Lake Superior State University and the LSSU Alumni Association honored six remarkable individuals during the 2024 Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, held as part of Great Lake State Weekend (GLSW) on October 19, 2024. This year’s honorees included Alumni Award recipients Dr. Robert Stephen Mulholland, Steve Davies, and Jeanna Trotman, along with Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Keith Aldridge, Eric Menk, and Chris Nance.
The event celebrated the career achievements and athletic excellence of LSSU alumni and athletes, showcasing their impact on their communities and professions.
“This ceremony allows us to honor individuals who exemplify the Laker spirit through their personal and professional accomplishments,” said LSSU President David Travis. “Each of our award recipients and Hall of Fame inductees has left an indelible mark on LSSU and beyond, enriching our university’s legacy.”
This year’s event marked the continued tradition of combining the Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Induction into one ceremony, which began in 2023.
“This combined celebration has become a highlight of GLSW,” said Scott Smith, LSSU Vice President of Advancement, Legislative and Alumni Affairs. “It’s a fantastic way to honor Lakers who have excelled in their fields and on the playing field, bringing our community together to celebrate their accomplishments.”
Each recipient’s story highlighted the impact of an LSSU education, the spirit of determination, and the value of giving back.
- 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.
LSSU Outstanding Alumnus Award:
Dr. Robert Stephen Mulholland ‘83, a former LSSU hockey standout, celebrated plastic surgeon, and entrepreneur, received the highest honor for alumni. From the ice rink to the operating room and boardroom, Dr. Mulholland has achieved extraordinary success, founding two publicly traded companies—InModeMD and BoomerangFX—with multi-billion-dollar market caps. His contributions to medical technology and his entrepreneurial spirit serve as an inspiration to Lakers everywhere.
“When I look at an award like this and the honor that it represents – my name may be on it, but all of your names should be on it,” Stephen said in his acceptance remarks, addressing the audience made up of LSSU faculty and staff, Sault community members, former Laker teammates and alumni. “It’s been an honor that you allowed us in your lives, and the impact that you had on so many student athletes and students in general, and the ripple effect – it does play across the world. It’s truly amazing, so thank you for the honor of being with you. Thank you again.”
Kenneth J. Shouldice Professional Achievement Award:
Steve Davies ’77, whose business career has spanned over 45 years as an entrepreneur, founded and built many companies. His most notable are Hespeler Hockey and Winnwell Hockey, two iconic hockey equipment brands. Steve was recognized for his distinguished career stemming from his days as a student athlete at LSSU to his entrepreneurism – notably in the hockey equipment industry – where he has held leadership roles in major organizations driving innovation while maintaining affordability.
“To have my name associated with Dr Kenneth Shouldice is such an honor, not because of all the recipients before me, but because of how great a person Dr Shouldice was,” commented Steve, recalling a trip to Lake State back in the early 70’s when his family was hosted by Dr. Shouldice and his wife at their home on campus. Steve went on to say, “To Lake State, thank you for organizing such a great weekend to rekindle old friendships that, once together again, don’t feel very old. It seems like only yesterday we were all together getting ready for another game at the Pullar, where the ice was always tilted in our favor! Thank you again for this great award – I’m truly humbled.”
Paul Ripley Award for Young Alumni:
Jeanna Trotman ’12, was honored for her rapid rise in broadcast journalism. As a sports anchor and reporter, Trotman has become a prominent voice in sports media, demonstrating excellence and dedication to her craft.
“This place means so much to me, and of course this award means so much to me as well,” Jeanna said. “This city girl – a Detroiter – I had my eyes set on NYU. I went to Manhattan when I was little and we walked NYU’s campus, my mom and I. And instead, I just headed five hours up I-75 North, and I would never change a single thing. Looking back, it was the best decision I could have ever made. “
Athletic Hall of Fame:
Keith Aldridge ’96, was a standout defenseman for Laker Hockey from 1992-96, leading LSSU to its third NCAA Championship in 1994. He remains one of the top-scoring defensemen in program history.
“I only wanted to come here,” said Keith about Lake State. “It was the best decision I ever made in my life. I met my beautiful wife Angie, she’s given me three beautiful boys, I have beautiful teammates and I just couldn’t be happier that I came to Lake Superior State.“
Eric Menk ’96, a basketball legend at LSSU (1995-99), went on to have a stellar professional career in the Philippines, earning numerous MVP honors and becoming one of the country’s all-time greats. While he was at LSSU, Eric led the Lakers in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1993-94, 1994-95, and 1995-96) and also led the team in rebounding in all four seasons. In 1996, he was named GLIAC Player of the Year and MVP of the GLIAC tournament.
“In 1996, we were fortunate enough to win the both the regular season GLIAC Championship and the GLIAC Tournament Championship. I’ve always been proud of that accomplishment,” Eric commented during his acceptance speech. “I have always valued my experience here is because of the relationships and friendships I was able to build. It’s the people. I was constantly surrounded by great people who I enjoyed being around. Through the all the adversity and the triumphs, it was always us against the world! I loved playing with my teammates. I loved playing for Coach (Terry) Smith. I loved being a Laker. Thank you for this honor and thank you for the impact you’ve had on my life.”
Chris Nance ’96, was a dominant student-athlete playing basketball, where she set multiple records during her time at LSSU (1993-97), including 1992 GLIAC Freshman of the Year. Her accolades also include being named to Newberry High School’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class in 2013, and elected to the UP Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
“To be perfectly honest, coming to LSSU was a hard sell to myself on occasion,” Chris commented during her acceptance speech, “Yet today I stand here with no regrets about that decision. I have to sincerely thank my coaches Erica (Ledy) and Gwen (Wilkie) – handpicking and surrounding me with exceptional teammates. It was because of these amazing girls that I would choose LSSU again and again.“
Congratulations to all the 2024 recipients for their incredible achievements and contributions to the LSSU community!
“Keith Aldridge, Eric Menk, and Chris Nance have each made a lasting mark on LSSU’s history, with their remarkable achievements, unwavering dedication, and legacy of excellence,” commented LSSU Athletic Director, Tory Lindley. ‘Their contributions have paved the way for future Laker athletes, and their stories of greatness and perseverance continue to inspire and define the Laker spirit.“
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.