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.”

Austin Lowes, Chairperson for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and LSSU 63rd Commencement Speaker

Contact: Dr. Kimberly Muller, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lake Superior State University, [email protected], 906-635-2211

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is pleased to announce Austin Lowes, Chairperson for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, will serve as the commencement speaker for the University’s 63rd annual commencement ceremony. This special event will take place on May 3, 2025, in Taffy Abel Arena in the James Norris Center, bringing together graduates, their families, and faculty members to honor the accomplishments of the class of 2025.

Austin Lowes is the current chairperson for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, re-elected in December 2024, after winning a special election for the position in December 2022. He is originally from Sault Ste. Marie, and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lake Superior State University, along with a master’s in social work from Michigan State University. He has been awarded fellowships from the National Congress of American Indians and the National Association for his social work efforts among various tribes, including the Sault tribe, the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and the Bay Mills Indian Community.

Throughout his leadership, Lowes has focused on strengthening the Tribe’s cultural, educational, and economic well-being. His efforts have included initiatives to enhance community development, preserve cultural heritage, and provide opportunities for the next generation to succeed. He is committed to fighting homelessness and has worked to establish transitional housing for tribal members experiencing hardship. In addition, Lowes spearheaded the creation of the Sault Tribe’s first Medication Assisted Treatment Program, the Healing Place, which provides services to individuals diagnosed with opioid and alcohol use disorders.

The 2025 commencement ceremony will mark a major milestone for hundreds of LSSU graduates, and the University is excited to have a speaker of Lowes’ caliber offer a message of inspiration, leadership, and community.

The full list of commencement details, visit the LSSU website at https://www.lssu.edu/academics/registrar/commencement/.

A few of the donated Blessing Care Bags are pictured here with:
Stevana Dalgard, ESP/ESG Program Manager of CLMCAA
Adrienne Beckham, Retired Faculty of LSSU, Treasurer of Chi Omega Chapter
Charlotte Kostelyk, LSSU Nursing Faculty and President of Chi Omega Chapter
Dr. Sandi King, LSSU Nursing Faculty, Counselor, and Service Chair of Chi Omega Chapter

Contact:  Charlotte Kostelyk, Associate Professor of Nursing and President of Chi Omega Chapter 526, [email protected], 906-635-2438

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – Chi Omega Chapter 526, a Nursing Honor Society partnership between LSSU in Sault, MI and Sault College in Sault, ON, is donating Blessing Care Bags to the clients of the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLMCAA) to support individuals facing housing challenges in our region. 

Chi Omega’s donation consisted of Blessing Care Bags that are filled with personal items designed to provide warmth, comfort, and hygiene essentials during challenging times. Each Blessing Care Bag contains a variety of items aimed at meeting basic needs, including gloves, hats, and hand warmers to help protect against the cold. Socks and blankets are included for extra warmth, while a rain jacket ensures recipients stay dry during inclement weather. Hygiene essentials such as hand sanitizer, soap, deodorant, and wipes promote cleanliness and personal care. The bags also contain a comb, shaver, toothbrush, and toothpaste, providing everyday necessities that many may lack.

Dr. Sandi King, Assistant Professor at LSSU, Chi Omega’s Counselor and Service Chair, emphasizes the deeper significance of the Blessing Care Bags: “By donating backpacks filled with personal care items to those in need, which is more than just an act of kindness, we not only offer individuals having hardships with housing a chance to carry their dignity; but it’s a reminder that a small gesture can restore hope and remind someone they’re not invisible and they matter.”

As Joe Nolan, Executive Director of CLMCAA, shares, “We are very grateful to the Chi Omega Sigma Nursing Organization and LSSU for their generosity and commitment to serving our community. These Blessing Bags will provide comfort, dignity, and tangible support to those who need it most. Partnerships like this reflect the power of community and compassion working hand in hand.”

CLMCAA’s mission is aligned with this community-centered effort: “Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to attacking poverty by eliminating barriers, increasing opportunities, and providing support services for changing lives and improving self-sufficiency.”

About Chi Omega:

Chi Omega Chapter 526, a Nursing Honor Society partnership between Lake Superior State University (LSSU) and Sault College in Sault, ON, is dedicated to serving the Great Lakes Region 10 community by actively engaging nursing students, nurse leaders, and registered nurses in graduate programs. Currently, we have 11 LSSU nursing students and graduates, 19 Sault College nursing students and graduates, along with 5 LSSU faculty and 6 nurse leaders, all of whom hold active memberships in the Chi Omega Chapter.

Our chapter focuses on students who have completed at least half of their nursing curriculum and are in the top 35% of their class, as well as nurses who demonstrate leadership within the community. Additionally, we actively engage registered nurses pursuing graduate degrees who have completed 50% of their curriculum.

As part of Sigma, an international community of nurses, we are committed to advancing knowledge, education, research, and service. Our chapter fosters collaboration and growth among nursing professionals, empowering them to serve their communities, enhance their skills, and make a lasting impact in the nursing field. We aim to inspire and support individuals committed to both personal and professional growth.

Call to Action:
If you’re a nurse or nursing student, or have ideas for communities of practice, CE opportunities, or service projects, Chi Omega Chapter 526 invites you to join us. Help advance Sigma’s mission of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare. Get involved today!

Contact:  Noah Lucé, Director of the Lake Superior State University Arts Center, (906) 635-2735, [email protected]

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – New Canon Theatre Co. is proud to present An Iliad, a modern retelling of Homer’s epic, at the Arts Center at Lake Superior State University (LSSU). The production, directed by LSSU Theatre Professor Noah Lucé, brings a contemporary flair to the ancient tale, engaging audiences with its powerful storytelling and timeless themes of war, heroism, and the human condition.

