/Athlete Scholarship Fund

Marian and Raymond ChelbergProfessor Emeritus Raymond Chelberg and his wife Marian were one of the original faculty families at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, Sault Branch in 1946. From that time until he retired in 1970, Professor Chelberg was chair of the Chemistry Department. He was a dedicated teacher for more than 44 years and was remembered for his personal, caring and effective approach to teaching. Marian taught music appreciation at Lake State and was one of the founders of the Musicale. She was choir director at Central United Methodist Church and was one of the first women invited to join the Rotary Club. Together, Raymond and Marian significantly enhanced the scientific, athletic and cultural aspects of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding community. The Chelberg scholarship is awarded to a natural science major, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who demonstrates leadership abilities and contributes significantly to the success of the athletic team on which he or she is a letter-winner.

Mary Lubs and Viggo Thomsen Endowed Scholarship

Mary Lubs & Viggo ThomsenThis named endowment was established by Mary Lubs Thomsen to honor her late husband, Viggo. Both were long-time residents of Sault Ste. Marie and former employees of LSSU. Mary was director of Public Relations and Viggo served for 27 years as a faculty member of the Biology Department. The scholarship provides financial assistance to LSSU students majoring in the biological sciences, pre-pharmacy, pre-medical and/or pre-dental programs.

Michael Della-Moretta Memorial Scholarship

Michael Della-MorettaThis scholarship honors Michael Della-Moretta, a 1977 alumnus and Navy pilot killed in 1981 while serving aboard the USS Independence off the coast of Iran. He once said the happiest years of his life were at Lake Superior State University. The award is given to an Eastern U.P. resident with an interest in biological science or lab science major (including math and computer science) who has achieved academic excellence.

Business

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Chemistry

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Criminal Justice

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Education

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Engineering & Technology

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English & Communication

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Fine Arts

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Fire Science

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Fisheries & Wildlife

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Geology & Physical Sciences

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Health Sciences

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History

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Kinesiology

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Math & Computer Science

Faculty of Mathematics & Computer Science Scholarship

sealThis scholarship was created in 2006 by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science faculty as a tool to retain highly qualified students at LSSU. Successful recipients must be a major in mathematics or computer science or pursuing a degree in math education with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Franklin F. and Wanda L. Otis Award

franklin-wanda-otisThis endowed scholarship was established to honor one of the charter faculty of Sault Branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology. Franklin spent 30 years (1948-1978) as a mathematics professor and was the University’s first faculty athletic representative, serving 12 years during the early development of the Laker athletic program. He was instrumental in the development of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). In 1999, Franklin was posthumously inducted to the LSSU Athletic Hall of Fame for his invaluable contributions to the Laker athletic program. Wanda was a homemaker who was very active in her church, the LSSU Faculty Wives’ organization, and a strong supporter of the University and of her husband’s participation in a wide range of academic and athletic interests. The recipient must be a sophomore mathematics or computer science major with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their major courses.

Galen H. Harrison Mathematics and Computer Science Scholarship

sealThis scholarship was established in 2001 by Galen Harrison (1938-2022) to provide financial assistance to math and computer science majors. Harrison was a long-time LSSU Professor of Mathematics who taught at Lake State from 1963 until his retirement in 1996. Mr. Harrison believed in the importance of higher education and understood that many students need financial support while working towards their educational and career goals.

Galen H. Harrison Pickford Scholarship

sealThis endowed scholarship was established by Galen H. Harrison (1938-2022), a graduate of Pickford High School and LSSU Professor of Mathematics (1963-1996). Mr. Harrison believed in the importance of higher education and understood that many students need financial support while working towards their educational and career goals. Successful candidates must be an incoming freshman who is a Pickford High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in biology, chemistry, geology, nursing, mathematics, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental chemistry, or environmental science.

