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 LSSU Commencement ceremony each year. Since 2000, the Golden Grads have receive 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 50th 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 the 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).
There are now 115 members who have been inducted into the Golden Graduate Society. This year, those who graduated from Lake Superior State College 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.
In 2014, this special group established – 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 at least sophomore status with a minimum 3.0 GPA 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? The
2022-2023 recipient, Katie Mendrick, was recognized at the Golden Graduate society reception held the evening before commencement. Katie 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 this very special scholarship established by their fellow classmates. Please consider a gift to make a transformative difference to future LSSU students that may offer the same opportunities given to those early students at Sault Tech. To support the Golden Grad Scholarship, please visit our secure giving site and note the
Golden Grad Scholarship in the “additional instructions”. For more information on creating your gift legacy at LSSU, please visit lssu.giftlegacy.com or call 906-635-2665 to begin the conversation to make a charitable investment in the LSSU education experience!