Lake Superior State University continues its celebrated history and tradition by inviting a very special group of our alumni, the Golden Graduates – to be a special part of the 2023 Commencement ceremony. Since 2000, the Golden Grads have received a special invitation to come back to campus to attend a special reception and lead the Commencement procession. This year we welcomed back 10 members of the Golden Graduate Society who lead the way for the 2023 LSSU graduates.
The LSSU Alumni Office began the tradition of honoring our 50 th anniversary alumni in 1996 with a ‘Pioneer Reunion’, and in 1998 held the inaugural 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Sault Branch of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology during Great Lake State Weekend. It was also that same year that the Golden Graduate Society was formed. That inaugural group consisted of those who completed their studies at Soo Tech 50 years prior (1946 through 1948).
This year, those who graduated from LSSC in 1973 were eligible for induction into the Golden Graduate Society, and we welcomed new members Rick ‘73 and Sue ‘73 Schuemann, Walter Keskine ‘73 and Janet (Stevenson) Hess ’73.
To date, there are 115 members who have been inducted into the Golden Graduate Society. In 2014, this group established a scholarship – the Golden Graduate Society Scholarship – as a way to give back to the University that has made such a difference in their lives. The scholarship was endowed in 2019, and is awarded to a student who has earned sophomore status with a minimum 3.0 GPA, attends full-time and is majoring in any course of study at the University, with preference given to students majoring in Engineering or Education. Eligible candidates must also submit a minimum 250-word essay answering the questions: Why did you choose to attend LSSU? And, what unique historical fact have you learned about LSSU during your time at the University? To date, six students have received this scholarship. This year’s recipient, Katie Mendrick, is a senior electrical engineering major and is a second generation LSSU engineering student. Her father is a 1992 LSSU engineering alumnus.
Many Golden Grads have celebrated being a pioneer of the University with a gift to support the scholarship fund they established in 2015. With the fund now approaching $25,000, the scholarship is nearing full endowment status. Consider a gift to help endow the fund and enable more students enjoy the same opportunities given to those early students at Sault Tech. To support the Golden Grad Scholarship, visit our secure giving site or call 906-635-2665.