Bud and Mary Mansfield Parent of the Year Recipients
Each year, the Alumni Association and the University honors the parents of a current Lake Superior State University student. Nominations are solicited from the campus and must include an essay explaining “Why my Parents should be Parents of the Year.” The selection committee consists of faculty, staff, administration and a student.
The award is named in honor of Bud and Mary Mansfield. Bud, who was the Executive Director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, was also a member of the very first class to attend the Sault Branch of the Michigan College of Mining and Technology in 1946. All 8 of the Mansfield children attended LSSU and most of their sons and daughters-in-law are LSSU alumni as well. A third generation – Jeff, son of Susan (Mansfield) and Paul Sullivan of Big Rapids, graduated from LSSU in 2002. Regrettfully, Bud has passed on but he once recalled, gratefully, that “Without Lake State, I don’t think it would have been possible for all eight of my children to go to college.”
Awarded for 2015
Arthur & Memory Massey, Parents of Payton Massey
Pellston, Michigan
Awarded for 2014
Matthew & Mary Slocum, Friends and Advocates for Kaitlyn Brogan
East Lansing, Michigan
Awarded for 2013
John & Karen VanDusen, Parents of Melody VanDusen
Williamsburg, Michigan
Awarded for 2012
John & Rita Plotzke, Parents of John Plotzke
St. Clair Shores, Michigan
Awarded for 2011
Kevin & Teresa Gordon, Parents of Michael Gordon
Redford, Michigan
Awarded for 2010
Suzzanne Luton, Mother of Lisa Luton
Mancelona, Michigan
Awarded for 2009
Bill & Candi McAlvey, Aunt & Uncle of Cheyenne Shinabarger
Carson City, Michigan
Awarded for 2008
Debbie Garcia, Mother of Angela Chartier
Menominee, Michigan
Awarded for 2007
Dan Zeiger, Father of Amy Zieger
Lansing, Michigan
Awarded for 2006
Dale & Joan Betcher, Parents of Michelle Betcher
Trout Lake, Michigan
Awarded for 2005
Will & Claudia Kaul, Parents of Cicely Kaul
Afton, Minnesota
Awarded for 2004
Thomas & Penny Underwood, Parents of Lance Underwood
Danville, Michigan
Awarded for 2003
Neil & Cindy Gallaway, Parents of Cory Gallaway
Lewiston, Michigan
Awarded for 2002
Wayne & Sue King, Parents of Tiffany King,
Freeland, Michigan
Awarded for 2001
Phil & Christine Butler, Parents of Courtney Butler
Elk Rapids, Michigan
Awarded for 2000
Donna Vinette, Mother of Nicole Vinette
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Awarded for 1999
Emily Chandauka, Mother of Sophie Chandauka
Zimbabwe, Africa
Awarded for 1998
Patricia Johnson, Mother of Candy Johnson
Perry, Michigan