LSSU Hosts Annual FIRST Robotics Competition
LSSU hosted the annual FIRST Robotics district competition at the Norris Center on March 27-28. Over 450 competitors on 41 teams from across Michigan were welcomed by faculty, staff, and students who helped with setup, operations, safety, customer service, and student engagement. Several academic programs staffed informational booths for prospective students, and the School of Engineering and Technology offered laboratory tours to participants and their families. The event served as a meaningful opportunity to engage prospective students and strengthen connections between LSSU and the regional community.
LSSU alumni and students came together to support competitors. The LSSU Baja Club operated the machine shop for teams in need of repairs, IEEE provided coffee to attendees, and Teams AMORE and SLAP supported recruitment efforts throughout the event. LSSU engineering students volunteered as needed throughout the event, and Dr. Andrew Jones from the School of Engineering and Technology served as emcee. Mechatronics senior Ben Lockwood also went above and beyond, stepping in as a lead coach for a team whose coach was unable to attend.
Dr. Derek Wright and Dr. Mark Zierden Host Microscopy Activities for Sault Students
On March 5, 2026, Dr. Wright and Dr. Zierden hosted twenty-three eighth-grade students from Sault Area Middle School enrolled in Trevor Paulus’s STEAM class for hands-on activities in the Micro Analysis and Spectroscopic Characterization (MASC) Lab. Students examined a variety of specimens, including soils, electronics, and microbes, using electron microscopy; learned about X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy; toured the science facilities in Crawford Hall; and explored science careers with Nicholas Gordon from the Sault Tribe Environmental Department.
Student Organizations and Faculty Partner For Return of the LSSU Regional Outdoor Center
Students from the Recreation Club, Conservation Biology Club, and Fisheries & Wildlife Club worked closely with Dr. Mackey, Dr. Moerke, and Justin Fountain to roll out the return of the Regional Outdoor Center. The students secured funding from the Student Government to purchase a desk, sign, and new rental equipment. More equipment has been ordered and a soft rollout of the ROC is underway thanks to the hard work of these students, staff, and faculty members.
LSSU School of Education Updates Curriculum For To Allow Multiple Grade Certifications
The School of Education revised its curriculum, approved by the University Curriculum Committee on March 19, 2026. The change will allow students to complete multiple certifications so they can teach at multiple grade levels. Students will be able to select more than one grade band or certification when they register at LSSU. These changes were based on feedback from the EUPISD Superintendents and Principals and supported by the School of Education Advisory Board. This change comes as the School of Education boasts 30 student teachers for Fall 2026—one of the highest numbers on record for LSSU.