Spot;ight

Academic Spotlights

LSSU Students Place Top-Three in NMU Programming Contest

A team of three LSSU students competed in Northern Michigan University’s Programming Contest on March 28, 2026. LSSU’s Soo Superior Semaphores placed 3rd overall out of 14 teams from four universities. Additionally, LSSU placed 2nd in the university standings.

Pictured above (left to right): Dr. Christopher Smith, Dylan Ballone, Christopher Burie, Rusty Trim. 

Behavioral Neuroscience Students Host Neuropalooza Event for Brain Awareness Week

Students in PSYC 459 Behavioral Neuroscience and their instructor, Dr. Kris Olson-Pupek, organized a Neuropalooza event, part of Brain Awareness Week from March 16–20, 2026, at the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library. On March 19, students presented their projects to an audience that included students, faculty, staff, and other library visitors. The projects explored diverse topics such as the effects of dance, music, nightmares, and trauma on the brain, as well as other areas related to the brain and neuroscience research. Thanks to the generosity of the library staff, the student projects remained on display through the weekend, allowing more patrons to engage with the creative and educational exhibits, showcasing the importance of brain research and its role in understanding the human experience.

Fire Science Students Create Pre-Fire Plans for Local Businesses

LSSU's Fire Science students worked with Professor James Garlitz to create a Pre-fire Plan for two local businesses: Guido’s Pizza and Circle K Gas. These local businesses welcomed the students to assess their building and occupancy type, fire tactics and strategy, fire codes, and presence of hazardous materials. Fire Departments use pre-plans to prepare for emergencies that may occur at the location in the future. This exercise is designed to introduce students to activities associated with fire inspection divisions within fire departments, while providing a valuable service to our local businesses.

Celebrating Emerging Talent in Engineering & Technology 

At the LSSU Engineering & Technology Spring Banquet, alumni and faculty gathered to celebrate the next generation of Lakers making their mark. One of the evening’s highlights was recognizing outstanding freshmen across each degree program—students who are already demonstrating the drive and curiosity that define LSSU graduates.

These first-year students have distinguished themselves early in their academic careers, and their achievements reflect the strong foundation and tradition of excellence built by those who came before them.

Congratulations to:
Jonah Spina – Robotics Engineering
Hunter Styczynski – Mechatronics
Emmet Thompson – Mechanical Engineering
Cason Dowdy – Electrical Engineering
Evan Spring – Computer Engineering

We look forward to seeing how these students continue to grow—and to welcoming them as future alumni in the years ahead.

LSSU Alumni Insurance Program

Did you know that the LSSU Alumni Association sponsors an Alumni Insurance Program as a service to our graduates? The program offers a variety of attractively priced insurance products, most of which are available to alumni, students, faculty and staff, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, parents, children, and siblings.

Life Insurance

Long-term protection with great rates and fantastic features. Coverage is available from $10,000 to $50 million.

Travel Insurance

Travel Medical and Trip Protection coverage is available for individuals or groups, for personal or business travel.

Long Term Care Insurance

Protect your assets from serious erosion while allowing access to quality care in the most appropriate and desirable setting.

Pet Insurance

Simple, customizable dog and cat insurance plans are available.

Special Event Insurance

Liability coverage up to $2 million is available for events lasting from a few hours to as much as 10 days.

Dental Insurance

COMING SOON Family dental coverage that provides a national network of dentists, online enrollment, and travels with you to any employer

ID Theft Protection

NEW! Protect yourself and your family against identity theft with a comprehensive solution you can count on.

Small Business Insurance

NEW! We offer an all-in-one simple solution that includes a selection of plans, employee enrollment, and ongoing administration.

Advisory Services

A licensed insurance professional is available, at no charge, to answer questions and provide customized guidance.

For more information visit Meyer and Associates or contact our Meyer and Associates program administrator at 1(800) 635-7801.