FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 27, 2025       
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) is now home to a stunning sturgeon sculpture, created and donated by local artist Diane Adamo. “You could probably say they’re my favorite fish,” said Adamo, a long-time admirer of the species.

The artwork, created from wood and stained glass, was a winter project for Adamo. A great appreciation for sturgeon, or “living dinosaurs,” was at the heart of this piece. When asked why the center, Diane responded, “I wanted to donate it to a place that would really appreciate it. That’s what led me to CFRE.”

Prominently on display right above the live sturgeon tank, the sculpture has quickly become a point of interest for staff, students, and visitors alike. The intricate design and materials highlight the natural beauty of sturgeon, a species CFRE researchers and students study extensively in their work.

“We are absolutely honored to receive this generous donation and to showcase it at CFRE,” said Ashley Moerke, Executive Director of CFRE. “Diane’s donation reminds us that the work we do matters to many in our community, and we are grateful for her support of our important mission.”

The Center for Freshwater Research and Education invites the community to visit and view the sculpture during its regular hours.

For more information, please visit: https://www.lssu.edu/centers/cfre/overview/.

The Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) is dedicated to protecting and restoring freshwater resources through research, education, and community engagement. CFRE provides hands-on learning and networking experiences for students, and fosters partnerships to ensure the health of freshwater ecosystems in the Great Lakes region and beyond.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 26, 2025       
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Undergraduate researchers at Lake Superior State University (LSSU) are on the front lines of groundbreaking environmental research that could change how scientists and decision-makers respond to oil spills in freshwater systems. At LSSU’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE), students are conducting one of the first studies to replicate real oil spill conditions in large ‘mesocosms,’ controlled environments that replicate freshwater wetlands found throughout the Great Lakes region.  

In these mesocosms, fish, aquatic invertebrates, sediments, and plants are exposed to varying levels of oil to evaluate how different components of the ecosystem respond. The findings help identify the most vulnerable parts of the Great Lakes food web, from zooplankton to fish, and inform more targeted and effective oil spill response strategies. 

The project is part of a multi-institutional, international collaboration that includes Algoma University, University of Windsor, and the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise, in addition to LSSU. Funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Multi-Partner Research Initiative, the research is providing LSSU students with invaluable, hands-on scientific experience. 

One of these students, Kennedi Johnson, has been working closely with Dr. Michael Twiss of Algoma University to examine how phytoplankton communities change after oil exposure. “Being a part of this research project has been an incredible experience,” Johnson said. “It’s exciting to know that I’m contributing to something that has real-world importance, especially in a region like the Great Lakes, which are such a vital water resource. This project has shown me that I’m on the right path and made me even more excited for the career I’m working towards.”

Faculty and collaborators echo the importance of this work: 

“We know oil spills are a real risk in the Great Lakes, but we still have a lot to learn about how they affect freshwater food webs. This project is helping fill that gap, and our students are driving it forward.” – Cecilia Heuvel, Post-Doctoral Research Associate, CFRE

“Shared waters require shared resources. This partnership and support from Natural Resources Canada ensure we meet our collective responsibility to protect this crucial ecosystem.” – Dr. Michael Twiss, Algoma University

“The Great Lakes are arguably the most important natural resource on the continent. Binational cooperation like this is essential for their long-term stewardship.” – Dr. Mike McKay, University of Windsor 

“The multidisciplinary nature of this project is providing amazing opportunities for our students. It’s exciting to see them building their skills and professional networks in ways that will serve them well beyond graduation.” – Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski, CFRE

This work does much more than just teach LSSU students about research. It gives them a real opportunity to actively shape the future of freshwater protection. The data collected from this study will contribute to stronger, research-backed oil spill response plans, ensuring the Great Lakes will remain a resilient and thriving ecosystem for generations to come. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 19, 2025       
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – What happens when you give a group of energetic kids some big ideas and a little financial know-how? At Lake Superior State University’s (LSSU) Kids Camps this summer, the result was an entrepreneurial pop-up shop that raised over $1,100 for the local animal shelter. 

