LSSU Scholarships

Dr. Harry Pike started his career at LSSC as Dean of Students in 1969 and served in various administrative capacities until retiring in 1997. His steady support of Laker Athletics as a vital cog in the student-service operations, coupled with his 28 years of service to the University is testimony in naming a merit-based athletic scholarship in his honor. This scholarship selection is based on a recommendation from the LSSU Athletic Department.

Dr. Kenneth J. Shouldice was the first president of Lake Superior State University (1965-82) and  who led LSSU through its most significant period of growth. He saw the institution grow from a branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology into an autonomous degree-granting institution. In 1976 he created the University’s scholarship endowment program offering financial aid support for the growing student population – many of whom were the first in their family to attend college. Many buildings such as Crawford Hall, James Norris Center, the Center for Applied Science and Engineering Technology, student residence halls, the Walker Cisler Student and Conference Center and the LSSU library that bears his name were constructed during his tenure. He was a man who possessed a tremendous drive and commitment to the University’s success. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to both entering freshmen and current LSSU students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Dr. Kenneth F. Light was president of Lake Superior State College (now LSSU) from 1982-1986. Light had a presence with the University for 15 years and a career in higher education that spanned three decades. While president at LSSC, he was instrumental in establishing the LSSU Foundation as the fund-raising arm of the institution in 1983. Also during his tenure, the University’s aquatic research laboratory was established, and academic programs such as engineering technology and fire science. Successful candidates may major in any course of study with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students who are not current recipients of any LSSU scholarship and who demonstrate scholastic achievement and/or GPA improvement during their LSSU experience.

Dr. Kevin and Pamela Cooper established their named scholarship to benefit students enrolled in the LSSU pre-dentistry  or pre-med program.  Successful candidates must have earned at least 26 LSSU credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA and preference given to students who are graduates of a Michigan Upper Peninsula high school. Son of Laker legend Ronald “Bud” Cooper, Kevin grew up on the LSSU campus. He attended LSSU earning his B.S. and his dental degree at the University of Michigan. Pam also attended LSSU earning her Associates Degree and a dental hygiene degree from the University of Michigan. The Coopers are very involved with the local community and are strong supporters of Lake Superior State University.

Dr. Lou Lukenda attended LSSU from 1948-1950 before completing the academic requirements for a doctor of dental surgery degree from University of Toronto. His fondness for LSSU always remained strong. He was the recipient of LSSU’s Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1983, and he served on the LSSU Foundation’s board of directors from 1987-2005. He received an LSSU honorary doctorate degree in 2007. In May 2001, when the Lou and Mae Lukenda Alumni House was established and dedicated, Dr. Lukenda remarked, “My central interests in life over the years…have been in education and health.” It is in this spirit that the Lukenda’s established this scholarship. Successful candidates must be a graduate of an Ontario, Canada high school with 26 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students who are majoring in nursing, pre-medical, pre-dentistry, or elementary-secondary education programs.

This scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Robert D. Arbuckle, the University’s fourth president from 1992-2001. The University enjoyed spectacular improvements in the physical plant of more than $60 million dollars of capital construction projects completed in Arbuckle’s tenure, including: expansion or renovation of the Kenneth J. Shouldice Library, Crawford Hall of Science; Student Activity Center which is named in his honor; and the Norris Center’s Taffy Abel Ice Arena. Upon his retirement in 2002, he became known as the “Students’ President” who touched many lives and left a lasting stamp on this campus. This scholarship is merit based and awarded to both incoming freshmen and current students.

Anthony Dulimba graduated from LSSU in 1995 with degrees in automated manufacturing engineering technology, computer engineering, and electrical engineering technology. He started his own company, ADD Software LLC in 2007.  In 2011, he established an annual scholarship to assist students in the career that has been so beneficial to him.  In 2020, Anthony established an endowment to honor his family and provide education and career opportunities for LSSU engineering students. Successful candidates must be a junior with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in electrical engineering or computer engineering with preference given to those in the robotics program.

This scholarship was established by Earl and Barbara Larson to honor Barbara’s father, Don Prohazka. In 1948, Prohazka was named to the Board of Control for the Soo Branch of Houghton’s Michigan College of Mining and Technology (later to become Lake Superior State University). Upon his acceptance he said, “College education for the youth of our State becomes increasingly more necessary in this era…and more particularly to those of our immediate area. I shall consider it my duty to furnish the opportunity for all young people seeking better living through knowledge.” Successful candidates must be a graduate of the Eastern Upper Peninsula high school with selection based on academic excellence.

