Continuing a proud LSSU tradition, we were privileged to welcome back our Golden Graduates—alumni celebrating 50 years since their own commencement—to take part in this year’s ceremony. Since 2000, these honored guests have returned to campus for a special reception and to lead the graduation procession. This year, 20 members of the Golden Graduate Society joined us, symbolically passing the torch to the Class of 2025.
The tradition of honoring 50th anniversary alumni began in 1996 with the ‘Pioneer Reunion,’ followed by the inaugural 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Sault Branch of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1998, which coincided with the formation of the Golden Graduate Society. The inaugural group comprised individuals who completed their studies at Soo Tech 50 years prior, between 1946 and 1948.
2025 LSSU Golden Graduate Society
Today, the Golden Graduate Society boasts 134 members. This year, those who graduated from Lake Superior State College in 1975 were eligible for induction. We proudly welcomed new members, including Alex Bozymowski ’75, Tom Brown ’75, Patricia Caruso ’75, Karyn Fay ’75, Cindy Huston Gallaway ’75, Neil Gallaway ’75, Dr. Kathleen Hinds ’75, Dr. Mark Mercer ’73, William Nelson ’75, Gary Shindorf ’73 and Jeanne Shindorf ’75.
In 2014, this esteemed group established the Golden Graduate Society Scholarship to give back to the university that shaped their lives. Endowed in 2019, the scholarship is awarded to deserving students majoring in any field, with preference given to those in Engineering or Education. Recipients must demonstrate academic excellence and submit an essay reflecting on their decision to attend LSSU and a unique historical fact they’ve learned about the university.
Art Disbrow ’53, Makenzie Jacobson, Joyce Henderson ’67 and Walt Keskine ’73
Makenzie Jacobson, a senior from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, was the recipient of the Golden Graduate Scholarship for the 2024–2025 academic year. She is double majoring in Psychology and Elementary Education, with a minor in K–12 Special Education. Makenzie was honored during the Golden Graduate Society Brunch on May 2, held at the Barch Center for Freshwater Research and Education, the day before Commencement. This scholarship is made possible by the generous support of Golden Graduates, whose contributions help ensure future Lakers have access to the same impactful learning experiences. To support the Golden Graduate Scholarship, visit our secure giving site and include the scholarship name in the “additional instructions.” For more information on leaving a legacy at LSSU, contact Andrew Rubinstein, Senior Director of Advancement, at 906-635-6219 or arubinstein@lssu.edu.
Enjoy these Golden Grad photos from the 2025 Commencement weekend!
