(SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.) – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is investing in its campus to better serve students and maintain a vibrant, welcoming environment for decades to come. The multi-phase infrastructure efforts will utilize significant new donor support to update facilities, enhance campus spaces, and create a safer, more engaging experience for students, faculty, and visitors alike.

Campus-wide projects will include major roof repairs, repairs to sidewalks, roads, and parking lots, refreshed landscaping and campus-wide signage. Several buildings on campus will also receive significant upgrades in heating and cooling systems, improved electrical support, and energy efficiency. At its most recent meeting, LSSU’s Board of Trustees approved initial planning for major work in the Norris Center. This work begins with an engineering study that would lead to comprehensive updates to the Taffy Abel Ice Arena. Additional improvement plans will be brought forward for approval at future board meetings.

Infrastructure improvement efforts will focus on improving the comfort and safety of student housing and learning spaces, upgrading recreational facilities, and enhancing the overall campus footprint.

LSSU President Dr. David Travis said the planned infrastructure investment reflects the university’s commitment to its students and community.

“Investing in our campus means that we are investing in our students, employees, and community. We look forward to the positive impact these significant improvements will have on our learning environment, student and staff pride, and the evolving needs of our community. We are excited about the future of Lake Superior State University,” said Dr. Travis.

Although support for this work comes from a wide range of sources, Dr. Travis said it would not be possible without the help of generous donors that care greatly about the future of LSSU.

“I cannot express enough my appreciation for the support we are getting from our donors. Since I joined Lake State, I have made it clear that our students, staff, and the surrounding community deserve a better campus infrastructure, and many individuals have stepped up to help.”

About Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University is a close-knit university in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where faculty and staff know their students by name. Founded in 1946, LSSU offers a unique personal education shaped by its size, setting, and spirit of community. The University’s one-rate tuition seeks to make education accessible to all students, while Laker athletics foster competitive spirit and school pride. Learn more at www.lssu.edu.

Contact
LSSU Marketing
[email protected] | 906.635.2692

CONTACT: LSSU Marketing | m[email protected] | 906.635.2692 

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University is significantly expanding its capacity for Great Lakes research and hands-on opportunities thanks to a $3 million investment from Dick and Theresa Barch. The donation supports the creation of the Richard and Theresa Barch Endowed Executive Directorship at the university’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE), marking the first named directorship in LSSU’s history.  

The gift will establish an Excellence Fund to support student research, the acquisition of advanced equipment, and provide a new, larger research vessel, giving students expanded opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experience.  

“This investment strengthens our ability to grow research and student training at a scale that  impacts not only LSSU, but all those who appreciate the Great Lakes and freshwater  ecosystems,” said Dr. Ashley Moerke, Executive Director at CFRE. “It helps ensure that Barch  CFRE has the resources to conduct research and gather data that informs conservation, policy, and resource management across the Great Lakes region.”  

Barch CFRE serves as a hub for applied freshwater research and workforce development in the Great Lakes region, regularly collaborating with tribal, federal, and state agencies, as well as industry partners, to address real-world environmental challenges. Students engage directly in laboratory work, field sampling, and long-term research studies, producing science that impacts Great Lakes-wide decision-making and conservation efforts.  

“This level of support enables us to expand the scope of our research and involve more students directly in applied fieldwork. The timing is especially critical as we launch our new accelerated Master’s program in Fisheries & Wildlife Management,” said Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski, Professor and holder of the Vanderploeg Endowed Assistant Directorship at CFRE. “With upgraded equipment and a larger vessel, we can conduct work that helps protect the Great Lakes while training students for careers in conservation and management of natural resources.” 

Students gain experience that extends far beyond the classroom, benefiting from LSSU’s unique position as Michigan’s smallest public university. Support from private donors like the Barches is crucial to sustaining these opportunities, protecting ecosystems at the headwaters of the Great Lakes, and giving students direct involvement in research with real impact. For a university of its size, a gift like this is truly historic, highlighting a growing trend of investment in regional freshwater research, while also elevating LSSU’s profile as a leader in Great Lakes science. 

