Foundation Sidebars

The 29th annual Bud Cooper Classic in support of LSSU’s men’s basketball team was held on August 4 at the Sault Ste. Marie Country Club. Participation this year was close to 100 players. Participant Tom Boothby not only attained his long-time bucket list item of landing a hole-in-one, but this achievement also led to him taking home top prizes of a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer from Rodenroth Motors and a 2019 Ram 1500 from O'Connor's Chrysler Dodge Jeep. As both dealerships had insured hole #3, and no other golfer shot a hole-in-one on it, Tom took home both vehicles. Continue reading about Boothby

FUND TO THE FINISH – The LSSU Foundation has had great success towards reaching the $4.2M fundraising goal, with $3.42 received in gifts and pledges to date. The Foundation is grateful to the many donors who have already supported this initiative, but most especially to Dick and Theresa Barch for their early and decisive gifts, and for establishing the “Fund to the Finish Line Challenge” to match all new gifts committed to CFRE by the end of September. This match opportunity has created additional exposure for the campaign and incentive for donors to help us reach our goal. We need your help! Take the Fund to the Finish Line Challenge and help us raise the remaining dollars needed to make this incredible project a reality. The deadline for the challenge and the opportunity for donors to have their gifts matched will expire on September 30th.

Following an extensive search, Andrew Rubinstein joined the LSSU Foundation as Annual Fund and Athletic Development Director on July 29. Previously Andrew headed up the group sales department for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers AHL affiliate. Prior to that Andrew helped start up sales teams for both the Tucson Roadrunners (Arizona Coyotes AHL affiliate) and the San Diego Gulls (Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate). He also spent time in group and hospitality sales with the San Diego Padres, and started his career with the Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. “We are very enthused about Andrew joining our team at the Foundation,” said Tom Coates, Executive Director – LSSU Foundation. “I am confident he will hit the ground running.” Andrew is a Birmingham, Michigan native, and his wife Marnie is originally from Sault Ste. Marie. They moved to the Sault with their nine-month-old daughter Allaire, and their dog Maggie. Continue reading about Andrew

Any supporter can help “Fill the Tank” to help LSSU grow as a center for educational excellence as well as an economic driver to the area. When you “Fund a Fish” with a gift of $100 or more, your personalized fish will swim in our virtual fish tank, prominently located in the new CFRE building. Choose your fish level, and double the impact of your gift by accepting this challenge.

The 30th annual Lake State Golf Classic in support of the LSSU Foundation Development Fund and Laker Athletics was held Friday, June 14th at Wild Bluff Golf Course. Including this year’s net proceeds, over $620,000 has been raised in support of the University and its students. LSSU would like to thank all sponsors, companies, and individuals for their generosity and making the event a resounding success. A highlight of the event was the induction of Dr. Shane Woolever of War Memorial Hospital into the Lake State Golf Classic’s “Classic Circle” designed to honor those who have supported the fundraising goals of the event and have encouraged others to do so. He joins past recipients Fudge Du Locke founder Gary “Mac” McClellan, long-time Laker Athletic Department employee Gil Somes, the Walt North Family, and Rick and Sue Fitzpatrick of Pingatore Cleaners. Continue reading about the Classic!

The Sault Ste. Marie Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has received $1.5 million in grant and loan funds from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to reuse the former Union Carbide manufacturing site. The Brownfield grant and loan will be used to address environmental contamination so the property can be safely reused, and for demolition of a parking lot to make space for the building. This is not part of the Foundation’s fundraising goal or effort.