Gerald Samson Mathematics Scholarship

samsonThis endowed scholarship was established by LSSU professor emeritus Gerald Samson (1928-2022). During his career at LSSU, Professor Samson received the LSSU Distinguished Teacher award in 1974 and Emeritus Status in 1990. He could recite a plethora of poems he learned in grade school, remember all the words to the songs he loved from the 30s and 40s (anything after 1950 wasn’t music), solve complex math equations just for fun, read books, books, and more books from the classics, to science, to mysteries and was known as a crossword puzzle aficionado. He loved the phrase “look it up” and spent much time doing just that about any topic that interested him. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU mathematics and computer science faculty.

Michael Della-Moretta Memorial Scholarship

Michael Della-MorettaThis scholarship honors Michael Della-Moretta, a 1977 alumnus and Navy pilot killed in 1981 while serving aboard the USS Independence off the coast of Iran. He once said the happiest years of his life were at Lake Superior State University. The award is given to an Eastern U.P. resident with an interest in biological science or lab science major (including math and computer science) who has achieved academic excellence.

Peter & Georgia Gianakura Endowment

Peter & Georgia GianakuraThis endowment was established by Catherine Gianakura Rogg to honor her parents, Peter and Georgia. At the time of her high school graduation, Georgia was planning to attend Michigan State University to become a mathematics teacher until her father became ill. She made the choice to care for her father and attend to the needs of her family. Longing for a career as a photojournalist, Peter was unable to pursue his education due to his commitment to his father’s business, The American Café, and to his family. In honor of her parents who sacrificed their education and career dreams for the care and well being of their families, Catherine created two scholarships to be granted annually to a student who is seeking a career in Journalism and to a student who is pursuing a degree in Education with a major in Mathematics.

Rosa L. Grout Scholarship Fund

grout-rosaA founder of the Chippewa County Employees Credit Union and a longtime Sault High School math teacher, Rosa Grout, enlightened more than 2,000 students on the beauty and precision of math. “I still hear from many of them who thank me for the structure and discipline that geometry instilled into their lives,” she recalled shortly before her death in 2004 at the age of 95. Grout’s spirit of education carries on in the form of a math, science and technical studies scholarship endowment she created in 1992. The student recipient is a major in engineering technology, mathematics, or computer science. Selection of the award is based upon high school GPA, ACT score and high school class rank.

William R. Gregory Scholarship

William R. GregoryThis scholarship was established to honor William Gregory, former president of Edison Sault Electric Company. He served as a member of the LSSU Board of Trustees, the LSSU Foundation Board of Directors, and received LSSU’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 1986.  LSSU President Robert Arbuckle once stated, “Bill Gregory has actively supported the University with his talent and treasure for over 25 years. No one in this region is more devoted to Lake State.” Successful candidates must be a junior majoring in engineering, mathematics, business, biology or fisheries and wildlife management with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Natural Resources Technology

Christopher Reinke Endowment Award

reinke-christopherThis endowment was established by family and friends in memory of Chris Reinke, a natural resources technology (NRT) student, 1986-88. Chris was known as a free-spirited, independent young man who had a great love for the outdoors. It was because of his love for the woods and water that he chose the natural resources program at LSSU. His untimely death in 1988 left an indelible mark on Lake State students and to all who knew him. One of his friends, Cindy (Nocerini) Dingell, commented that Chris lived by the old phrase, “live each day like it was your first and every minute like it was your last.” This award assists a sophomore NRT student with a minimum 2.0 GPA who has a sincere dedication to the NRT field. Selection is based on the recommendation of the NRT faculty.

Nursing

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Political Science

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Psychology

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Veterans

Veterans Assistance Fund

Tom BrownThe Vietnam Veterans of America with local representative, Tom Brown, established the LSSU Veterans Assistance Fund. This fund was created to provide emergency fund assistance to any Veterans attending LSSU.

Veteran is defined per FAFSA guidelines as: Have engaged in active duty (including basic training) in the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard), or are a National Guard or Reserve enlistee who was called to active duty for other than state or training purposes, or were a cadet or midshipman at one of the service academies, and were released under a condition other than dishonorable.