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.”

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.