This project started with a collaboration of LSSU’s Kids Camp and Limestone Federal Credit Union’s on-campus branch, The Hub @ LSSU. Together, they had campers spend the week learning about saving, budgeting, and entrepreneurship. From brainstorming business ideas to calculating costs and designing products, campers learned what it takes to turn an idea into a real business. 

The week concluded with a lively pop-up shop on campus, with families, friends, and community members gathered to support the young entrepreneurs. These campers proudly sold items that they created, raising $1,137.83 in the process. The funds were then donated to the local animal shelter, a cause the kids chose themselves. 

To celebrate their generosity, the shelter brought a few playful puppies to campus. The children saw firsthand the difference they were making, while enjoying some well-earned puppy fun.

“This year’s LSSU Kids Camp was an incredible success,” said Sabrina Oshelski, Business Development Officer at Limestone. “Watching the students bring their business ideas to life was inspiring. Their creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit shone through – and the support from parents, LSSU staff, and community members made the experience even more meaningful. 

Sophie Shepard, Branch Manager at The Hub, added, “The kids took what they learned about saving and understanding needs versus wants and ran with it. Seeing them raise money for a cause they cared about – and then celebrate with puppies – was such a special moment for everyone involved.” 

“I couldn’t be prouder of our campers,” said Kristin Graham, Assistant Director of Admissions, Outreach, and Yield with LSSU. “They showed their creativity with their items, and their dedication to supporting a good cause through all the hard work. Partnering with The Hub gave the kids a unique way to learn real-world skills while keeping it fun. Seeing their hard work add up to over $1,100 raised for a cause they chose, and seeing their faces light up at the sight of the puppies, was a great reminder of why we do this camp.” 

More than just a camp activity, this project provided campers with an opportunity to develop skills they’ll use throughout their lives: creativity, teamwork, and giving back. 

For more information about LSSU Camps, visit www.lssu.edu/summercamps.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 29, 2025       
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) Athletics, in partnership with Nicolet Bank, is proud to highlight the remaining free Summer Sports Movie Nights. These events bring the thrill of sports films to the Sault Ste. Marie community. Following an exciting night of Space Jam at City Hall, the show must go on with three more movie nights scheduled throughout August.

The remaining Summer Sports Movie Nights include: 

• August 1, 7:00 p.m. | Inside Out 2

Taffy Abel Arena | 650 Meridian Street | WITH FREE OPEN SKATE! 

• August 8, approximately 9:00 p.m. | Surf’s Up

Alford Park (New Carbide Dock Park) | Portage Avenue

• August 22, approximately 8:30 p.m. | Field of Dreams

James Stadium | 2198 Meridian Street

These events have become a summer staple in the Sault community, offering accessible family-friendly fun. With unique local venues and themes that appeal to all ages, Summer Sports Movie Nights look to make a lasting impact. 

Each screening is hosted at a different local venue to celebrate athletics and community. In its third year, this series encourages Sault residents to gather at the movies, with outdoor showings beginning at dusk. The return of this popular series would not be possible without the support and collaboration of local partners. 

“To say that we are excited to be back for a 3rd summer would be an understatement. When we first decided this was something we wanted to try, we were looking at one movie, but because of the community support and partnerships, we were able to turn this into a summer-long series. At Nicolet Bank, we strive to matter in our communities. Being able to sponsor a family-friendly and FREE event is a great opportunity to show what we’re all about, and it’s great to see LSSU join us in that sentiment.

“We’re a small crew here at Nicolet Bank in Sault Ste. Marie, and we truly wouldn’t be back again this year were it not for Lake Superior State University Athletics and their volunteers. I want to thank them for partnering with us to bring these free movies to the community for another year. Please come out and enjoy our beautiful town, and a fun family event, so we can continue these in the future.” – Jessica Kaunisto, AVP Retail Mortgage Banking NMLS 1707585

Lake Superior State University Athletics echoed this pride and excitement.

