LSSU Scholarships

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.

Dr. Kenneth J. Shouldice was the first president of Lake Superior State University (1965-82) and  who led LSSU through its most significant period of growth. He saw the institution grow from a branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology into an autonomous degree-granting institution. In 1976 he created the University’s scholarship endowment program offering financial aid support for the growing student population – many of whom were the first in their family to attend college. Many buildings such as Crawford Hall, James Norris Center, the Center for Applied Science and Engineering Technology, student residence halls, the Walker Cisler Student and Conference Center and the LSSU library that bears his name were constructed during his tenure. He was a man who possessed a tremendous drive and commitment to the University’s success. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to both entering freshmen and current LSSU students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Dr. Kenneth F. Light was president of Lake Superior State College (now LSSU) from 1982-1986. Light had a presence with the University for 15 years and a career in higher education that spanned three decades. While president at LSSC, he was instrumental in establishing the LSSU Foundation as the fund-raising arm of the institution in 1983. Also during his tenure, the University’s aquatic research laboratory was established, and academic programs such as engineering technology and fire science. Successful candidates may major in any course of study with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students who are not current recipients of any LSSU scholarship and who demonstrate scholastic achievement and/or GPA improvement during their LSSU experience.

Dr. Kevin and Pamela Cooper established their named scholarship to benefit students enrolled in the LSSU pre-dentistry  or pre-med program.  Successful candidates must have earned at least 26 LSSU credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA and preference given to students who are graduates of a Michigan Upper Peninsula high school. Son of Laker legend Ronald “Bud” Cooper, Kevin grew up on the LSSU campus. He attended LSSU earning his B.S. and his dental degree at the University of Michigan. Pam also attended LSSU earning her Associates Degree and a dental hygiene degree from the University of Michigan. The Coopers are very involved with the local community and are strong supporters of Lake Superior State University.

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.

This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Robert D. Arbuckle, the University’s fourth president from 1992-2001. The University enjoyed spectacular improvements in the physical plant of more than $60 million dollars of capital construction projects completed in Arbuckle’s tenure, including: expansion or renovation of the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library, Crawford Hall of Science; Student Activity Center which is named in his honor; and the Norris Center’s Taffy Abel Ice Arena. Upon his retirement in 2002, he became known as the “Students’ President” who touched many lives and left a lasting stamp on this campus. This scholarship is merit based and awarded to both incoming freshmen and current 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This scholarship was established by the Straits Area Ostomy Association to financially assist a LSSU nursing student who is interested in working with ostomy clients. The Association has been in existence since 1974 and covers Michigan’s northern lower peninsula and the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Successful candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Nursing faculty.

This scholarship was established in memory of Tempie Dubow, a 1973 LSSU nursing graduate who trained at hospitals in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. At the time of her death, she was on the nursing staff of Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Tempie exemplified the spirit of nursing. “She chose nursing because she loved to help people and her very presence made patients feel better,” said Margaret Pieper, former director of nursing training at LSSU. “She possessed a spirit and enthusiasm that was an inspiration to all of her classmates.” Selection is based on a demonstrated commitment to nursing, academic achievement and potential for leadership.

This endowment was established in 1994 with a bequest from a client of an Indiana-affiliated facility to Tendercare (Michigan) Inc., then Michigan’s largest long-term care provider. The funds were, in turn, donated to LSSU to benefit students who major in a healthcare field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship endowment is established in memory of Richard & Marjorie Gulliver’s son, Rick, and in appreciation of Marjorie’s career as an RN as well as their family’s loyalty to the University and community. Marjorie (TenEyck) (1930-2022) grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. She received a scholarship to Michigan College of Mining & Technology – Soo Branch 1948-49. She later graduated from the Edward W. Sparrow Hospital School of Nursing in Lansing. Their son, Richard (Rick) Stuart Gulliver attended LSSU just prior to his death from a brain tumor in 1980.