After LSSU undergraduates received their diplomas during Lake Superior State University’s 56th commencement exercise, held May 5 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., President Peter T. Mitchell concluded the ceremony with two charges to the graduates, a tradition he hopes will continue at Lake State and one that he has continued through 24 years of college presidencies.
“You have blessed Lake State with your vitality and your kindness. May Lake State bless you with the foundation of a great life.” – Peter T. Mitchell, LSSU President
His first charge, The Bamboo Principle, was coined by management consultant, Ken Lodi and illustrates the virtues of strength and versatility, made possible by a deeply grounded root system. “The Bamboo Principle is an excellent metaphor for what happens to a Lake State graduate and is a powerful affirmation of an LSSU education,” said Mitchell. “The marvel and majesty of The Bamboo Principle and the marvel and majesty of LSSU is that after four years of developing an incredibly strong root system, both timber bamboo and Lake State graduates are ready to mature with grandeur and greatness, standing tall because they are grounded.”
Mitchell’s second charge to the students was to practice the 3Gs – generosity, gratitude, and grace – throughout their lives, in which he explained, “Generosity means you’re a giver not a taker, that you find fulfillment in helping others. Gratitude means you find pleasure in the little things of life and delight in friendships. Grace means you look for the best in others and strive to bring out the best in yourself.”
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.
About the Author
John ShibleyPhotographer/Staff Writer
Shibley has been a writer, editor, photographer, and videographer in the public relations office since 1991, except for a five-year stint as hobby and planetary science editor at Astronomy magazine in the mid-90s, where he was a finalist for the American Astronomical Society’s Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award.