The performance stars Dr. Patty Gallagher as The Poet, a Professor of Theatre at the University of California, Santa Cruz, whose captivating narrative transports audiences to the world of the Trojan War. Dr. Gallagher’s dynamic portrayal adds a deeply personal touch to the epic, reimagining Homer’s work for today’s world. Original music, composed and performed by Jake Sorgen as The Muse, enhances the experience, blending modern sensibilities with the ancient drama.

Dr. Gallagher and Jake Sorgen have toured this powerful production across the western United States and even took it to India over the last two and a half years, sharing this unique interpretation of An Iliad with audiences around the globe.

An Iliad runs for 90 minutes and will be performed twice, with shows on Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arts Center at LSSU. These performances are free to the public, with donations gladly accepted to support the Arts Center’s ongoing programming and future productions.

“We are thrilled to bring An Iliad to the Arts Center,” says Director Noah Lucé. “This production is a reimagining of one of the oldest and most influential stories in Western literature, told in a way that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. With the talented Dr. Patty Gallagher and Jake Sorgen’s incredible music, this is a must-see performance for anyone interested in the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of Homer’s work.”

Content Warning:
This production contains profanity and discussions of war, death, and dying. It is recommended for audiences aged 13 and up due to its mature themes and language.

An Iliad explores the enduring themes of war, rage, and the cost of human conflict, making it a powerful and timely experience for all. Whether you are familiar with Homer’s Iliad or encountering it for the first time, this version promises to engage and challenge audiences, offering a fresh perspective on an ancient story.

Performance Details:
Dates: Friday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. | Saturday, April 26, 2:00 p.m.
Location: Arts Center at Lake Superior State University
Admission: Free (Donations to the Arts Center welcome)

For more information, visit the Arts Center’s website or contact the Arts Center at LSSU. Don’t miss this powerful retelling of An Iliad—an unforgettable evening of theatre that transcends time and speaks to the heart of the human experience.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – March 19, 2025 – Lake Superior State University’s iconic tradition, the 54th Annual Snowman Burning, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 20th, has been postponed to Thursday, March 27th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on the North Lawn beyond the Cisler Patio, due to high winds in the forecast.

This delay is a testament to the relentless grip of winter this year! With 183.7 inches of snowfall so far, and now strong seasonal winds, it seems winter is determined to leave its mark—but Lake State is equally determined to burn away all things winter and welcome spring in fiery style!

This year’s theme, From Flakes to Flames, captures both the harshness of the season and the community’s readiness for renewal. LSSU President Dr. David Travis, reflecting on the record snow, shared, “When I first arrived at LSSU, I was unsure about the Burning of the Snowman tradition, but now, after spending my first winter here, one with record snow, I’m wholeheartedly embracing it!”

The event will feature remarks from Dr. Jamie Zamjahn, Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, performances by Art Club Writing Contest winners, and an announcement by Kiley Hoff, Inter-Greek Council (IGC) President. The evening culminates with the symbolic burning of the snowman, a tradition started in 1971 by the Unicorn Hunters, a student group that believed the ritual would ward off lingering winter storms. With this winter’s persistence, we’re counting on it more than ever.

LSSU Fire Science students, alongside the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department will ensure a safe and educational experience during the burn. Afterward, attendees are invited to continue the celebration with live music by the Seth Brown Duo and complimentary food in the Galley.

Updated Event Details: 54th Annual Snowman Burning
New Date & Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: North Lawn, beyond the Cisler Patio

Don’t miss this fiery farewell to winter—a week later, but with even more anticipation to banish the flakes with flames!

Contact:
Campus Life and Housing
Lake Superior State University
Phone: 906.635.2411
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Mindy McCready – Interim Dean of the College of Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics – Lake Superior State University – 906-635-2255 – [email protected]
Shelby Huff — Manager, Marketing & Communications — ACBSP – 913-339-9356 – [email protected]

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) www.acbsp.org Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners has reaffirmed accreditation of the Lukenda School of Business programs at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

With more than 30 years of promoting excellence in global business program accreditation, ACBSP was the first organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels, from associate to baccalaureate to doctoral degree programs. ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business degrees and programs offered through Lake Superior State University meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP. 

The Lukenda School of Business programs at Lake Superior State University were first accredited by ACBSP in 2014. The institution is required to go through the reaffirmation process every 10 years to maintain ACBSP accreditation. Bachelor’s programs receiving reaffirmation include Accounting, Finance and Economics, and the business administration programs that focus on Entrepreneurship, International Business, Management, and Marketing. Following this process, ACBSP also awarded initial accreditation to Lake Superior State University’s Cannabis Business and general Business Administration bachelor degree programs.  

“We are proud to receive reaffirmation of accreditation from ACBSP and initial accreditation of two new programs in recognition of continued excellence and dedication within our business programs,” said Mindy McCready, Interim Dean of the College of Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics at Lake Superior State University. “This reaffirmation reflects our ongoing commitment to providing a rigorous, high-quality education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.”

Based on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, ACBSP accreditation evaluates aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support to determine whether the business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and demonstrate continuous quality improvement.

“Lake Superior State University has shown its commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process,” said ACBSP Chief Accreditation Officer Dr. Steve Parscale. “This reaffirmation of accreditation is evidence that they are committed to maintaining the highest quality business education for their students for the next 10 years, just as they have done since 2014.”

For more information about Lake Superior State University, visit www.lssu.edu