Lake Superior State University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Lake Superior State University (LSSU), situated in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates across various fields. From professional athletes and politicians to surgeons and scientists, LSSU alumni have made significant contributions to their respective industries and communities. This article explores the notable alumni of Lake Superior State University, highlighting their achievements and the impact they have had on the world.
A Hub of Academic and Athletic Excellence
Lake Superior State University was established in 1946 to serve the needs of returning World War II veterans and provide educational opportunities to the people of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The institution was originally a branch of Michigan College of Mining & Technology, now known as Michigan Technological University. Over the years, LSSU has grown into a comprehensive university offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificates.
LSSU's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its various programs and facilities. The Center for Applied Science and Engineering Technology (CASET) houses the School of Engineering and Technology, as well as the School of Mathematics and Computer Science. The Kenneth J. Shouldice Library provides resources for students in Social Sciences, Business, English, and Communications. The R.W. Considine Hall, home to LSSU's Lukenda School of Business, offers state-of-the-art teaching and meeting facilities.
In addition to academics, LSSU has a strong athletic tradition. The university's athletic teams, known as the Lakers, compete in NCAA Division II in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), with the exception of the men's ice hockey team, which is a Division I program. The Norris Center is the main building for recreation and houses the Athletic Department, Cooper Gym, Taffy Abel Arena, and the Student Activity Center (SAC).
Notable Alumni in Athletics
Lake Superior State University has a long history of producing successful athletes, particularly in ice hockey. Several LSSU alumni have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) and other professional leagues.
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Ice Hockey Stars
Doug Weight: An American former professional ice hockey player, coach, and executive, Doug Weight played for several NHL teams, including the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, and the New York Islanders. He also served as the head coach and assistant general manager for the New York Islanders. Weight attended LSSU from 1989 to 1991 and established the Doug Weight Hockey Endowment in 2002 to support Laker hockey operations.
Steven Oleksy: An American former professional ice hockey defenseman, Steven Oleksy played in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pete Stauber: An American politician, former professional hockey player, and retired law enforcement officer, Pete Stauber represents Minnesota's 8th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He has represented the district since 2019.
Bates Battaglia: An American former professional ice hockey left winger, Bates Battaglia played in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Brian Rolston: An American former professional ice hockey player, Brian Rolston played for the Boston Bruins and other NHL teams. He won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and the World Cup of Hockey in 1996 playing for the United States.
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Jim Dowd: An American former professional ice hockey center, Jim Dowd played in the NHL for ten different teams. He won the 1995 Stanley Cup with his hometown New Jersey Devils.
John Grahame: An American former professional ice hockey goaltender, John Grahame played in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes. He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.
Buddy Robinson: An American professional ice hockey forward, Buddy Robinson is currently playing under contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
Zach Trotman: An American former professional ice hockey defenseman, Zach Trotman played in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Taffy Abel: An American professional ice hockey player, Clarence John "Taffy" Abel played in the NHL with the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks. He was the first United States-born Native American player to become an NHL regular.
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Kellan Lain: A Canadian former professional ice hockey forward, Kellan Lain most recently played for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.
Will Acton: An American-born Canadian former professional ice hockey player, William Kevin Acton played with the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL.
Kevin Czuczman: A Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, Kevin Czuczman is currently playing with HC Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga (ELH).
Derek Smith: A Canadian-American former professional ice hockey player, Derek Smith formerly played with the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames in the NHL.
Nathan Perkovich: A Croatian American former professional ice hockey player, Nathan Perkovich was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the 8th round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Other Athletes
Eric Menk: A Filipino-American former professional basketball player, Eric Menk played in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the ASEAN Basketball League. He was the 2004-05 PBA Most Valuable Player.
Terry McDermott: An American gold and silver medal-winning Olympic speed skater, Richard Terrance McDermott was nicknamed The Essexville Rocket.
Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service
Lake Superior State University has also produced several notable alumni who have gone on to serve in politics and public service.
Pete Stauber: As mentioned earlier, Pete Stauber is an American politician who represents Minnesota's 8th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.
Christine Hogarth: A Canadian politician, Christine C. G. Hogarth is a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in Ontario, Canada. She represents the electoral district of Etobicoke-Lakeshore as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party.
Gary McDowell: An American politician, Gary J. McDowell served in the Michigan House of Representatives for three terms.
Notable Alumni in Medicine and Science
Lake Superior State University has a strong reputation for its science and pre-medical programs. Several LSSU alumni have gone on to successful careers in medicine and science.
Stephen Mulholland: A Canadian surgeon and scholar, Stephen Mulholland is an expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has appeared on television shows such as The Today Show, The Doctors, and The View.
Anita Saluja: A dermatologist and LSSU graduate, Anita Saluja earned her medical degree at the age of 20 from The University of Michigan. In March 2017, she founded Dermatology + Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, FL, alongside her partner and fellow LSSU grad, plastic surgeon Rebecca (Johnson) Novo, MD ‘04. She graduated in 1992 summa cum laude with a BS in Mathematics at the age of 15.
Ashley O’Dwyer: An optometrist and LSSU graduate, Ashley O’Dwyer graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2013, with her Honors Degree of Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry Pre-Professional, and is licensed to practice optometry in Alaska and Michigan.
Alumni Awards and Recognition
Lake Superior State University recognizes its outstanding alumni through various awards and events.
Outstanding Alumnus Award: The highest honor that the university bestows on graduates, the Outstanding Alumnus Award recognizes recipients for their accomplishments within and outside of LSSU as leaders in their region.
Kenneth J. Shouldice Professional Achievement Award: This award honors individuals whose personal and professional successes serve as outstanding examples to LSSU graduates. The award is named after Kenneth Shouldice, who is considered by some to be a founding father of LSSU.
Paul E. Ripley Award for Young Alumni: This award recognizes people who have found success early in their careers after leaving LSSU.
Athletic Hall of Fame: The Lake Superior State Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, and teams who have made significant contributions to LSSU athletics.
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