In 1989, Robert Walker, consummate traveler of seven continents and dedicated career educator, established this named scholarship to honor his parents Earl and Minnie, longtime residents and community leaders in Strongs, Mich. Earl is remembered as “Slippery” Walker, professional wrestler of the 1930s. He was a subject in John T. Nevill’s book, Wanderings, which offered tales of northern Michigan. Earl was also known as one of the last of the old-time politicians who took a personal interest in every person of his district. He served as a democrat in the local political spectrum for more than 50 years. Minnie, in addition to raising four sons and two daughters, was the Strongs, MI postmaster for 30 years. Upon his death in 2001, Robert continued his family’s legacy by naming LSSU as a beneficiary of his estate. Successful candidates must demonstrate academic excellence.

Dr. Edeltraute “Terry” Vialpando came to Sault Ste. Marie in 1967, where she began a long career of teaching foreign languages, mostly French, for the Sault Branch of Michigan Tech, later LSSU. She received the LSSU Distinguished Teaching Award in 1981. This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a LSSU study abroad program to travel to a country where English is not the 1^st language. Successful candidates must have earned 56 LSSU credits with a minimum 3.0.

Jim Smith and Tom Wiles are both graduates of Bedford High School (1972) and classmates at Lake Superior State College. Upon their retirement, they returned to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. “Our experiences as students at Lake Superior State College in the 1970s to our present stage of life, have been the foundation for our desire to fund an award for an incoming freshman and a science scholarship to a current student. They have issued their recipients a challenge: To apply all the knowledge that you have/will learn for the benefit of generations present and future.

The science scholarship is given to a student of sophomore status with a minimum 3.0 GPA who is seeking a career path as a scientist. The hope of the future lies not in curbing the influence of human occupancy – it is already too late for that – but in creating a better understanding of the extent of that influence and a new ethic for its governance. ― Aldo Leopold, Game Management

The Joseph and Bonnie Halvorsen Memorial Endowment was established by the Halvorsen’s five children to honor their parents and to provide financial assistance to a sophomore student pursuing a career as a park ranger for the State of Michigan or National Park Service. Joseph and Bonnie were married in 1952 shortly after Halvorsen began his career with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Between 1963 and 1977, Halvorsen managed F. J. McLain State Park in Hancock, Grand Haven State Park, Brimley State Park, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park until his retirement in 1991. Despite all these accomplishments, Halvorsen always felt his advancement was curtailed because he lacked a college degree. He spent the last years of his career training people who would go on to surpass him, always willing to assist and provide advice because of his love and commitment for the job.

Professor Emeritus Raymond Chelberg and his wife Marian were one of the original faculty families at the Michigan College of Mining and Technology, Sault Branch in 1946. From that time until he retired in 1970, Professor Chelberg was chair of the Chemistry Department. He was a dedicated teacher for more than 44 years and was remembered for his personal, caring and effective approach to teaching. Marian taught music appreciation at Lake State and was one of the founders of the Musicale. She was choir director at Central United Methodist Church and was one of the first women invited to join the Rotary Club. Together, Raymond and Marian significantly enhanced the scientific, athletic and cultural aspects of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding community. The Chelberg scholarship is awarded to a natural science major, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, who demonstrates leadership abilities and contributes significantly to the success of the athletic team on which he or she is a letter-winner.

This named endowment was established by Mary Lubs Thomsen to honor her late husband, Viggo. Both were long-time residents of Sault Ste. Marie and former employees of LSSU. Mary was director of Public Relations and Viggo served for 27 years as a faculty member of the Biology Department. The scholarship provides financial assistance to LSSU students majoring in the biological sciences, pre-pharmacy, pre-medical and/or pre-dental programs.

This scholarship honors Michael Della-Moretta, a 1977 alumnus and Navy pilot killed in 1981 while serving aboard the USS Independence off the coast of Iran. He once said the happiest years of his life were at Lake Superior State University. The award is given to an Eastern U.P. resident with an interest in biological science or lab science major (including math and computer science) who has achieved academic excellence.