“I have had the great opportunity to take classes and work at Barch CFRE for the past two years: analyzing water quality characteristics, sampling fish and algae, and engaging the public in the vast world of freshwater resources. CFRE bridges the divide between theory and real-world  impact by providing students with hands-on experiences and applied research initiatives,” said senior Fisheries and Wildlife Management student Aiden Cardwell. “The Barch Center, and all that it facilitates, has been instrumental in shaping my professional and personal life, my sense of place, and my appreciation for freshwater and fishery sciences—an impact this generous gift will ensure is felt by many others to come.”  

LSSU recently announced an accelerated 4+1 Master’s Program in Fisheries and Wildlife  Management, allowing students to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in just five years while gaining hands-on experience and completing a research-based thesis. Cardwell is one of the first students to begin this program.  

One example of CFRE leading the way in Great Lakes science is recent groundbreaking oil spill research that uses controlled “mesocosms” to replicate freshwater conditions and assess ecosystem responses to oil exposure. Conducted in partnership with Algoma University, the University of Windsor, and the U.S. Coast Guard, the project is giving students research experience while also informing oil spill response and recovery in freshwater systems.  

The Barches have a long history of supporting Lake Superior State University and its mission.  Their continued investment reflects a commitment to the work CFRE does and the long-term  stewardship of natural resources.  

“CFRE gives students an experience most other universities can’t offer. They provide an  opportunity for hands-on work in rivers, wetlands, and marshes that a classroom or textbook can’t replicate,” said Richard Barch. “Turning over rocks in a river or along a lake bottom brings a kind of personal satisfaction that deepens learning and reveals the complexity of ecosystems. Getting wet, cold, and muddy in waders isn’t a side note at LSSU, but a defining part of the student experience, and one you won’t find in an urban campus setting.” 

The endowed directorship strengthens LSSU’s ability to attract research partnerships, pursue external funding, and expand student opportunities, reinforcing the university’s growing role as a leader in freshwater science and workforce preparation. 

Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing, [email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) invites prospective students, their families, and community members to its Academic Showcase on 1/31/2026, held in conjunction with the Men’s and Women’s Basketball games. Tabling will be available for one hour before each game: 12:00-1:00 PM and 2:00-3:00 PM. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to: 

• Meet current LSSU students
• Take an in-depth campus tour
• Explore programs, scholarships, housing, dining, and next steps 

“The Academic Showcase is a great way to see what being a Laker is all about,” said Dr. Jamie Zamjahn, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Success. “We’re excited to welcome the next generation of Lakers and their families to meet our community and learn more about life at LSSU.” 

Admission is free, and all are welcome. Schools or larger groups planning to attend are encouraged to contact Kristin Graham, Assistant Director of Admissions, Outreach, and Yield, at [email protected] to ensure a smooth experience. For more information, visit https://www.lssu.edu/todays-event/academic-showcase-with-basketball/. 

Media Contact: LSSU Marketing, [email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – It’s time for a golden anniversary. Celebrating five decades of linguistic commentary, Lake Superior State University (LSSU) presents the 50th annual Banished Words List, a tradition highlighting the importance and evolution of language. 

What began as a whimsical New Year’s Eve party idea in 1976, has grown into a global reflection on the words that wear out their welcome. Since former public relations director W.T. (Bill) Rabe showcased the first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English because of mis-, mal-, over-use, or general uselessness,” LSSU has carried the torch.

The entries continue a tongue-in-cheek commentary on language, catchphrases, and corporate jargon. Over 1,400 submissions were entrusted to LSSU this year, pouring in from all 50 U.S. states, and as far as Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, and many more. 

Here are this year’s golden class of banishments and rationale: 

