LSSU Scholarships

This scholarship was established by Mrs. Jean Hardt and classmates Joseph Knauf and Anthony Bellhorn in memory of Dennis Hardt, a 1977 electrical engineering technology graduate. The scholarship recipient is an incoming freshman majoring in electrical engineering with selection based on GPA, class rank and ACT score.

The Detroit Area Steelheaders is a non-profit fishing club established in 1974. The club is dedicated to the protection and promotion of trout, salmon and other fisheries in the Great Lakes Region by teaching, informing and guiding the public to respect and appreciate the Great Lakes, rivers, and land around us. Successful candidates must be a student of at least sophomore status majoring in the LSSU Biology or Fisheries and Wildlife Management program, with a focus on fisheries who is a Michigan resident with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship was established in 2007 by LSSU employees, alumni, and friends who wished to recognize students who are members of the LSSU track and cross-country team. In October 2010 the scholarship was renamed to honor Dillon Menard who died unexpectedly in August 2010 at the age of 19. A graduate of Negaunee High School, Dillon was starting his second year at Lake Superior State and was a member of the LSSU Track & Field team. A successful candidate must be a member of the LSSU track and cross-country team who is not currently receiving any other athletic scholarship support. The recipient is at least sophomore status who has earned a minimum 3.0 GPA with selection based on the recommendation of the LSSU Athletic Director and the track & cross-country coaches.

Dixie Light came to LSSU in 1974 as an instructor, shortly thereafter helping to create Lake State’s BSN program and developing the LSSU Health Care Center, which now serves the campus and public. Morton was a school psychologist in the Sault Area Public Schools for a number of years. Their son, Daniel graduated from Lake Superior State in 1988. In 1990 the Light family moved to Houston, Alaska to open a health clinic and continued to provide medical care and treatment to the people of the Houston community until Dixie’s death in 2011. Successful candidates must be a registered nurse from Michigan or Ontario, Canada who is admitted to the LSSU baccalaureate nursing post-licensure track OR a non-traditional student who has earned a college degree but now chooses to pursue a BSN degree with minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship is established in memory of Donald Sedestrom, a Michigan public school teacher and certified counselor. Donald was a 1949 graduate of the Sault Branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology, and earned a masters degree from Central Michigan University. Recipients must be a Teacher Education major who is a Michigan resident with at least 26 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship was established in 2015 to provide financial assistance to a Sault Area High School student majoring in the Education or Fisheries & Wildlife program. Don and Arlyce devoted their teaching careers to the Sault Area Public Schools. Originally from a Nebraska farming community, they moved to Sault Ste Marie and fell in love with the area and all it had to offer. They have one son, Brian, who graduated from Sault Area High School and Lake Superior State University. The Ausdemore’s understand the importance of a good education and the need to preserve the Sault Ste. Marie area for future generations.

Dr. Donald Finlayson and his wife, Catherine established this endowed scholarship in 1997 to enhance financial support for nursing students at LSSU. Dr. Finlayson practiced medicine in Sault Ste. Marie from 1946-1982 and was the LSSU physician from 1946-1978. Two of their children attended Lake State – one in pre-nursing and one in pre-physical therapy. Having always been impressed with the LSSU nursing program, the Finlaysons formed the endowment through a charitable remainder trust. A successful candidate must be a sophomore student with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a demonstrated empathy with patients.

This scholarship was established in memory of Donald Hastings, assistant professor of psychology from 1971-1973. A graduate of Springfield College and Texas Christian University, Professor Hastings was also the vice president of the LSSU faculty senate at the time of his death in 1973. This scholarship, awarded to a junior psychology major for his or her senior year, is based on the recommendation of the LSSU psychology faculty.

Professor Emeritus Arthur Duwe joined the LSSU faculty in 1968 as an Associate Professor of Biology-Chemistry. By the time he was eligible for retirement in 1988, he chose part-time teaching over full-time retirement and continued teaching at Lake State until his death in 1991. One of his teaching associates described Professor Duwe as a man who had a heart of gold. He was a fascinating lecturer and a demanding teacher. Even though students may not have liked his tests, they loved his lectures. He placed particular emphasis on senior research projects to help the students get organized and prepare their projects to the best of their ability. This scholarship is awarded to a senior clinical laboratory science, biology, fisheries and wildlife, or environmental science student to provide financial assistance in their year of internship.

