LSSU Scholarships

This scholarship was established through a bequest of Stella B. Osborn, wife of the former governor of Michigan. Chase Salmon Osborn (1860-1949) was the 27th governor of Michigan, serving one term from 1911-12. Chase Osborn was also a newspaper reporter and publisher, an explorer, an author, and a public servant. Stella Osborn was a noted author, lecturer, philanthropist, and played a prominent role in the Union of Democracies movement. Shortly before her death she renewed her interest in the history and legends of the Sault area, contributing to local festivals and historic projects. Her literary works dating from 1940 until 1982 include a variety of books of poetry, Northwoods Tales and articles on Chase Osborn. Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic excellence and financial need.

This scholarship was established by the family of Chris Yanni (1965-1992). Chris was a LSSU all-region standout and among the University’s most-decorated distance runners. He had a strong interest in outdoor recreational activities and a concern for the protection of natural resources. He was a strong advocate for athletics and the virtues of clean, healthy living.

This named endowment was established in memory of Christina Comito, a 1992 LSSU graduate and Laker women’s basketball player from 1988-1992. She scored over 1,000 points in her Laker basketball career and received the Outstanding Student Award in Exercise Science in 1992. Tragically killed in an automobile accident in October 1995, Christina was a fierce competitor and a standout basketball player. She had a will to succeed both on and off the court. At the time of her death, Christina was a therapist at Henry Ford Hospital and was attending classes to enter medical school. Her named endowment benefits both the women’s basketball program and Christina’s major – exercise science. In addition, each year a Laker women’s basketball player is selected by the AD and coaches to be recognized as the player “who excels in dedication, skills, hard work, and attitude on the court and in the classroom”. A plaque, donated by the Comito family, commemorates the recipients and is displayed in the James Norris Center lobby.

This scholarship was created in 2011 to benefit students who are members or descendants of a member of the Christopher Columbus Italian-American Society. The Society was formed on March 16, 1930 by a group of men living in the “Little Italy” neighborhood of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. who were looking for a place for their Society to meet. On June 16, 1930, the Society obtained a charter from the State of Michigan, and began to sponsor dinners and dances to benefit the neighborhood. By 1938, the Society had 138 members, and built their own Christopher Columbus Hall for meetings and special events that continue to this day. Successful candidates must be of sophomore status with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

This 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.

Claude “Bud” Denker ‘80 was inspired to create this endowment to honor his parents and to recognize the quality of his education and experience he enjoyed at LSSU.  In particular to recognize the mentoring he received from Lukenda School of Business Professor Dr. Madan Saluja. Following Denker’s graduation from LSSU, his career included experience in leadership positions at Eastman Kodak, PepsiCo, Inc. and Penske Corporation ultimately resulting in his appointment as President of Penske in 2017.

At LSSU, he received the Kenneth J. Shouldice Achievement Award in 2008 and the Lukenda School of Business Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2018.  Successful candidates may major in any Lukenda School of Business program with preference to a student majoring in a LSB Marketing or Business Management program who has earned a minimum 26 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Clifford (Rube) Waybrant of Pickford, Michigan established this scholarship in recognition of the quality of care his wife, Berniece, received in the War Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Unit. Successful candidates must be graduate of a Chippewa, Mackinac or Luce County High School who has successfully completed the LPN or CENA program and demonstrates at least one year experience in that role with a minimum 2.7 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Nursing faculty.

The Clifford and Pearl Nesseth Memorial Scholarship supports full-time Lake Superior State University students enrolled in a College of Great Lakes Ecology and Education program. Established in honor of Clifford and Pearl Nesseth by their son, Clifford “Bryce” Nesseth (1929–2022), the scholarship carries forward the family’s commitment to community and innovation. It supports students who share Bryce’s passion for protecting Michigan’s land and waterways and his dedication to environmental stewardship.

