The LSSU Alumni Awards and LSSU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as part of this year’s Great Lake State Weekend activities. Tickets for the event will be available on the Alumni Association website, so be sure to check back for updates and ticket sales.
This year’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipient is Richard Gray M.D., LSSU Class of ’91, who is originally from Gaylord, Michigan. The Outstanding Alumni Award honors personal and professional accomplishments and involvement with LSSU. This is the highest honor the Association presents. The award highlights significant achievements of alumni who serve as leaders in our region, state and nation. The first award was given in 1968.
This year’s Kenneth J. Shouldice Achievement Award recipient is Christopher Merrett, Ph.D., LSSU Class of ’86, who is from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Kenneth J. Shouldice Achievement Award recognizes personal and professional successes that serve as outstanding examples to LSSU graduates. The award highlights significant achievements of alumni who serve as leaders in our region, state and nation.
This year’s Paul E. Ripley Award for Young Alumni recipient is Marisa Berlinger, J.D., LSSU Class of ’13, who is originally from Sault Ste. Marie, MI. The Paul E. Ripley Award for Young Alumni honors graduates who have enjoyed exceptional personal and professional success early in their careers. Those honored must have graduated within the past 15 years and/or be no more than 40 years of age.
2025 LSSU Hall of Fame Inductees
This year’s inductees into the Hall of Fame are: Kord Cernich ’90, a Laker hockey player from 1986–90, originally from Anchorage, AK and now residing in Athens, TN; Jerry Cheynet, LSSC Wrestling Coach from 1969–74, originally from Wichita, KS and currently living in Blacksburg, VA; the 1972–73 LSSC Wrestling Team, NAIA District Conference Champions; and Leeann (Huffman) Wise ’83, a member of the Women’s Basketball team from 1979–83, originally from Manistee, MI and now residing in Eagan, MN.
The Lake Superior State University Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 1995, recognizes individuals for their athletic accomplishments and contributions to the LSSU athletic programs. Selection for the Hall of Fame is based on athletic accomplishments and contributions to the LSSU athletic programs as a student, coach, or administrator. A nominating committee comprised of alumni, coaches, former athletes, and other University officials make the selections.