Continuing a proud LSSU tradition, we were honored to welcome back our Golden Graduates — alumni celebrating 50 years since their own commencement — to participate in this year’s ceremony. Since 2000, these distinguished guests have returned to campus for a special reception and to lead the graduation procession. This year, 18 members of the Golden Graduate Society joined us, symbolically passing the torch to the Class of 2026.
The tradition of recognizing 50th anniversary alumni dates back to 1996 with the “Pioneer Reunion,” followed by the first 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Sault Branch of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1998. That same year marked the formation of the Golden Graduate Society, whose inaugural members were graduates of Soo Tech from 1946 to 1948.
2026 LSSU Golden Graduate Society
New Golden Graduates (L to R): Mike Srock, Terri Lightfoot, Mark Johnson, Sam Lightfoot, Randy Dougherty, Melinda Dougherty, Susan Smith Long, Patrick Gabrion, Cindy Williams, Sara Nelson, Peter Tampas and Dr. David Travis.
Today, the Golden Graduate Society has grown to include 145 members. This year, alumni from the Lake Superior State College Class of 1976 were eligible for induction, and we were proud to welcome eleven new members into the society including Melinda Dougherty ’74, Randy Dougherty ’75, Patrick Gabrion ’76, Frederic Mark Johnson ’76, Sam Lightfoot ’75, Terri Lightfoot ’75, Susan Smith Long ’76, Sara Nelson ’76, Mike Srock ’72, Cindy Williams ’76 and Peter Tampas ’61.
In 2014, members of this distinguished group established the Golden Graduate Society Scholarship as a way to give back to the university that helped shape their lives. Endowed in 2019, the scholarship supports students across all majors, with preference given to those pursuing degrees in Engineering or Education. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement and an essay reflecting on their decision to attend LSSU, as well as a unique piece of the university’s history they’ve come to appreciate.
Walt Keskine ’73, Dominic DeHoyos, Art Disbrow ’53 and Joyce Henderson ’67
Dominic DeHoyos, a junior from South Haven, MI, was the recipient of the Golden Graduate Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year. He is majoring in Geology. Domenic was honored during the Golden Graduate Society Brunch on May 1, 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 2026 Commencement weekend!