The Colleen and Charles MacDonald Annual Scholarship supports transfer students pursuing majors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) or Education with a focus on STEM curricula. Established by long-time Michigan residents Colleen and Chuck MacDonald, the scholarship reflects their deep belief in the value of education and the importance of helping students overcome financial barriers. It provides assistance with tuition and class-related fees to deserving students, supporting their success in STEM fields.

James R. “Jim” Mason (1917 – 2006) was a lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie, with an almost equally long passion for the sport of hockey. In his youth, he played on outdoor rinks around the area every chance he could, in addition to being a member of organized teams at Kaine’s Rink and the Pullar Stadium. Later, he spent many years involved in coaching and supporting area Bantam and Jr. League hockey at the Pullar, assisting with the Soo Indians and serving as manager for the Sinclair Warriors Travel Team. Jim followed the LSSU Lakers program and attended many of their home games. As a tribute to his contribution to area hockey, Jim’s family and friends established this scholarship for a deserving freshman or transfer Laker hockey player with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship was established by alumni and friends to honor LSSU faculty member, Madan Saluja. Having taught at LSSU for more that 40 years, Saluja is well known for his courses’ rigor and his personal high expectations of students. He was instrumental in establishing the School of Business/Lambda Scholarship and has helped raise more than $225,000 to support the endowment. A native of India, he was the captain of the track and field team and held a long distance running record at his alma mater Delhi University. Successful candidates must be a member of the LSSU Track or Cross Country athletic team with a preference to students who are pursuing a degree in Business with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Athletic Director, track & cross-country coaches and a member of the School of Business faculty.

Professor 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.

This named award is established by Susan and Paul Dagenais in memory of their son, Parker, who passed away at age 20 as a result of a fatal car accident in October 2019.  Parker was a 2017 graduate of Fenton High School, where he was honored as the 2016-2017 Homecoming King. Parker was a junior at LSSU, where he studied Sports Management and served as the student assistant coach for the LSSU Women’s Laker basketball team. If Parker didn’t have a ball in his hands, he had a game on the TV, and sometimes both. He loved basketball, soccer, golf, and anything else that involved competition. He was an avid University of Michigan fan his entire life. His newfound love came to be Lake Superior State University. Successful candidates must be a current student with at least sophomore status who is seeking a major or minor in Kinesiology with a minimum 2.75 GPA.  Selection will be based on an essay describing the values of the applicant and explaining their goals in pursuing a career in Kinesiology/Sports Management.

The Ronald “Bud” Cooper Endowed Award is given to student athletes who have earned a minimum 2.5 GPA and represents each of the Division II women and men’s non-fully funded athletic programs – volleyball, tennis, golf, track & field, and cross country. Bud spent more than 30 years of his life at Lake Superior State University. He is one of two men instrumental in establishing the LSSU hockey program and Athletics Hall of Fame. His passion and support of the University as an athlete, coach, athletic director, alumnus and faculty emeritus are unsurpassed. In 2000, the Norris Center gymnasium was named the Ronald “Bud” Cooper Gymnasium to honor Bud for his tremendous support to Laker Athletics and to the University.

This 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.

This scholarship endowment was established by Jacki (Brinker) Saunders and David O. Saunders, 1975 graduates of LSSU. The Saunders understand the importance of higher education and know that many students need financial support while working towards their education goals. Successful candidates must have earned at least 26 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA and may major in a Business, Biology, or Chemistry program.

Jim 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

The 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.

Professor 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.

Sherry, CPA graduated from LSSU with a bachelor’s of accounting and an MBA. She served as president of the LSSU Alumni Association Board of Directors as well as on various committees for the Alumni Association and LSSU Foundation. Her daughter, Lisa, RN graduated from LSSU with a BSN. She worked as an emergency room nurse at War Memorial Hospital before continuing her education at the University of Delaware to obtain a MSN/NP. This named scholarship was established by Sherry to honor her daughter’s extraordinary accomplishments and to recognize the generosity of the scholarship donors who provided her financial assistance. Successful candidates must be a student of junior status with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in the LSSU nursing or accounting program.