“We are thrilled for LSSU Athletics to partner with the City of Sault Sainte Marie for the Summer Sports Movie Night series. This is a fun and meaningful way for our department to connect with the community that supports us year-round,” said LSSU Athletics Director Tory Lindley. “We’re proud to be part of events that celebrate the spirit of sports and bring families together right here in the Soo.”

Dr. Jamie Zamjahn, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success,
presenting on Student Success at Orientation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 18, 2025       
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is proud to announce the launch of its restructured Enrollment Management and Student Success (EMSS) division, effective July 6, 2025. This transformative step brings the EMSS staff together to create a seamless and supportive experience for students from their first interaction through commencement. This reinforces LSSU’s commitment to helping every student feel welcomed, valued, and ready to succeed. 

“This refreshed structure brings greater clarity, collaboration, and momentum to the student experience,” said Dr. Jamie Zamjahn, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success. 

As part of this restructuring, several team members have been appointed to new or elevated roles: 

• Derric Knight. Senior Director of Student Affairs
• Kristin Graham, Assistant Director of Admissions, Outreach, and Yield
• Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
• Amanda Stempky, Assistant Director of Recruiting and Pre-College Programs
• Andrea Ardoin, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of EMSS
• Nicole Noblet, Regional Recruiter for Southeast Michigan
• Cameron Mansell, Regional Recruiter for Northern Michigan
• Marielle Pinches, Transfer and New International Student Coordinator

In addition to these appointments, LSSU is thrilled to welcome two new EMSS team members:

• Alix Carter, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Coordinator
• Brigitte Ledferd, Coordinator of Student Life

This restructured division highlights LSSU’s commitment to fostering a welcoming community where students grow both academically and personally.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 8, 2025 
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing
[email protected]  

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s Arts Center proudly  announces its 2025-2026 Fall lineup, marking 21 years of bringing world-class performances to Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. This season invites audiences to experience a dynamic  lineup of music, theater, and community events, from gravity-defying acrobatics and ragtime  rhythms to powerful plays and local favorites. 

All events will take place at the LSSU Arts Center. Please note that dates, times, and ticket prices are subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to visit the LSSU Arts Center website at https://www.lssu.edu/centers/arts-center/arts-center-overview/ for updates.  

2025-2026 Season Highlights:  

• Zuzu Acrobats | August 29-30, 2025
  Hailing from Bagamoyo, Tanzania, the Zuzu Acrobats will kick off the season with gravity-defying stunts and electrifying energy.
  Supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council
  Tickets: $20 (general public) | $10 (ages 10 and under)
• Ragtime Piano with Peter Bergin | September 12, 2025
  A lively evening of infectious melodies, early American music, especially classic ragtime, novelty piano, and vocal renditions of vintage American songs.
  Made possible by the Duncan Maclaren Family Fund for the performing arts
  Tickets: $10 (general public) | $5 (ages 10 and under)
• The Belle of Amherst by William Luce | October 3-4, 2025
  Starring Kathleen Mulligan, a professor of voice and speech at Ithaca College with over 35 years of professional acting experience. This one-woman show is sure to amaze.
  Residency is made possible through the Charter School 3% Fund
  Admission: Free (donations gladly accepted)
• 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands | October 23, 2025
  A high-energy, community-wide showdown celebrating local talent of all ages and  genres. Don’t miss the action, energy, or unforgettable moments.
  Tickets: $10 (general public) | $5 (ages 10 and under)
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show | November 1, 2025
  Back for a second year with a special midnight screening that falls on Daylight Saving Time – when the clock strikes 2 am, it turns back to 1 am! Audience participation is encouraged. Come bend time at the ultimate late-night double feature picture show.
  Tickets: $10 (general public)
• Witch by Jen Silverman | November 12-15, 2025
  Directed by Noah Lucé and featuring Adam St. John, this darkly comedic play marks the first on-campus collaboration between the LSSU theatre professors.
  Recommended for high school and older audiences
  Supported by the Issues and Intellect Fund
  Tickets: $5 (general public)
• Brass Queens | November 21, 2025
  A bold, all-female brass band from Brooklyn inspired by New Orleans tradition, bringing unmatched energy and soul to the stage.
  Made possible by the generous support of Kevin and Pam Cooper
  Tickets: $20 (general public) | $10 (ages 10 and under)
• LSSU Music Department’s Winter Concert | November 23, 2025
  A campus and community favorite, led by Casey Snyder, showcasing musical talent in a warm, seasonal celebration.
  Admission: Free (donations gladly accepted)
• On the Lash (formerly The Founding) | December 6, 2025
  A Celtic Christmas celebration with this Michigan-based Irish band, returning by popular demand for a festive sing-along evening.
  Made possible by the generous support of Kevin and Pam Cooper
  Tickets: $25 (general public) | $10 (ages 10 and under)

