Lake Superior State University and the LSSU Alumni Association paid tribute to three highly accomplished alumni and two exceptional Laker athletes at the annual Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held during Great Lake State Weekend (GLSW) on October 14, 2023: Doug Weight, Anita Saluja, Ashley O’Dwyer, Kelly Gerritsen-Michano, and Mark Vermette.
“Awards help our institution applaud individuals who’ve achieved outstanding personal and career successes – and they also help remind us that Lake Superior State University is a place where belief in others becomes inspiration and in turn, the beginning of achievement,” Interim President Lynn Gillette said. “I’d like to congratulate all of our recipients. We have a unique story to tell here at LSSU, and each of these people have helped make our story richer and worth remembering.”
This year, the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Induction were merged into one event, combining career accomplishment and athletic recognition in one ceremony. In previous years, the Alumni Awards were held annually and the Hall of Fame inductions took place every other year – since 1994 and 1995 respectively – in conjunction with Great Lake State Weekend, LSSU’s annual homecoming.
“This year’s event was an overwhelming success,” said Scott Smith, LSSU Vice President of Advancement. “Building on this success, we plan to continue with the combined event during Great Lake State Weekend going forward. It was terrific seeing all the alumni, family and friends attending in support of this remarkable group of Laker Alumni.”
- The LSSU Outstanding Alumnus Award is the highest honor that the association presents. It recognizes recipients for their personal and professional accomplishments and their involvement with LSSU.
- The Kenneth J. Shouldice Professional Achievement Award honors individuals whose personal and professional successes serve as outstanding examples of LSSU graduates.
- The Paul Ripley Award for Young Alumni is presented to graduates who have enjoyed exceptional personal and professional success early in their careers.
- The Athletic Hall of Fame honors athletes, coaches and administrators for their successes while at Lake Superior State University.
Doug Weight, who attended LSSU in 1989 through 1991, received the LSSU Outstanding Alumnus Award. He played 21 seasons in the NHL and represented the U.S. in three Olympic Games. Weight established the Doug Weight Hockey Endowment in 2002 to support Laker hockey operations, noting that it was his intention to establish an endowment that reflected his desire to benefit the growth and success of the program while inspiring others to contribute as well. His endowment represented the first major financial contribution by a former Laker Hockey player in the university’s history.
“I absolutely loved my time and experience at Lake Superior State University,” Weight reminisced. “The years I spent as a resident of the Soo, an LSSU student, and a Laker hockey player are beyond memorable. Sharing great times with teammates, staff, and fellow students and creating many lifelong friendships. It is truly a wonderful place and I’m proud and honored to continue to be able to be a part of the University and Laker Hockey. For Always, Go Lakers! “
“Doug exemplifies what it means to be a Laker,” commented Scott Smith. “Both through his time as a member of the Laker hockey team, and through his support of the program by establishing an endowment. We are very honored to recognize Doug as the Outstanding Alumnus.”
Anita Saluja, who graduated in 1992 summa cum laude with a BS in Mathematics at the age of 15, received the Kenneth J. Shouldice Professional Achievement Award. Following her graduation from LSSU, she furthered her education by attending medical school. Saluja earned her medical degree at the age of 20 from The University of Michigan. After her internship, Saluja received three years of dermatology specialty training at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, helping her become an expert dedicated to skin. In March 2017, she founded her modern, synergistic dermatology practice, Dermatology + Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, FL, alongside her partner and fellow LSSU grad, plastic surgeon Rebecca (Johnson) Novo, MD ‘04. They are two specialist physicians with one shared mission — to help patients achieve their best selves through prevention, treatment and maintenance.
“The time I spent at LSSU was the best time of my life,” commented Saluja. “There was a sense of community. The professors were hands on, the classes were small, and my fellow students were friendly and focused. It was a supportive learning environment.” It is fitting that Anita is this year’s recipient of the Shouldice Award, as she went on to say, “I loved my study sessions in the Shouldice library, often staying there until close. Also, the Norris Center recreation sessions could not be beat! The best part is that I left LSSU fully prepared.”
“We were honored to have Anita back at LSSU and to present her with the Kenneth J. Shouldice Award,” said Scott Smith. “Her dedication to excellence and innovative contributions to the field of dermatology truly embody the transformative impact our alumni have in their chosen fields.”
Ashley O’Dwyer, who graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2013, with her Honors Degree of Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Pre-Professional, received the Paul Ripley Award for Young Alumni. After earning her BS at LSSU, she attended Indiana University School of Optometry in Bloomington, IN to obtain her Doctor of Optometry degree. O’Dwyer is licensed to practice optometry in Alaska and Michigan. She is the Chief Optometric Officer with the Bay Mills Indian Community, and also the co-owner of a traveling eye clinic – the Eye Guys LLC – in Wasilla, AK, which she co-founded in March 2021.
