The LSSU Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as part of Great Lakes State Weekend. Tickets will be available through the Alumni Relations website — be sure to check back for updates and details on how to attend.
This year’s Outstanding Alumni Award recipient is Bud Denker, Class of ’80, originally from Brimley, Michigan. The Outstanding Alumni Award is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association, recognizing distinguished personal and professional achievement, as well as meaningful engagement with LSSU. First presented in 1968, the award celebrates alumni who have made a lasting impact as leaders in their communities, region, and beyond. Denker exemplifies that legacy through his leadership as President of Penske Corporation, Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Penske Automotive Group, and Executive Vice President of Team Penske, where he oversees its IndyCar, NASCAR, and Porsche Penske Motorsports programs.
The Kenneth J. Shouldice Achievement Award recipient is Pete Stauber, Class of ’90, originally from Duluth, Minnesota. The Kenneth J. Shouldice Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding personal and professional success and serve as strong examples of leadership for LSSU graduates. Stauber currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. A former law enforcement officer, he also wore the Laker uniform as a member of the 1988 NCAA Division I national championship hockey team.
The Paul E. Ripley Award for Young Alumni recipient is Austin Lowes, Class of ’12, from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The Paul E. Ripley Award for Young Alumni honors graduates within 15 years of graduation or under the age of 40 who have already distinguished themselves early in their careers. Lowes has built an impressive professional record and currently serves as Chairman of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The Dr. Donald and Catherine Finlayson Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes H. James Bourque, Class of ’56 (MCMT), a longtime businessman in Sault Ste. Marie whose enduring commitment to Lake Superior State University has made a lasting impact. Through decades of involvement and support, Bourque has remained a dedicated champion of the university and its mission. Established in 1968 and renamed in 1999 in honor of the Finlayson’s, the award recognizes individuals, couples, or organizations who have achieved notable professional success while demonstrating exceptional service, leadership, and support for LSSU and the broader community, celebrating those whose contributions and involvement leave a lasting impact.
2026 LSSU Hall of Fame Inductees
This year’s inductees into the Lake Superior State University Athletic Hall of Fame represent a wide range of talent, eras, and athletic achievement that have helped shape Laker history. The 2026 class includes Clayton Beddoes ’94, a standout Laker hockey player from 1990–94 and a native of Bentley, Alberta; Maria Blazejewski ’13, who made her mark on the women’s basketball program from 2009–13 and hails from Beulah, Michigan; Dennis Bolton ’74, a key member of the Laker hockey team from 1970–74, originally from Copper Cliff, Ontario; and Chris Wooley ’90, a scoring leader for the Laker basketball team from 1986–90 and a native of Detroit, Michigan.
Each of these individuals left a lasting impression on their respective programs, representing LSSU with dedication, skill, and pride during their time as student-athletes. Their achievements continue to stand as part of the University’s rich athletic tradition.
Established in 1995, the Lake Superior State University Athletic Hall of Fame honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through athletic excellence and meaningful contributions to LSSU athletics. Inductees may be recognized for their roles as student-athletes, coaches, or administrators, reflecting the many ways individuals can impact Laker athletics.
Selections are made by a nominating committee comprised of alumni, coaches, former student-athletes, and University representatives, who carefully review each nominee’s accomplishments and legacy. Induction into the Hall of Fame remains one of the highest honors bestowed upon members of the LSSU athletic community.