1. 1. 6-7 (six seven): “There are six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped,” says Paul E. from WI. The volume of submissions for this one could have taken up the whole list, at least slots 6-7. The top banishment this year, Scott T. from UT adds, “it’s time for “6-7” to be 86’ed.”
   2. Demure: “It’s very said more than very done, and we’re all very done hearing it!” remarks Tammy S. Often used in the phrase ‘very demure, very mindful,’ Madison C. shares that the overuse “waters down the real meaning.” 
   3. Cooked: “Hearing it…my brain feels ‘cooked,’” groans Zac A. from VA. Parents and guardians led the charge on this one, with some feeling this isn’t enough. James C. from WA suggests a ban of “all forms of the word cook,” hoping that hearing them will become rare. 
   4. Massive: “Way overused! (often incorrectly),” exclaim Don and Gail K. from MN. This word’s massive overuse has secured its place on this year’s list. 
   5. Incentivize: In the longstanding effort to turn nouns into verbs, this is another culprit. Two separate submissions likened hearing this word to “nails on a chalkboard.” Patricia from TX asks, “What’s wrong with motivate?”
   6. Full stop: “For the same reason ‘period’ was banished…redundant punctuation,” explains Marybeth A. from OR. 
   7. Perfect: “There are very few instances when the word actually applies,” notes Jo H. from CA. Often heard during customer service interactions, Char S. from OH wonders: “How do they know it’s perfect…what does that mean?”
   8. Gift/gifted (as a verb): “I found this on the 1994 list, but it will make me feel better to recommend that it be included once again,” reveals James S. from OK. Another case of a noun being used as a verb.
   9. My Bad: In the 1998 banishment, Elizabeth P. from MI suggested, “students and adults sound infantile when using this to apologize.” The phrase hasn’t matured in credibility since then. Andrea R. from OH shared, “It does not convey much meaning in the way of an apology.”
   10. Reach Out: First banished in 1994, this saying has strayed from the positive message it once intended to deliver. “What started as a phrase with emotional support overtones has now become absurdly overused,” asserts Kevin B. from the United Kingdom.

That concludes this year’s banishments. However, 50 years of lists have shown one thing: sometimes one placement just isn’t enough. To commemorate this golden milestone, LSSU looks back at some “Repeat Offenders” that received multiple banishments.

Repeat Offenders: Words That Refused to Stay Banished

1. Absolutely (1996, 2023): A favorite nomination of WXYT listeners in 1996. That proved not to be enough. A 2023 submission called the word “The current default to express agreement.” Will it try for a hat-trick? Absolutely.
2. At the End of the Day (1999, 2022, 2024): In 1999, Mike M. said the phrase was used by “political pundits,” while Randall H. attributed it to “Hollywood types.” This phrase has the unique distinction of triple-banishment. 
3. Awesome (1984, 2007): Elnora V. set the tone for the initial banishment, sharing “I find it preposterous to believe that all these writers are observing truly awesome events on such a widespread scale.” It returned to the list in 2007, with folks from as far as Thailand calling it “overused and meaningless.”
4. Game Changer (2009, 2025): The 2009 banishment quoted Cynthia saying, “It’s game OVER for this cliché, which gets overused in the news media, political arenas and in business.” This “game over” would include another banishment in 2025, with Patrick from Washington, DC commenting, “nothing is a game changer if everything is a game changer.”
5. Hot Water Heater (1982, 2018): An anonymous listener nominated this phrase to Rob Westaby with WOWO Radio in 1982, asking “Since when does hot water need to be heated?” Decades later, the 2018 banishment reminded folks that a “water heater” would keep them out of linguistic hot water.  

For half a century, the Banished Words List has served as a reminder that language is always evolving. Lake Superior State University remains grateful to the thousands of participants who share their linguistic frustrations year after year to keep this tradition alive. 

To nominate a word or phrase for 2027, or for more information on the tradition, visit: www.lssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords. 

Kaylin Burton at the LSSU Commencement Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing, [email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University proudly celebrates alumna Kaylin Burton ’25 (Biology) for her groundbreaking work in dementia care. Burton is the first medical student to pilot Michigan State University’s Intergenerational Living Initiative, which organizers describe as unprecedented nationwide. Through the initiative, Burton resides full-time in a senior living community, gaining hands-on experience supporting the care of older adults.  

Hailing from the Upper Peninsula, Burton now calls Holland Home’s Raybrook campus in Grand Rapids home, where she engages daily with residents, including those living with dementia. The immersive program allows her to apply textbook knowledge to real-world care, fostering empathy and deepening her understanding of caring for older patients. 

“Living and spending time with older adults and people living with dementia has strengthened my commitment to becoming a physician who sees the whole person, not just the disease,” Burton said. “This experience continues to reinforce my desire to practice medicine and care for older populations, while building meaningful relationships within the community I serve.” 

Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to care are already making a remarkable impact, inspiring her mentors and communities. 

