Dear LSSU Alums:
Spring 2020 is in full swing with commencement activities just around the corner. As the sun reflects off the snow, I am reminded of how bright this past year has been for Lake Superior State University.
First of all, we are putting the final touches on a new five-year strategic plan for the institution. This plan will outline numerous exciting initiatives that I believe will set the stage for a thriving future for the university. At the core of the new strategic plan is an emphasis on identifying potential, enabling success, driving social mobility, and developing students to be professionally prepared graduates. The new strategic plan is scheduled for final approval in March.
The Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) project continues to move forward with great momentum. The work site along the St. Marys River has been very active with crews preparing the ground for construction and installation of auger-cast pilings to support the new building. The CFRE project is scheduled for a December 2020 opening, although I must admit I’m hoping for an early spring so construction can continue at full speed.
I am also pleased to share with you that the university and faculty association have a new three-year agreement. Negotiations took almost a year, but both bargaining teams worked especially hard and landed on an outstanding agreement. I believe this agreement will set the stage for the next 50 years at this institution.
Several events and activities took place on campus over that last few months, including a statue dedication in honor of Dr. Madan Saluja, recognizing his 50 years of service and dedication to LSSU. The full-length bronze likeness of Dr. Saluja is located in the commons area of R.W. Considine Hall, which houses LSSU’s Lukenda School of Business. Also, for the first time this past fall, LSSU hosted Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery. The monks held many teaching activities, and I especially enjoyed experiencing a sample of their culture in music, art and lectures. My favorite was the mandala sand painting in the Arts Center.
For the first time in almost 50 years, the Lakers played an NCAA game in Canada. To help grow enthusiasm for Laker hockey, we played one of our home games in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Lakers defeated Alabama-Huntsville 4-1 in front of a crowd of more that 3,100 screaming fans. The event was a tremendous success, and we are exploring the idea for this to become an annual event.
The snow will be melting soon and I look forward to the welcome site of our students walking across the stage in their caps and gowns. As always, we appreciate your support of Lake Superior State University! Thank you.
Superior Education. Superior Experience. Superior YOU!
Dr. Rodney S. Hanley, President
