Tony Bosbous to receive Lighthouse Award

Anthony G. “Tony” Bosbous will receive the Lighthouse Recognition Award at LSSU’s Alumni Awards banquet October 11. The Lighthouse Award is given at the special discretion of LSSU’s Alumni Awards selection committee for recognition of long time advocacy for Lake Superior State University.  Tony has demonstrated his passion and support for his alma mater with his service on advisory boards and regular support of golf fund raisers and Laker hockey. His years serving as city commissioner and service on various local boards indicate his willingness to share his time and talents to enhance his community. His long-standing service as mayor of Sault Ste. Marie indicates the confidence that the citizens of this community place in him. The LSSU Alumni Association is pleased to recognize Tony’s dedication to his alma mater and his community.

“To be the recipient of the Lake Superior State University’s “Lighthouse Award” is a tremendous honor for me and my family,” said Tony.  “My wife, Margaret and I are very proud that our children, Carrie and Jodi are both Lake State Alums and our granddaughter Emma, is currently a sophomore at this excellent university.”

Tony Bosbous was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from LSSC in 1973 with a bachelor of arts in sociology. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard 1437^th Engineer Company. Tony began at the Chippewa-Mackinac-Luce Community Action Agency as a head start teacher and was soon promoted to head start director. He was later promoted to Deputy Director of CLM Community Action, a post he held for 33 years before retiring after a total of 42 years with Community Action.

Tony got his start in politics as a trustee on the Sault Area School Board of Education, where he served for eight years beginning in 1983, including four years as president. He served ten years on the Sault Ste. Marie City Commission 1991-2001, including four years as mayor pro-tem. He was first elected mayor of Sault Ste. Marie in 2001 and has served continuously in that role until retirement in 2019, making him the longest serving mayor in Sault Ste. Marie history

As mayor, Tony supported the expansion of War Memorial Hospital, the Lake Superior State University Sim Center and the LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE). He was a member of the management team which developed the $13 million Sewell Avery Community Action Center and Avery Square in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. He managed the MSHDA housing rehabilitation program for Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac counties and led the rehabilitation of the Pullar Community Building, helping raise more than $400,000 in private donations.

Tony led the acquisition of the Tendercare Corporation Building (former historic Federal Building) and monitored the remodeling project as Sault Ste. Marie’s new City Hall.

Tony is the 2010 recipient of the Michigan Municipal league’s Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award. This award was created in memory of Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido and goes annually to a chief elected official who embodies professionalism and leadership, and is dedicated to the residents of their community and advocacy in Lansing and Washington, DC.

Mayor Bosbous retired from Community Action in July 2011 and has served or is currently serving on various boards, including United Way of Chippewa County – 30 years and past president, Michigan Workforce Development Board – 30 years, Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the LSSU Foundation. He is a founding member and past president of the Soo Blueliners, which raises funds for Laker hockey. Tony is also a member of American Legion Post #3 and Elks Lodge #552

Tony commented, “Lake Superior State University continues to be such an integral part of the fabric of Sault Ste. Marie and the entire Eastern UP!  It is one of the most important engines that drives the growth and successes – economically, intellectually, and socially – of this area!”

“We are so proud to be LAKERS!  I thank you so much for this prestigious award.”

Tony is married to Margaret (Tavern) and they have two grown daughters – Carrie and Jodi. They have four grandchildren – Emma, Ryan, Piper and Tucker.

The Lighthouse Recognition Award will be presented at the Alumni Awards Banquet during Great Lake State Weekend on Friday, October 11 at 5:00 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available on the GLSW website or in person at the Alumni office.