Dr. Harry Pike started his career at LSSC as Dean of Students in 1969 and served in various administrative capacities until retiring in 1997. His steady support of Laker Athletics as a vital cog in the student-service operations, coupled with his 28 years of service to the University is testimony in naming a merit-based athletic scholarship in his honor. This scholarship selection is based on a recommendation from the LSSU Athletic Department.

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.

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.

The named award is established by Robert J. McEnroe, a 1975 LSSU graduate who wished to give back to alma mater.  In appreciation for the education he received at Lake Superior State University, this award benefits students majoring in Biology or Chemistry who are residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

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 scholarship was established by Ken and Kate Heikkinen in memory of their son. Sven was a 1982 Pickford High School graduate and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree at LSSU in 1993. His unexpected death in 2007 at the age of 43 left an indelible void to all who knew Sven. He had a genuine love for LSSU and, in particular, the school of engineering. It is his parents’ wish to honor his memory with a scholarship to benefit future LSSU engineering students. This merit scholarship is awarded to an engineering student majoring in any engineering field with a minimum 3.0 GPA and based on a recommendation by the LSSU Engineering faculty.

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.

The named award is established by Robert J. McEnroe, a 1975 LSSU graduate who wished to give back to alma mater.  In appreciation for the education he received at Lake Superior State University, this award benefits students majoring in Biology or Chemistry who are residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Dr. Timothy A. Farmer established this scholarship in 2012 to benefit students majoring in one of the physical sciences programs who wish to pursue a education and career path in scientific research. A 1979 LSSU graduate, Dr. Farmer went on to earn a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the Ohio State University. His career was spent in higher education, holding faculty positions at University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Missouri-St. Louis. In 2010, Dr. Farmer received the LSSU Kenneth J. Shouldice Award that honors alumni for their personal and professional achievements. Recipients must be of least sophomore status majoring in Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science or Geology 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.

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 Memorial Award was established in 1988 to honor Lynn Steppig who was a 1985 LSSU nursing graduate.  At the time of her death, she was a nurse at the Kinross Correctional Facility, in Kincheloe, Michigan. The endowment fund provides financial support to defray the cost of nursing board examinations, purchase of textbooks or other educational expenses as determined by the LSSU nursing faculty. Successful candidates must be a full time non-traditional student of at least junior status.

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 Professor Emeritus Galen Harrison (1938-2022) to provide financial assistance to math and computer science majors. Professor Harrison was a long-time LSSU faculty member who taught at Lake State from 1963 until his retirement in 1996. Awarded to an incoming freshman, selection is based on a minimum 3.0 GPA, class rank and ACT score.

This endowed scholarship was established by Galen H. Harrison (1938-2022), a graduate of Pickford High School and LSSU Professor Emeritus (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.

Named in honor of LSSU professor emeritus Gerald Samson (1966-99), this scholarship is awarded to a deserving computer and mathematical science major. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU mathematics 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.

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 Memorial Award was established in 1988 to honor Lynn Steppig who was a 1985 LSSU nursing graduate.  At the time of her death, she was a nurse at the Kinross Correctional Facility, in Kincheloe, Michigan. The endowment fund provides financial support to defray the cost of nursing board examinations, purchase of textbooks or other educational expenses as determined by the LSSU nursing faculty. Successful candidates must be a full time non-traditional student of at least junior status.

In 2005, the family of Russell Pattison established this scholarship as an expression of his appreciation to Nancy Miller for her friendship and healthcare services. This scholarship is presented to a nursing student who has earned at least 26 LSSU credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a desire to pursue a career in the public healthcare sector.

Drs. Patrick and MaryAnne P. Shannon have provided scholarships to students at LSSU since 1983 in recognition to the scholarship donors who provided them financial assistance to earn their undergraduate degrees. MaryAnne is an advanced practice nurse in geriatrics who earned her PhD from MSU. Patrick is a practicing attorney who earned his law degree from U of D, and his EdD from CMU. This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior nursing student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students interested in geriatrics.

The named scholarship is established by Robert Pfaff in memory of his wife, Patricia, who was a member of the first class of registered nurses to graduate from Lake Superior State College in 1972.  Patricia worked in various capacities during her 34-year nursing career and retired in January 2006. Robert is a 1972 LSSC Business alum and has been licensed by the State of Michigan to practice as a certified public accountant since March 1976. Successful candidates must be accepted into the BSN program with at least 26 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Nursing faculty.