This scholarship was created by contributions from the Lukenda School of Business and Economics alumni and the Lambda Sigma Beta Fraternity and spearheaded by Dr. Madan Saluja, professor emeritus of business at LSSU. This endowment is awarded to students who have attained junior or senior status in the business program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and who have demonstrated campus/community leadership and dedication to working in the business profession.

This scholarship was established by alumni and friends to honor LSSU faculty member, Madan Saluja. Having taught at LSSU for more that 40 years, Saluja is well known for his courses’ rigor and his personal high expectations of students. He was instrumental in establishing the School of Business/Lambda Scholarship and has helped raise more than $225,000 to support the endowment. A native of India, he was the captain of the track and field team and held a long distance running record at his alma mater Delhi University. Successful candidates must be a member of the LSSU Track or Cross Country athletic team with a preference to students who are pursuing a degree in Business with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Athletic Director, track & cross-country coaches and a member of the School of Business faculty.

This scholarship endowment is established by Marisa Berlinger, a 2013 Lukenda School of Business graduate. After taking Business Law with LSSU Professor Emeritus Dr. Madan Saluja, Marisa was inspired to go to law school.  She received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 2016.  Marisa currently practices law in Seattle, Washington, specializing in complex commercial litigation and business-related government investigations and enforcement actions, but she will never forget her roots in Sault Ste. Marie.

This scholarship was established in 2019 by Michael James and Wendy Menard James. Wendy is a native of Sault Ste. Marie and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is a LSSU alumna and in 2019 she received the Kenneth J. Shouldice Award that honors individuals whose personal and professional successes serve as outstanding examples to LSSU graduates. Wendy began her successful career in the Sault as a newspaper reporter, later working in government, nonprofit and business before starting her own successful company focusing on environmental improvement. Michael spent his career in the entertainment business, working mostly in music and television. She and her husband created this scholarship to support students who are under-represented in the LSSU population. They aim to help male and female students who want to encourage the advancement of women who currently are underrepresented in both business and environmental fields.

Successful candidates may be an incoming freshman or current student who is a graduate of a Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. One student who is majoring in a LSSU Environmental Science program and one who is majoring in a Lukenda School of Business program are selected each year.

Through 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.

This 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.

Rebecca (Becca) Arms (1985-2009) chose to attend Lake Superior State University and fell in love with the college and the town. She was very active with campus life and a committed and involved member of the Sigma Lambda Sigma Sorority. Becca was a huge fan of Laker Hockey and a big advocate for Lake State and the values the University holds dear. She received her Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in History in 2008. Becca’s passion was teaching and working with children; helping them reach full potential. Successful candidates must be a student with at least 26 LSSU credits, a minimum 3.0 GPA who is majoring in the Early Childhood or Elementary Education program. Preference will be given to students who are members of the Sigma Lambda Sigma sorority.

In 1999, this scholarship was named to honor Robert O. Wallis, an educator for over 30 years, having served 28 years with the Sault Area Public School system as a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. Following his retirement, he became active with both the local chapter and state organization of the Chippewa-Mackinac Area Retired School Personnel (CMARSP) and served 10 years on the state board of directors. The chapter is an association of retired public school and state university personnel whose purpose is to promote social, professional and economic status and general welfare of retired school employees. Scholarship recipients must be pursuing a profession in the field of teaching, a resident from Chippewa or Mackinac County, and has earned a minimum 3.0 GPA.

A long-time Sault resident and world traveler, Gordon Wilman wished to fulfill a request of his beloved wife of 61 years, Adela, who passed away in 2007. It was always Adela’s desire to help local students who dreamed of being a teacher. To fulfill her wish, Gordon established an annual scholarship in 2008 and upon his passing in 2013, his trust designated that a permanent endowment be established to continue his wife’s wish and create a lasting legacy. Eligible candidates must be an incoming freshman from Sault Area High School pursuing a degree in teaching with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Through 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.