This named endowment was established by Mary Lubs Thomsen to honor her late husband, Viggo. Both were long-time residents of Sault Ste. Marie and former employees of LSSU. Mary was director of Public Relations and Viggo served for 27 years as a faculty member of the Biology Department. The scholarship provides financial assistance to LSSU students majoring in the biological sciences, pre-pharmacy, pre-medical and/or pre-dental programs.

This scholarship honors Michael Della-Moretta, a 1977 alumnus and Navy pilot killed in 1981 while serving aboard the USS Independence off the coast of Iran. He once said the happiest years of his life were at Lake Superior State University. The award is given to an Eastern U.P. resident with an interest in biological science or lab science major (including math and computer science) who has achieved academic excellence.

In 2005, the family of Russell Pattison established this scholarship as an expression of his appreciation to Nancy Miller for her friendship and healthcare services. This scholarship is presented to a nursing student who has earned at least 26 LSSU credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a desire to pursue a career in the public healthcare sector.

Drs. Patrick and MaryAnne P. Shannon have provided scholarships to students at LSSU since 1983 in recognition to the scholarship donors who provided them financial assistance to earn their undergraduate degrees. MaryAnne is an advanced practice nurse in geriatrics who earned her PhD from MSU. Patrick is a practicing attorney who earned his law degree from U of D, and his EdD from CMU. This scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior nursing student with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students interested in geriatrics.

The named scholarship is established by Robert Pfaff in memory of his wife, Patricia, who was a member of the first class of registered nurses to graduate from Lake Superior State College in 1972.  Patricia worked in various capacities during her 34-year nursing career and retired in January 2006. Robert is a 1972 LSSC Business alum and has been licensed by the State of Michigan to practice as a certified public accountant since March 1976. Successful candidates must be accepted into the BSN program with at least 26 LSSU credits and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Nursing faculty.

This scholarship was created in 2006 by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science faculty as a tool to retain highly qualified students at LSSU. Successful recipients must be a major in mathematics or computer science or pursuing a degree in math education with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This endowed scholarship was established to honor one of the charter faculty of Sault Branch of Michigan College of Mining and Technology. Franklin spent 30 years (1948-1978) as a mathematics professor and was the University’s first faculty athletic representative, serving 12 years during the early development of the Laker athletic program. He was instrumental in the development of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). In 1999, Franklin was posthumously inducted to the LSSU Athletic Hall of Fame for his invaluable contributions to the Laker athletic program. Wanda was a homemaker who was very active in her church, the LSSU Faculty Wives’ organization, and a strong supporter of the University and of her husband’s participation in a wide range of academic and athletic interests. The recipient must be a sophomore mathematics or computer science major with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their major courses.

This scholarship was established in 2001 by Galen Harrison (1938-2022) to provide financial assistance to math and computer science majors. Harrison was a long-time LSSU Professor of Mathematics who taught at Lake State from 1963 until his retirement in 1996. Mr. Harrison believed in the importance of higher education and understood that many students need financial support while working towards their educational and career goals.

This endowed scholarship was established by Galen H. Harrison (1938-2022), a graduate of Pickford High School and LSSU Professor of Mathematics (1963-1996). Mr. Harrison believed in the importance of higher education and understood that many students need financial support while working towards their educational and career goals. Successful candidates must be an incoming freshman who is a Pickford High School graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in biology, chemistry, geology, nursing, mathematics, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental chemistry, or environmental science.

This endowed scholarship was established by LSSU professor emeritus Gerald Samson (1928-2022). During his career at LSSU, Professor Samson received the LSSU Distinguished Teacher award in 1974 and Emeritus Status in 1990. He could recite a plethora of poems he learned in grade school, remember all the words to the songs he loved from the 30s and 40s (anything after 1950 wasn’t music), solve complex math equations just for fun, read books, books, and more books from the classics, to science, to mysteries and was known as a crossword puzzle aficionado. He loved the phrase “look it up” and spent much time doing just that about any topic that interested him. Selection is based on the recommendation of the LSSU mathematics and computer science faculty.

