Lake Superior State University received a generous $150k pledge from the Dr. Lou and Mae Lukenda Charitable Foundation in support of their new College of the Great Lakes Ecology and Education. This is the first major gift supporting the new College, and an endorsement of the importance it plays within our region. The Great Lakes supply almost 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater plus drinking water for more than 30 million people.
“We are perfectly poised to grow our programs within the new College of the Great Lakes,” commented Tim Lukenda, Chair of the LSSU Board of Trustees. “With all of the remarkable things happening at the Barch CFRE under the guidance of Dr. Ashley Moerke, it is a natural fit for LSSU, as well as for the Lukenda Foundation to support. I’m looking forward to seeing our students who enroll in the new College go forward in a field that is vital to our region, as well as the world.”
Executive Director of Barch CFRE, Dr. Moerke, will serve as Dean the College of the Great Lakes Ecology and Education. The College will be comprised of the Barch Center for Freshwater Research and Education, the School of Natural Resources, and the School of Education. Students can enroll in the College of the Great Lakes Ecology and Education starting in the fall 2023 semester.