“I loved the individual attention from the small class size,” O’Dwyer commented. “I loved the small school and knowing each person in my classes for the four years. I am still close with a lot of people I met there. Two classmates and friends actually work with me at Bay Mills Health Center as dentists. We all went to Lake State the same time, went to professional school and came back into the area to work in the same clinic. If you would have told me then that we would all have different careers but work in the same building, I never would have believed you. Lake State cultivates an experience where classmates become friends that feel like family.”
“Ashley O’Dwyer represents the very spirit of the Paul Ripley Young Alumni Award,” said Scott Smith. “She has achieved remarkable milestones in just 10 years through dedication, innovation, and impact in her field. We take pride in celebrating Ashley’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing what is in store for her professional journey.
Kelly Gerritsen-Michano, who attended LSSU from 1985-89 where she was a member of both the volleyball and softball program, was inducted into the Lake Superior State Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2023. Gerritsen-Michano began to leave her mark on the LSSU volleyball program early on in her career, leading the Lakers in kills (125), attack percentage (2.92), service aces (9), and blocks (29) as a freshman. However, she would go on to save her best for last. During her senior season in 1988, Gerritsen-Michano would leave it all on the court with a GLIAC-leading 454 kills, which ranks second in program history for single season kills. She would also lead the conference in kills per set (4.63) and attack percentage (.374) to earn First Team All-GLIAC recognition while leading her team to a second place finish in the conference.
“Being inducted is a true honor, and I am very proud,” said Gerritsen-Michano. “Attending Lake State, I was coached by Deb McPherson and was blessed to have Maureen Shaheen-Fitzpatrick as a teammate and roommate for four years.”
“Kelly’s legacy serves as an inspiration to current and future Laker Athletes,” Scott Smith commented. “We honor her dedication, passion and the positive impact she has made at LSSU.”
Mark Vermette attended LSSU from 1985-88 with a hockey playing career that culminated in one of, if not the greatest, individual ice hockey seasons in program history. Vermette led the Lakers to the program’s first NCAA Championship in 1988 with a 45-goal season, which is still a single-season program record. Vermette tallied 75 points during the 1987-88 season, ranking him third all-time in single-season points. The 1988 U.S. College Hockey Player of the Year’s final goal as a Laker would go down as one of the most storied goals in program history, slotting home the game-winner in overtime during the 1988 NCAA title game against St. Lawrence. Vermette finished his career with 116 points.
“I am so very excited and grateful to be recognized by Lake Superior State University by being inducted into the LSSU Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Vermette. “I have so many fond memories of LSSU and Laker Hockey, but in particular, it was my amazing teammates and those who supported Laker Hockey that made my time wearing the anchor an amazing and forever-lasting experience.”
“Mark Vermette’s induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional contributions on the ice,” said Scott Smith. “We celebrate his outstanding achievements and the legacy he leaves within our Laker Hockey community.”
Nominations for the Alumni Association Awards are accepted at any time by the Alumni Relations Office or online with the Alumni Nomination Form.
Nominations for the LSSU Athletic Hall of Fame are accepted at any time. If you are interested in presenting a nomination, visit the LSSU Hall of Fame webpage.
LSSU Alumni Insurance Program
Did you know that the LSSU Alumni Association sponsors an Alumni Insurance Program as a service to our graduates? The program offers a variety of attractively priced insurance products, most of which are available to alumni, students, faculty and staff, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and siblings.
Life Insurance
Long-term protection with great rates and fantastic features. Coverage is available from $10,000 to $50 million.
Travel Insurance
Travel Medical and Trip Protection coverage is available for individuals or groups, for personal or business travel.
Long Term Care Insurance
Protect your assets from serious erosion while allowing access to quality care in the most appropriate and desirable setting.
Pet Insurance
Simple, customizable dog and cat insurance plans are available.
Special Event Insurance
Liability coverage up to $2 million is available for events lasting from a few hours to as much as 10 days.
Dental Insurance
COMING SOON Family dental coverage that provides a national network of dentists, online enrollment, and travels with you to any employer
ID Theft Protection
NEW! Protect yourself and your family against identity theft with a comprehensive solution you can count on.
Small Business Insurance
NEW! We offer an all-in-one simple solution that includes a selection of plans, employee enrollment, and ongoing administration.
Advisory Services
A licensed insurance professional is available, at no charge, to answer questions and provide customized guidance.
For more information visit Meyer and Associates or contact our Meyer and Associates program administrator at 1(800) 635-7801.