This endowment was established through the estate of Dorothy Bell to honor her son Lawrence, a Sault High graduate and mechanical engineer for Dow Corning Corporation. Dorothy was a graduate of the Marquette Beauty Academy in Marquette, Mich. where she received her certificate in Cosmetology. She owned and operated a beauty shop on Seymour Street in Sault Ste. Marie for over 27 years. This merit scholarship is awarded to an engineering student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Engineering faculty.

This scholarship was created by the LSSU Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) and funded through a special fund raising drive. Donors are alumni and related robotics companies that have an interest in creating a new work force using the tools of robotics. The purpose of the scholarship is to benefit incoming students who are pursuing an undergraduate engineering education and have demonstrated academic success and interest in the robotics specialty curriculum.

This scholarship was created by the LSSU School of Engineering and Technology through a special donation from Mr. J.C. Huizenga. Awarded to incoming freshmen, this scholarship benefits those pursuing an engineering degree and has demonstrated academic success and interest in the engineering field.

Marv Dahlman was a member of the LSSU Engineering faculty for 33 years. He began his teaching career in 1952 at what was then the Sault Branch of Michigan Tech. He retired as an Associate Professor from Lake Superior State University in 1985, and was named a Professor Emeritus. Audrey and Marvin were married for 68 years and raised their three children on LSSU’s Faculty Row, where they developed lifelong friendships and an abiding affection for the University. Audrey was employed at Sault Savings Bank, from which she retired as an Assistant Vice-President. She also enjoyed volunteer work, in support of her children’s school activities, the Faith Lutheran Church and University. Successful candidates must be a student majoring in any engineering field at LSSU with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need.

The Anglers of the Au Sable’s mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the Au Sable River system for future generations of fly fishers. The Anglers of the Au Sable is much more than a fishing club. The organization’s activities are driven by issues affecting the greater Au Sable ecosystem. Successful candidates must be a Michigan resident of senior status majoring in the Fisheries and Wildlife Management program, with a focus on fisheries who has earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the Biological Sciences faculty.

This scholarship was established to ensure the mission of the Izaak Walton League “to save outdoor America for future generations.” Named after Izaak Walton, the 17th century English angler-conservationist who wrote the literary classic “The Compleat Angler” it serves as a constant reminder of their mission. During the 1960s and 1970s the League launched the Save Our Streams Program and broke the political ground necessary for passage of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act. The scholarship recipient must be a Sault High graduate majoring in the fisheries and wildlife management program with a 3.0 minimum GPA.

This named annual scholarship was established to honor the memory of LSSU alumna Wendy Sak, who was killed at the age of 35 as a result of a tragic auto accident in 2012. Wendy was a 1998 LSSU cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries & Wildlife Management with a minor in Law Enforcement. While earning her degree at LSSU, Wendy was an integral part in the formation of the LSSU Fisheries & Wildlife Club. Wendy will be forever remembered as having a love for life, love for her family and friends, and love for Lake Superior State University. Successful candidates must be at least sophomore status with a minimum 2.5 GPA and an active LSSU Fisheries & Wildlife Club member. Selection is based on the recommendation of the biological science faculty.

This scholarship endowment is established by William and Pamela Bacheler. The Bachelers moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1974 following Bill’s graduation from the University of Michigan Dental School.  Together they raised their two sons, Nate and Dan. Nate grew up fishing with his Dad that led to his career as a fisheries biologist in North Carolina working for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Dan teaches horticulture at Front Range Community College in Colorado and also enjoys fishing. Lake Superior State University has much to offer the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie. Pam and Bill enjoy the many sports and cultural events held on its campus. They are happy to support a scholarship that will benefit a student in the fisheries management program at LSSU.