For tickets, updates, and more information, visit https://www.lssu.edu/centers/arts-center/arts center-overview/, email [email protected], or call 906-635-2787.  

Application Deadline: July 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 25, 2025
Contact: Ralf Wilhelms-MBA Coordinator, Professor, [email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s Lukenda Schools of Business is now accepting application for its Fall 2025 Master of Business Administration (MBA) cohort. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2025, with classes beginning on August 25, 2025. 

Tailored for working professionals, LSSU’s fully online MBA program provides a flexible and supportive learning environment, allowing students to advance their education without pausing their careers. With asynchronous course delivery, students can study one course at a time, at their own pace, while staying focused on their personal and professional goals. The program emphasizes flexible scheduling, collaborative learning, holistic support, and proven results. 

Whether you’re looking to grow in your current field or pivot to a new path, an MBA from LSSU empowers you to build your future on your terms. To learn more or apply today, visit www.lssu.edu/business/mba. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 23, 2025
Contact: Heidi Rife, LSSU Regional Center Director, [email protected] 906.217.4123

PETOSKEY, Mich. – Three area residents have earned bachelor’s degrees from Lake Superior State University (LSSU). Graduates achieved their degrees through LSSU’s Petoskey Regional Center, which offers baccalaureate degree programs for students on North Central Michigan’s (NCMC) campus. Graduates were invited to walk at commencement on May 3.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting are Xander Becenti of Harbor Springs and Corey Bennington of Harbor Springs. 

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a generalist concentration is Alyssa Hewitt of Gaylord. 

Becenti graduated with Cum Laude honors, earning a 3.50-3.69 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Hewitt graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, earning a 3.90-4.00 cumulative GPA. Bennington graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors, earning a 3.70-3.89 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale.

Students were taking classes at NCMC, which offers LSSU baccalaureate degree programs on NCMC’s campus in Petoskey.

Founded in 1946, Lake Superior State University is a personal, small-town university that provides a superior blend of liberal and technical studies in the natural setting of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Situated amidst the stunning backdrop of three Great Lakes, LSSU offers an exceptional environment for research, innovation, and real-world experiences. LSSU athletics offers a dynamic mix of competitive spirit and school pride. LSSU utilizes a one-rate tuition system, regardless of the student’s place of origin. 

LSSU’s Petoskey Regional Center, housed on the North Central Michigan College campus in Petoskey, offers a student-oriented approach to higher education. It features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and the ability to pursue your educational dreams close to home. LSSU’s regional centers and locations are committed to providing Northern Michigan-area residents educational opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth. For more information, visit www.lssu.edu/regional-center/ or contact Heidi Rife at 906-217-4123 or [email protected]. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 23, 2025
Contact: Heidi Rife, LSSU Regional Center Director, [email protected] 906.217.4123

ESCANABA, Mich. – Eleven area residents have earned bachelor’s degrees from Lake Superior State University (LSSU). Graduates achieved their degrees through LSSU’s Escanaba/Iron Mountain Regional Center, which offers baccalaureate degree programs for students on Bay College campuses. Graduates walked at commencement on May 3.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting is Brooke Shirley of Bark River.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship is Alissa Sanville of Gladstone.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management is Gina Hosking of Ford River.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a generalist concentration are Antonia Nordeen of Gwinn and Emalee Pascoe of Escanaba.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education are Traci Corrigan of Bark River, Kelsey Dehanke of Gulliver, and Kayla Frazier of Escanaba. All three graduates also earned an associate in general studies, and Frazier also earned a certificate in social emotional learning. 

