L to R: Gary Kay ‘68, Ralph Grace ‘63, Don Brown ‘65, Roger Borrousch ‘54, Colleen (Riker) McNeal ‘63, Harlan Lorenz ‘57, John Moran ‘60, Barry Newcomb ‘62, President Peter Mitchell, Stanley Harwood ‘60, Bill Krieger ‘61, Bert Peterson ‘65, Art Disbrow ‘53, Dennis Marshall ‘64, Charles Mitchell ‘59, Cory Somes ‘67, Roger Malette ‘65, Joyce (Crawford) Henderson ‘67, Jim Honkanen ‘49, Margaret (Johnson) Riker ‘67. Also present but not pictured: Russel Schuchaskie ‘67.
On Saturday, May 5, the LSSU Alumni Association welcomed the largest “class” of the Golden Graduate Society back to campus for Commencement activities. Twenty one Golden Grads celebrated the LSSU Class of 2018 by marshalling them into Taffy Abel Arena for the ceremony. The Golden Grad Society includes graduates and former students who left campus at least fifty years ago, in 1968 or earlier. This year’s participants came from across the nation and represented a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences.
Prior to the Commencement ceremony, the Golden Grads gathered for the traditional Friday evening reception, this year in the home of the LSSU President. New inductees were presented with a special commemorative medallion, embossed with the official LSSU seal and engraved with the words, Sault Branch, symbolizing the pioneering years they were enrolled on the Soo campus when Lake State was a branch of Michigan Tech. Attendees and their guests made new acquaintances, shared memories, and rekindled long-time friendships.
In his remarks to the group, Golden Grad Art Disbrow, a 1953 graduate from Troy, Ohio, reported on the success of the Golden Grad Scholarship fund he helped establish in 2015. “I am extremely proud to be an alumnus of the Soo Branch of Michigan Tech and encourage my fellow grads to support the scholarship fund so that other young students can enjoy the same opportunities we were offered.”
Encouraged by the camaraderie and participation of classmates to support the scholarship, Roger Borrousch, a 1954 graduate from Midland, Michigan, has now issued a challenge to fellow graduates to support the fund. Any donation of $500 or more received by December 31, 2018 will be matched with an additional gift of $100. “I feel that this is making an investment in our youth, and I want to encourage others to take advantage of this match opportunity to grow the fund so that we can make the first award at next year’s Golden Grad gathering.”
Once the fund reaches $25,000, an award will be made each fall to any student registered full-time and pursuing any area of study at LSSU who has accumulated at least 26 credits, or sophomore status, with preference given to students majoring in engineering or education. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates must also submit a 250-word essay outlining educational and career plans for consideration by a selection committee. The award is non-renewable. However, past recipients will be encouraged to reapply. Financial need may be a consideration.
Until then, Borrousch issues a challenge to fellow Golden Graduates, or anyone who wants to make an investment in our youth and the university. Learn more about this or any one of the more than 100 scholarships and awards available at LSSU.
Would you like to support the Golden Grad Scholarship?
- Use the Foundation Giving Form
- Select "Other Designation"
- Enter your donation amount
- Enter the words "Golden Grad Scholarship" in the Gift Designation field
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