Did you know the Great Lakes basin holds more than 80 percent of North America’s fresh water, and a stunning 20 percent of global fresh water?
The Great Lakes are a critical but finite resource. We don’t always get good results when critical decisions about fresh water are made too quickly or without enough research.
Lake Superior State University has an outstanding track record in fresh water protection. We also have the perfect location and an eager student workforce. We can play a pivotal role in the future health of the Great Lakes and Michigan’s economy.
That’s why we’re pleased to introduce the new Richard and Theresa Barch Center for Research and Education. This amazing Center will be a flagship project for student and faculty recruitment. It will also lead the way for high-quality research centered on this state’s most irreplaceable resource:
fresh water.
Funding
We will receive $8.85 of the $14 million total for this project from the State of Michigan if our community does its part. That’s a huge economic bonus for this region.
We need your help! Join us to Fund to the Finish Line and help us raise the remaining dollars needed to make this incredible project a reality for LSSU, for the community and for the commitment to fresh water research and education.
We met the Challenge!
Thank you to the many donors who helped us complete the challenge to raise $500,000 in new funds.
New gifts made to the Center for Freshwater Research and Education by September 30, 2019 were matched, dollar for dollar, by a generous gift from Richard & Theresa Barch.

“Theresa and I have been advocates of the work being done by the students, faculty, and staff at the ARL for many years. It is our pleasure to provide this support to make this project happen and take their research and fish stocking to a new level. We hope others will join us in helping make this facility a reality.”
Richard Barch
Campaign Co-Chair