Hello Fellow Lakers,
It's a Great day at Lake State!
My name is Alex Bozymowski, Jr. and I became president of the LSSU Alumni Association last October during Great Lake State Weekend. I attended LSSU from Fall 1973 to Spring 1976 and earned a degree in Natural Resources Management Technology. I am a recently retired, 35-year employee of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and I reside with my wife Katherine on our farm in Cass County.
I succeed Dan Goodrich ‘93 as president and wish to thank him for the outstanding leadership he provided to the Alumni Board. I would also like to thank Bill Rothney ’73 and Jacki Saunders ’75, whose terms on the Alumni Board have expired. During their tenure on the board, several programs that benefit alumni and their families were initiated or expanded. Most notably, our insurance and travel programs allowed the Alumni Board to increase the amount of funds available in our Legacy Scholarship Award, while offering travel and insurance discounts to our members. Thanks again Jacki, Bill, and Dan. Knowing these three, I am sure they will find ways to remain active supporters of LSSU in the future.
Speaking of being involved, drop us a line - we would love to hear from you! The Alumni Board's recently completed survey showed that pride in their university and a desire to give back were the main reasons Laker alumni become engaged. There are many exciting things happening at LSSU right now. The search for a new president has concluded with an excellent choice, while the search for a new provost nears conclusion. Work on the Center for Freshwater Research and Education gains momentum and efforts to increase enrollment have gotten off to an incredible start.
The Center for Freshwater Research (CFRE) is a top priority for the University. Situated in the heart of the upper Great Lakes, LSSU is the natural place to locate such a facility. The CFRE will not only enhance the capabilities of our nationally recognized Atlantic salmon and Lake sturgeon programs, but promises to lead research in the upper Great Lakes, especially in the areas of improving water quality and invasive species control. A strong partnership between LSSU, Cloverland Electric, and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, allows the new CFRE to promote tourism and become a game changer for the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
While the design for the new facility has been finalized and construction now planned for Alford Park, fundraising efforts are well on their way with a $1 million gift from Richard & Theresa Barch.
Due to demographics, many institutions of higher education in Michigan will struggle to maintain enrollment in the coming years. Enrollment and retention is the #1 priority for LSSU and early efforts to improve both have had tremendous early results garnering national attention. Following changes to some admission strategies, freshman applications (as of January) have more than doubled from 1,193 to 2,419. You can support this effort by promoting LSSU to friends and family. Tell them about the "one rate" tuition for in- and out-of-state residents. Tell them about the low 16:1 student/teacher ratio and the "private school feel" LSSU offers at public college price. Tell them that 94.8% of those seeking employment accept employment within 1 year of graduation. Tell them about the unique, beautiful setting that is LSSU.
We want to hear from you! A great way to start would be to attend an LSSU Alumni Social event near you. We are exploring the feasibility of smaller mini-reunions by major, class year, team or student organization. Let us know if you would be interested in hosting such an event. Consider attending Great Lake State Weekend (homecoming) scheduled for November 2-3, 2018 and encourage your classmates and friends to attend with you. Watch for more info on upcoming events in the near future. Don't forget to support the LSSU brand by wearing your Laker attire whenever and wherever you can.
Alex Bozymowski, Jr., president
LSSU Alumni Association
Class of 1975
Make the connection!
We are proud of our alumni and want you to remain a part of your alma mater. Stay connected through your membership in the LSSU Alumni Association.