The Bud and Mary Mansfield Parent of the Year Award is an annual recognition presented by the Alumni Association during Great Lake State Weekend. LSSU students have the opportunity to nominate their parents for this honor, and a faculty committee carefully reviews each nomination to select the award recipient(s).
This year, the Mansfield Parent of the Year Award was presented to Elisa and Joey Reynolds, nominated by their daughter, Carly Goble.
2025 Parents of the Year, left to right: Joey Reynolds, Carly Goble, Elisa Reynolds, and LSSU President Dr. David Travis.
In her nomination essay, Carly wrote, “College is not always easy. There were times when I struggled academically, felt overwhelmed by the workload, and questioned my path. During those moments, my parents were my rock. They listened without judgement, offered encouragement, and reminded me of my strengths. They helped me break down complex problems, brainstorm solutions, and regain my confidence. They never pressured me to be perfect. Instead, they encouraged me to learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward. They’ve helped me navigate the challenges of college and have shaped me into the person I am today. I’m eternally grateful for their love and dedication, and I cannot imagine my life without them. They are without a doubt the best parents anyone could ever ask for.”
Nominations will reopen in fall 2026, and students will receive an email with details and the submission deadline.