This 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.

Professor 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.

This 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.

This scholarship was established in 2019 by Michael James and Wendy Menard James. Wendy is a native of Sault Ste. Marie and a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is a LSSU alumna and in 2019 she received the Kenneth J. Shouldice Award that honors individuals whose personal and professional successes serve as outstanding examples to LSSU graduates. Wendy began her successful career in the Sault as a newspaper reporter, later working in government, nonprofit and business before starting her own successful company focusing on environmental improvement. Michael spent his career in the entertainment business, working mostly in music and television. She and her husband created this scholarship to support students who are under-represented in the LSSU population. They aim to help male and female students who want to encourage the advancement of women who currently are underrepresented in both business and environmental fields.

Successful candidates may be an incoming freshman or current student who is a graduate of a Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. One student who is majoring in a LSSU Environmental Science program and one who is majoring in a Lukenda School of Business program are selected each year.

This named scholarship was established by Todd Fritch (’93) to honor his grandparents, Norma and Weldon, for their loving guidance and financial support while he attended LSSU. Although neither attended college, both recognized the importance of education and instilled at an early age a commitment toward earning a college degree. Having visited LSSU many times, both Norma and Weldon were strongly supportive and appreciative of the personalized learning environment provided by the University. This scholarship benefits a LSSU geology or natural science major with at least 56 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship endowment is established by Robert and Sally Wiles to honor the memory of Sally’s brother, Richard W. “Dick” White ‘60. White graduated from Rudyard High School in 1954, enlisted in the Marines, served and was honorably discharged. He then entered Soo Tech, branch of Michigan Technological University. Dick was a much focused student of Geology and truly became a legend at Soo Tech and Michigan Technological University. After receiving his Doctorate from the University of California – Berkley, he traveled the World with the U.S. Geological Survey with his last stop in Denver at USGS headquarters. Premature death attributed to Leukemia at age 40 abruptly halted Dick’s list of geological discoveries in his prime. Successful candidates must major in one of the LSSU physical sciences programs with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Dr. Lou Lukenda attended LSSU from 1948-1950 before completing the academic requirements for a doctor of dental surgery degree from University of Toronto. His fondness for LSSU always remained strong. He was the recipient of LSSU’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1983, and he served on the LSSU Foundation’s board of directors from 1987-2005. He received an LSSU honorary doctorate degree in 2007. In May 2001, when the Lou and Mae Lukenda Alumni House was established and dedicated, Dr. Lukenda remarked, “My central interests in life over the years…have been in education and health.” He and his wife, Mae, passed along the passion for those causes to their seven children; four of them are teachers and three work in health care. It is in this spirit that the Lukendas established this scholarship to benefit LSSU students.

The Dr. Sarah Mae Foster Memorial Pre-Professional Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Dr. Sarah Mae Foster by supporting a Lake Superior State University student pursuing a pre-professional academic track, particularly those preparing for careers in medicine or other health-related fields. Established through the generosity of her family, friends, alumni, and community members, this scholarship reflects Sarah’s passion for helping others, her dedication to academics, and her love of hockey as a former member of the LSSU Women’s Hockey Club. Sarah passed away at the age of 33 after a courageous battle with cancer, and this scholarship continues her commitment to serving others. This award supports a full-time LSSU student who is a member of the Women’s ACHA Hockey team, has achieved sophomore status, and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA, with consideration also given to other qualified female student-athletes in pre-professional programs. Recipients are expected to uphold strong academic standing and character while carrying forward Sarah’s legacy of compassion, determination, and commitment to serving others in the healthcare field.

Edward Smith is a retired physician who has practiced in St. Ignace, Mich. since 1986. He is a Lake Superior State alumnus who received his MD Degree from Michigan State University and completed a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at the University of Michigan. He provided care to many patients with cancer and blood disorders in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. Jill is a registered nurse and a graduate of Grand Rapids Junior College. She is an Oncology Nurse at Mackinac Straits Hospital. In 2018, Dr. Smith received the LSSU Outstanding Alumnus Award, the highest award bestowed by the LSSU Alumni Association.