“Kaylin is an exceptional person, and this experience is just one illustration of that,” said Britton Olson, professor of biology and pre-professional chair at Lake Superior State University. “She is achieving her professional goals and going beyond the expectations of a first-year medical student by fully immersing herself in this work. At LSSU, we work to help students excel in their professions and achieve their goals. Kaylin’s plans to study at the MSU-CHM Marquette campus and eventually return to the Upper Peninsula embody that vision. We could not be prouder of her.” 

The Intergenerational Living Initiative represents a groundbreaking model in the United States, combining medical education with immersive, community-based care. Living alongside residents, students like Burton gain a holistic understanding of patient needs, strengthening skills and cultivating compassion that will last throughout their careers. 

Burton credits mentorship and initiative as key factors in her path. 

“I would encourage students to seek experiences related to their interests and reach out to their professors,” Burton shared. “My professors at LSSU were exceptionally supportive throughout my journey to medicine, and those connections truly opened doors and helped me reach my goals.”

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Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing, [email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is proud to announce that its Bachelor of Science programs in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Robotics Engineering have received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. This accreditation signifies that these programs meet the standards for preparing graduates to enter critical technical fields. 

This marks the first ABET accreditation for the Robotics Engineering program, with the other three programs completing re-accreditation. ABET accreditation ensures that programs adhere to rigorous standards, producing graduates ready to innovate and address societal needs. 

Dr. Edoardo Sarda, Coordinator of Robotics Engineering, expressed enthusiasm for the new accreditation: “Earning ABET accreditation for our Robotics Engineering program is incredibly exciting. It reflects decades of expertise in robotics at LSSU and confirms the quality and relevance of our curriculum to prepare students for the growing field of robotics.”

Dr. Kimberly Muller, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, highlighted the faculty’s role in student success: “LSSU’s engineering programs are distinguished by the close mentorship of our faculty, who actively connect students with industry through projects, activities, and partnerships. That commitment helps ensure our graduates are not only well prepared, but also highly sought after, with excellent job placement rates that demonstrate the strength and reputation of an LSSU Engineering degree.”

Students in LSSU’s engineering programs benefit from small class sizes, hands-on learning, and strong industry partnerships. Opportunities include senior projects, laboratory experiences, and collaborations with external companies. These experiences prepare graduates to excel in multidisciplinary teams and rapidly evolving technical environments. For more information about LSSU engineering programs, visit: https://www.lssu.edu/school-of-engineering-and-technology/ 

Prof. Mindy McCready, Interim Dean of the College of Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics, highlighted the practical aspects of the curriculum: “Our programs emphasize experience-based learning, giving students the chance to apply concepts directly through labs and projects. This strengthens their skills and confidence as engineers.” 

Dr. Joseph Moening, Chair of the School of Engineering and Technology, noted the real-world applications of students’ projects: “Students work closely with faculty mentors and gain extensive experience through senior projects that challenge them to solve real-world problems, ensuring they graduate ready to make an impact.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ralf Wilhelms, MBA Program Coordinator, [email protected]

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University’s Lukenda School of Business has commenced its second cohort of the Professional Master of Business Administration (P-MBA) program, reinforcing its commitment to advancing business education and fostering talent development in the region.

The new cohort features a diverse group of professionals, with over 80% actively employed in rural communities. This demographic highlights the P-MBA program’s dedication to delivering flexible, high-quality graduate education tailored to the needs of professionals outside traditional urban centers.

“Our Professional MBA program was designed to remove barriers for talented individuals in rural regions,” said Prof. Wilhelms, MBA program Coordinator. “We are fulfilling our mission to create opportunities for career advancement – both vertical and horizontal – helping professionals grow into leadership roles and make a greater impact in their communities.”

The P-MBA program emphasizes applied learning and practical business knowledge that students can immediately apply in their workplace. By combining asynchronous online learning with interactive discussions and real-world projects, the program enables students to:

– Accelerate Career Growth: Gain the skills needed to advance into management and
leadership positions.
– Expand Business Knowledge: Build expertise in marketing, finance, global markets,
and strategic operations.
– Strengthen Rural Economies: Bring innovative solutions back to local communities,
fueling economic growth and entrepreneurship.

With the success of its inaugural cohort and a strong incoming class, Lake Superior State University continued to be a driving force in shaping future leaders who will transform the business landscape of the Great Lakes region and beyond.