More than 300 students part of LSSU's Class of 2024
SAULT STE. MARIE — On Saturday, more than 300 Lake Superior State University students walked across the stage, taking the next steps in their lives as college graduates.
LSSU hosted its 62nd annual commencement and graduation ceremony at Taffy Abel Arena on May 4. The ceremony was introduced by Interim President Lynn Gillette, who presented degrees and introduced guest speakers.
More: LSSU salutes Class of 2024
The keynote speaker, LSSU graduate Claude Denker, has gone on to build a successful career as president of the Penske Corporation. Denker spoke to students about the things that make life easier and encouraged them to achieve great things.
Denker also told students that when it comes to building a happy life, they should focus on the four Ls — live, learn, love and luck.
"Congratulations to you on this amazing achievement. The diligence you have put in over this four or five years of effort to be recognized here today is amazing," said Denker. "The thing about this class is that because of the pandemic, many of you never received this distinguished opportunity to walk across the stage in high school."
To emphasize the role that luck plays in a successful career and life, and encourage them to try anyways, Denker handed out scratch-off lotto tickets to students as they walked across the stage.
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The college also announced its Distinguished Teacher of the Year award during the ceremony. Kimberly Muller presented the award to Professor Adam Mosey.
"This teacher had been nominated for the Distinguished Teaching Award by multiple students. One student remarked, 'They played a role in my academic and personal growth. They saw potential in me when I doubted my abilities and their belief in my abilities helped during challenging times.' Not only is this professor viewed as a mentor, but also as a source of inspiration," said Muller.
Student speaker Emilee McDaniel graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Science of Biology with a pre-veterinary concentration.
In her speech, McDaniel talked about the many challenges her class faced. Being freshmen during the beginning of the pandemic, their college experience was greatly different than most people, yet they still found a way to thrive.
"We made strong friendships to last through those times. Thank you to all of our friends and family," said McDaniel.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: More than 300 students part of LSSU's Class of 2024