This scholarship honors Michael Della-Moretta, a 1977 alumnus and Navy pilot killed in 1981 while serving aboard the USS Independence off the coast of Iran. He once said the happiest years of his life were at Lake Superior State University. The award is given to an Eastern U.P. resident with an interest in biological science or lab science major (including math and computer science) who has achieved academic excellence.

This endowment was established by Catherine Gianakura Rogg to honor her parents, Peter and Georgia. At the time of her high school graduation, Georgia was planning to attend Michigan State University to become a mathematics teacher until her father became ill. She made the choice to care for her father and attend to the needs of her family. Longing for a career as a photojournalist, Peter was unable to pursue his education due to his commitment to his father’s business, The American Café, and to his family. In honor of her parents who sacrificed their education and career dreams for the care and well being of their families, Catherine created two scholarships to be granted annually to a student who is seeking a career in Journalism and to a student who is pursuing a degree in Education with a major in Mathematics.

A founder of the Chippewa County Employees Credit Union and a longtime Sault High School math teacher, Rosa Grout, enlightened more than 2,000 students on the beauty and precision of math. “I still hear from many of them who thank me for the structure and discipline that geometry instilled into their lives,” she recalled shortly before her death in 2004 at the age of 95. Grout’s spirit of education carries on in the form of a math, science and technical studies scholarship endowment she created in 1992. The student recipient is a major in engineering technology, mathematics, or computer science. Selection of the award is based upon high school GPA, ACT score and high school class rank.

This scholarship was established to honor William Gregory, former president of Edison Sault Electric Company. He served as a member of the LSSU Board of Trustees, the LSSU Foundation Board of Directors, and received LSSU’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 1986.  LSSU President Robert Arbuckle once stated, “Bill Gregory has actively supported the University with his talent and treasure for over 25 years. No one in this region is more devoted to Lake State.” Successful candidates must be a junior majoring in engineering, mathematics, business, biology or fisheries and wildlife management with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This endowment was established by family and friends in memory of Chris Reinke, a natural resources technology (NRT) student, 1986-88. Chris was known as a free-spirited, independent young man who had a great love for the outdoors. It was because of his love for the woods and water that he chose the natural resources program at LSSU. His untimely death in 1988 left an indelible mark on Lake State students and to all who knew him. One of his friends, Cindy (Nocerini) Dingell, commented that Chris lived by the old phrase, “live each day like it was your first and every minute like it was your last.” This award assists a sophomore NRT student with a minimum 2.0 GPA who has a sincere dedication to the NRT field. Selection is based on the recommendation of the NRT faculty.

This scholarship was established by the Straits Area Ostomy Association to financially assist a LSSU nursing student who is interested in working with ostomy clients. The Association has been in existence since 1974 and covers Michigan’s northern lower peninsula and the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Successful candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and is based on the recommendation of the LSSU Nursing faculty.

This scholarship was established in memory of Tempie Dubow, a 1973 LSSU nursing graduate who trained at hospitals in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. At the time of her death, she was on the nursing staff of Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Tempie exemplified the spirit of nursing. “She chose nursing because she loved to help people and her very presence made patients feel better,” said Margaret Pieper, former director of nursing training at LSSU. “She possessed a spirit and enthusiasm that was an inspiration to all of her classmates.” Selection is based on a demonstrated commitment to nursing, academic achievement and potential for leadership.

This endowment was established in 1994 with a bequest from a client of an Indiana-affiliated facility to Tendercare (Michigan) Inc., then Michigan’s largest long-term care provider. The funds were, in turn, donated to LSSU to benefit students who major in a healthcare field with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship endowment is established in memory of Richard & Marjorie Gulliver’s son, Rick, and in appreciation of Marjorie’s career as an RN as well as their family’s loyalty to the University and community. Marjorie (TenEyck) (1930-2022) grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. She received a scholarship to Michigan College of Mining & Technology – Soo Branch 1948-49. She later graduated from the Edward W. Sparrow Hospital School of Nursing in Lansing. Their son, Richard (Rick) Stuart Gulliver attended LSSU just prior to his death from a brain tumor in 1980.

Maurice and Vivian Day, former residents of Sault Ste. Marie and strong supporters of Lake Superior State University, established the Vivian M. Day Endowed Nursing Scholarship in 1995. Vivian was a longtime registered nurse and it was their wish to recognize a nursing student of sophomore status who demonstrates leadership and dedication to the nursing profession.