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education are Kaitlin Malanowski of Gladstone, Elizabeth Rometti of Iron River, and Sarah Wachholz of DuPont, Washington. Malanowsi earned a concentration in grades 3-6, a special education minor, and an associate in general studies. Rometti earned a concentration in grades Birth-Kindergarten, and Wachholz earned a concentration in grades PreK-3.

Corrigan and Pascoe graduated with Cum Laude honors, earning a 3.50-3.69 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Frazier, Malanowski, and Sanville graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, earning a 3.90-4.00 cumulative GPA. Rometti, Shirley, and Wachholz graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors, earning a 3.70-3.89 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale. 

Corrigan states, “As a nontraditional student, I appreciate the online options that LSSU has to offer. If not for that, I would have been unable to complete my degree.”

Students were taking classes at Bay College, which offers LSSU baccalaureate degree programs on Bay College’s campuses in Escanaba and Iron Mountain.

Founded in 1946, Lake Superior State University is a personal, small-town university that provides a superior blend of liberal and technical studies in the natural setting of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Situated amidst the stunning backdrop of three Great Lakes, LSSU offers an exceptional environment for research, innovation, and real-world experiences. LSSU athletics offers a dynamic mix of competitive spirit and school pride. LSSU utilizes a one-rate tuition system, regardless of the student’s place of origin. 

LSSU’s Escanaba and Iron Mountain Regional Centers, housed on Bay College’s campus in those areas, offer a student-oriented approach to higher education. It features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and the ability to pursue your educational dreams close to home. LSSU’s regional centers and locations are committed to providing Northern Michigan-area residents educational opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth. For more information, visit www.lssu.edu/regional-center/ or contact Heidi Rife at 906-217-4123 or [email protected]. 

Contact:  Prof. Bob Boston, Lukenda School of Business, Lake Superior State University, (906) 635-2736, [email protected]

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – The Lake Superior State University Investment Club has earned national recognition after taking home the prestigious award for Best Value Portfolio at the Quinnipiac Global Asset Management Education (G.A.M.E.) Forum, held April 3–5 in New York City. The award highlights the club’s exceptional performance in managing a student-run investment portfolio that demonstrated superior growth over the past year.

The Quinnipiac G.A.M.E. Forum is one of the largest student-run financial conferences in the world, drawing over 1,500 students from more than 150 colleges and universities across the globe. It provides a platform for the next generation of financial professionals to engage with industry leaders and showcase their investment acumen.

The Lake Superior State University Investment Club’s growth portfolio outperformed over a hundred other student managed portfolios, reflecting a disciplined strategy, in-depth market research, and collaborative teamwork. The club’s portfolio strategy focused on high-growth sectors including technology, healthcare innovation, and sustainable energy, investing in companies with strong fundamentals and long-term potential.

Club President Skylar Williams added, “Winning at Quinnipiac is an incredible honor. Our team spent countless hours researching, and analyzing market trends, and making tough decisions. Each member of the club added an unmeasurable amount of importance when it came to managing the fund throughout an entire year. This recognition motivates us to continue learning and pushing the boundaries of student-led investing.”  Other members of the team include George Baumann, Gleb Baumann, Maddisen Hoornstra, Matthew Lumsden, Emily Pruitt, and Nicholas Sprague.

 “LSSU is incredibly proud of what our students have achieved,” said Robert Boston, faculty advisor for the club and professor of finance at Lake Superior State. “Skylar and his team not only demonstrated excellent investment knowledge but demonstrated incredible people and project management skills to drive the performance of the club to this level of success. This award validates the rigor and passion our students brought to the club, and it’s a testament to their hard work, collaboration, and analytical skills.”