LSSU Scholarships

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 named endowment honors Gil Somes (1929-2015), a man who was a part of Laker Athletics for over 20 years. Starting in 1981 and until his retirement in 1994, Gil worked as the equipment manager for Laker Athletics. He was with the Lakers through each of their three NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) titles in 1988, 1992, and 1994. Recipients may major in any course of study with a minimum 2.5 GPA and is employed as a student equipment manager or athletic trainer. Selection is based on the recommendation of the Athletic Director and coaching staff.

Professor Emeritus Gilbert Gleason taught and advised in the Biological Science Department for 28 years. The first teacher of biology at Michigan College of Mining & Technology – Sault Branch, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Natural Wildlife History Museum located in Crawford Hall of LSSU. His life was devoted to his students and his love for the outdoors. His wife Maxine, also a devoted educator, taught fourth grade in the Sault Public School system for 30 years. It was their wish to provide assistance to those with the appreciation for the outdoor environment. Successful candidates must be a Fisheries & Wildlife major with at least 56 credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Lake Superior State University continues its celebrated history and tradition by inviting a very special group of our alumni, the Golden Graduates – to be a special part of the LSSU Commencement ceremony each year. Since 2000, the Golden Grads have receive a special invitation to come back to campus to attend a special reception and lead the Commencement procession. In 2014, this special group established – the Golden Graduate Society Scholarship – as a way to give back to the University that has made such a difference in their lives. The scholarship was endowed in 2019, and is awarded to a student who has earned at least sophomore status with a minimum 3.0 GPA and is majoring in any course of study at the University, with preference given to students majoring in Engineering or Education. Eligible candidates must also submit a minimum 250-word essay answering the questions: Why did you choose to attend LSSU? And, what unique historical fact have you learned about LSSU during your time at the University?

Married in 1947, Gordon and Geraldine Cooper raised 15 children in Sault Ste. Marie. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Geraldine’s career was raising their family until her death from breast cancer in 1981. Gordon, a World War II veteran, supported them through work as Sunlight Dairy and then, later, as a building attendant at Lake Superior State College. The College was also a gateway for opportunity for their family. Through the G.I. Bill and hard work, several of their children enrolled and graduated from LSSC. Later, many of their grandchildren either started their postsecondary education at Lake State, or earned degrees from there. The opportunities that Lake State offered allowed the family to build better lives for themselves and others. Successful candidates must an incoming freshman who is a graduate of a Michigan Eastern Upper Peninsula high school majoring in a Lukenda School of Business program with preference to a student majoring in Accounting with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship benefits a full-time student attending Lake Superior State University who is employed with Algoma Central Marine, American Steamship, or Oglebay Norton or may benefit their children or grandchildren. Successful candidates must be a full-time student pursing a degree in any area of study at LSSU with a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Established in 1993 by the Sault Ste. Marie Gus Macker Committee, this scholarship is awarded to an entering LSSU freshman who resides and is a high school graduate from the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The student must demonstrate academic excellence and civic and school commitment.

Pierre and Lucette Adda established this scholarship in 1987 in memory of their son, Guy, who died in 1978 after a long fight with cancer. He was a 1973 LSSU psychology and law enforcement graduate. Although never a grade “A” student, Guy was a hard worker. He had a special gift for making people laugh and to always lend a helping hand. The recipient must be from southeastern lower Michigan with selection based on academic GPA, class rank and ACT score.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, H. Thayer Fletcher was dedicated to helping worthy young people. He established the first endowed scholarship fund at LSSU. This scholarship is awarded to entering freshmen, college transfers and current LSSU students from both Michigan and Canada who have achieved academic excellence in high school, previous colleges or at LSSU.

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 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.

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.