This 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.

This scholarship was established through the collaborative efforts of the LSSU School of Nursing Faculty and the staff of the Chippewa County Health Department to honor Heidi Bailey for her passion and commitment to the nursing profession.  Heidi was a 1984 graduate of Newberry High school who pursued her education and passion for nursing at LSSU earning a BSN in 1988. She began her nursing career at War Memorial Hospital and later worked at the Chippewa County Health Department dedicating over 27 years to Hospice and community home health care. She was a dedicated mentor to LSSU nursing students to ensure they had a meaningful learning experience while pursuing their BSN degree. She will be remembered as one who contributed immensely to the practice of nursing in Sault Ste. Marie and throughout the Chippewa County community.  Successful candidates must be a junior or senior nursing student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrates a passion for Hospice and Community Health nursing.

The Colleen and Charles MacDonald Annual Scholarship supports transfer students pursuing majors in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) or Education with a focus on STEM curricula. Established by long-time Michigan residents Colleen and Chuck MacDonald, the scholarship reflects their deep belief in the value of education and the importance of helping students overcome financial barriers. It provides assistance with tuition and class-related fees to deserving students, supporting their success in STEM fields.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

This 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.

A 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.

This 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.

This 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.

The Clifford and Pearl Nesseth Memorial Scholarship supports full-time Lake Superior State University students enrolled in a College of Great Lakes Ecology and Education program. Established in honor of Clifford and Pearl Nesseth by their son, Clifford “Bryce” Nesseth (1929–2022), the scholarship carries forward the family’s commitment to community and innovation. It supports students who share Bryce’s passion for protecting Michigan’s land and waterways and his dedication to environmental stewardship.

This scholarship was established through the collaborative efforts of the LSSU School of Nursing Faculty and the staff of the Chippewa County Health Department to honor Heidi Bailey for her passion and commitment to the nursing profession.  Heidi was a 1984 graduate of Newberry High school who pursued her education and passion for nursing at LSSU earning a BSN in 1988. She began her nursing career at War Memorial Hospital and later worked at the Chippewa County Health Department dedicating over 27 years to Hospice and community home health care. She was a dedicated mentor to LSSU nursing students to ensure they had a meaningful learning experience while pursuing their BSN degree. She will be remembered as one who contributed immensely to the practice of nursing in Sault Ste. Marie and throughout the Chippewa County community.  Successful candidates must be a junior or senior nursing student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who demonstrates a passion for Hospice and Community Health nursing.

This scholarship was established by the Hospice of the EUP, a non-profit organization formed in 1983. The first Medicare certified program in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Hospice of the EUP provides patient care programs – hospice (care for the terminally ill and Bridging (care for the chronically ill).  Successful candidates must be an incoming freshman who is pursuing a degree in nursing with an interest in the Hospice philosophy. They must successfully complete the Health Sciences program at the Sault Area Career Center with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

John Ramsey, a long time resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., established this named endowment through a bequest provision in his trust. John was a graduate of Sault Area High School and earned a degree in pharmacy at the University of Michigan. He was the War Memorial Hospital pharmacist for many years and also serviced other pharmacies in Sault Ste Marie and throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Mr. Ramsey served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was a navigator with the 493rd Bomb Group in England and flew 33 missions over Germany. After the war he was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. Successful candidates must be a resident of Chippewa County who is majoring in elementary or secondary education, nursing or pre-pharmacy with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Through 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.

Grant Lawson established this scholarship in recognition of his daughter and granddaughter’s education accomplishments and to express his gratitude for the wonderful educational experience they received while attending at LSSU. This scholarship benefits two senior students with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in 1) Nursing and 2) English Literature or English Literature with a Creative Writing emphasis.