The Legacy of one former administrator and the student group he founded.
In 2024, Lake Superior State University will celebrate the founding of its Student Alumni Involved for Lake State (SAILS) student group – started thirty years ago – in 1994 . SAILS was an instrumental group on campus and within the Sault Ste. Marie Community for decades, and there is much to reflect upon during their time on campus. Since its founding, SAILS played an integral role in connecting current students with LSSU alumni and future Lakers, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging, and providing valuable networking opportunities for all involved. Whether it was through campus tours, serving at alumni events, leading student sections at Laker athletic events, or working at orientations, SAILS students truly demonstrated Laker pride and were much needed ambassadors of Lake State.
SAILS was the vision of Mark Jastorff, LSSU’s Vice President for University Advancement. Jastorff’s unwavering dedication and leadership greatly contributed to the growth and success of the SAILS program over the years. His strategic vision and commitment to enhancing the connection between students and alumni have truly made a lasting impact on the LSSU community. Jastorff’s leadership brought the group to heights not seen among other groups on campus. As part of the Association of Student Advancement Programs (ASAP) , an international organization made up of student alumni, philanthropy, and ambassador from campuses across the county, SAILS would be recognized as one of the top student groups in the country, receiving group, individual student and advisor recognition for the work they did at Lake State. SAILS would also host the ASAP District Five Conference, welcoming hundreds of college students from across the Midwest to campus and the Sault community.
Perhaps the greatest testament to Jastorff’s success was the lives of the students he touched while on campus. Jastorff operated with an open-door policy and the Vice President’s office would often be filled with students needing a listening ear or advice from a father figure. Jastorff would host student groups at his home, offering a warm meal to any college student who needed a little touch of home.
Jastorff’s influence is certainly evident today. Alumni from the SAILS group have continued to have an impact in the communities they live and serve. From social work to philanthropy, law enforcement to school administration, SAILS students have continued to live lives of impact. All while returning to the values they learned through Jastorff as part of SAILS
Alumni like Anna (Kerr) Holz ’03, who joined SAILS as a freshman at Lake State in the fall of 1998 and remained an active member until she graduated in 2003. Anna highlighted the work she did as part of the SAILS group. “We saw a lot of growth of SAILS in the time I was there – building on Great Lake State Weekend, including adding many new activities to the programming – expanding the tailgate, oozeball, etc.; hosting special guests in suites at hockey games; holding etiquette dinners; teaming up with other campus organizations during move-in weekend; cheering on the basketball teams (it’s not just about hockey!); participating in talent shows; and just really building a network of great individuals … the list really could go on.”
Holz went on to say, “I have a lot of fantastic memories of both individuals and events I was lucky to be included in as a part of the SAILS family. We had so many laughs at the alumni house just hanging out, and those are probably the heart of the memories I look back on. We shared joys and sadness both during our time on campus and after going out our separate ways, but there is and will always be a special connection that bounds us regardless of where we find ourselves today.”
After graduating from LSSU, Holz moved to Minnesota and found herself working as an environmental field chemist, until she landed at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (Minnesota’s environmental state agency) in 2005 and has been at the MPCA ever since.
Like Most SAILS alumni Holz credits Jastorff for his influence. “Mark Jastorff was a huge presence and influence on me and really encouraged me to become involved with SAILS. I came into Lake State on a path different from my initial college plans, which came with a lot of hesitation and being guarded. Mark recognized I needed to have a safe space to redefine what my path would be and was always willing to lend an ear and be a sounding board. I recall a specific conversation about changing my major and while he mostly let me talk it through, he also encouraged me to explore my interests and not worry about following a specified path if it was no longer right for me. A piece of advice that I carry with me, and often tell others who are trying to find their way: “Sometimes it’s just as important to find out what you don’t want to do.” That advice has served me well – I did, in fact, change my major to Environmental Science, added on the new Chemical Technology degree, and am now over twenty years later working in the environmental field and using that degree.”
Brad Ennes ’04 started in SAILS in 2000 – his freshman year – and was involved for all 4 years of college. Ennes recalls, “I loved going on trips and the relationships formed with my friends and the people I met from the other schools.” Like Holz, the Alumni House was an important place to Ennes. “My favorite memories were hanging out at the alumni house. It didn’t matter if we were stuffing envelopes or having a white elephant party as long as our group was there. I cannot think of a better way to spend 4-years of my life.”
After LSSU Ennes moved to Arizona and started a job in federal law enforcement. He now lives in Brimley and supervises federal agents. Ennes’ wife Billie (Goff) ’12 is an LSSU grad and a teacher in Pickford. The Ennes’ oldest son, Owen ’24, is also a graduate of LSSU, and is a police officer in the Sault.
Ennes also recognized the importance of SAILS in his future success. “SAILS impressed upon me the importance and ability for building relationships. I’ve used the skills learned from SAILS in meetings on hundred-million-dollar deals. I’ve learned that relationships are key, and they make life so much happier. Mark Jastorff has always been such an important person in my life,” commented Ennes. “I haven’t seen him in many years, but I still imagine the smile on his face whenever I have success in life. He treated all of us kids like we were his own. I love him for that. Thank you, Mark.”
Steve Habusta ’02, currently serves on staff at Lake State as the Director of Norris Center Operations. During his 4 years in SAILS, Habusta would perhaps get to spend the most time with Jastorff, as he was elected by the Association of Student Advancement programs to serve as the District Five Representative. Habusta and Jastorff would travel throughout North America meeting with student groups like SAILS. “Mark never let the stress of his position effect the students, instead he became the voice of influence we needed in our lives,” Habusta said. “Being 6 hours away from my dad, I needed someone to show me how to live a productive life as an adult and Mark filled that role for me and many others.”
As Habusta serves on campus, each day he is reminded of that example. “Mark’s legacy is something I try to live out each day. My office door is always open, and students are welcome in our home.” Like his mentor, Habusta hosts dinners and get-togethers for student groups. “Mark put students first and in doing so, had tremendous impact on campus, in the community and in hundreds of alumni lives across the country. My only hope is that I can set that example on campus today for the next generation of great Laker Alumni.”
Lake State will celebrate the founding of SAILS 30 years ago, with a SAILS Alumni reunion during this years GLSW. For more information contact the Alumni Office.
Enjoy these photos of SAILS from over the years!
