As a tribute to their parents’ unwavering commitment to Lake Superior State University, Corydon and Nancy Somes children have established the Corydon L. and Nancy R. Somes Scholarship endowment, which embodies a story of legacy and aspiration. Through this endowment, they have instilled her parents’ legacy, ensuring that their commitment to education and support for LSSU continues for generations to come.
Corydon L. and Nancy R. (Kellan) Somes met while students at Sault Ste. Marie High School, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Cory graduated in 1963 with Nancy following in 1964. Both attended the Sault Branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology, which would later become Lake Superior State College. Cory received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 and was a graduate of the first four-year class at LSSC. In 1970, Cory was appointed by Michigan Governor William Milliken to the LSSC Board of Control, making him the youngest appointee in the country at the time. Cory served in that role until 1985. He was also honored to be named LSSU’s 1987 Outstanding Alumnus, speaking at the spring commencement that year and was later named a Golden Graduate at LSSU in 2018. Nancy fondly recalls her courses and walking up the hill to campus, seeing the sign at the East Gate entrance “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve.”
Cory and Nancy were married in 1966 and have three children. They left the Soo many years ago but always remained proud Yoopers. Cory passed away in 2022. Nancy is pleased to encourage future generations of Upper Peninsula students to pursue their educational goals with the creation of this named scholarship in special remembrance of their Laker legacy.
To learn more about creating your own legacy scholarship at Lake Superior State University, please click here. For more information on LSSU scholarships, please contact the LSSU Advancement Office at 906-635-2665. Contributions in support of LSSU students’ educational experience may be made by visiting lssu.edu/give.