Each year, the Alumni Association and the University honor the parents of a current
Lake Superior State University student. Nominations are solicited from current students
and must include an essay explaining “Why my parent(s) should be Parents of the
Year.”
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 eight of the Mansfield children attended Lake State and most of their sons and
daughters-in-laws are LSSU alumni as well. A third generation – Jeff, son of Susan
(Mansfield) and Paul Sullivan of Big Rapids, graduated from LSSU in 2002.
The Mansfield family’s academic association with LSSU spanned almost two decades,
a total of 19 years, Regretfully, Bud Mansfield 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 our children to go to college.”

Bud and Mary Mansfield
Bud and Mary Mansfield

2019 – Darlene McNichol

Mother of Sarah McNichol
Richmond, MI

2018 – Gregory & Gail Thebo

Parents of Kaitlyn Thebo
Trufant, Michigan

2017 – Ed & Lori Miller

Great Aunt & Uncle of Victoria Jordan
Barbeau, Michigan

2016 – Fred Becker

Father of Elisabeth Becker
Holly, Michigan

2015 – Arthur & Memory Massey

Parents of Payton Massey
Pellston, Michigan

2014 – Matthew & Mary Slocum

Friends and Advocates for Kaitlyn Brogan
East Lansing, Michigan

2013 – John & Karen VanDusen

Parents of Melody VanDusen
Williamsburg, Michigan

2012 – John & Rita Plotzke

Parents of John Plotzke
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

2011 – Kevin & Teresa Gordon

Parents of Michael Gordon
Redford, Michigan

2010 – Suzzanne Luton

Mother of Lisa Luton
Mancelona, Michigan

2009 – Bill & Candi McAlvey

Aunt & Uncle of Cheyenne Shinabarger
Carson City, Michigan

2008 – Debbie Garcia

Mother of Angela Chartier
Menominee, Michigan

2007 – Dan Zeiger

Father of Amy Zieger
Lansing, Michigan

2006 – Dale & Joan Betcher

Parents of Michelle Betcher
Trout Lake, Michigan

2005 – Will & Claudia Kaul

Parents of Cicely Kaul
Afton, Minnesota

2004 – Thomas & Penny Underwood

Parents of Lance Underwood
Danville, Michigan

2003 – Neil & Cindy Gallaway

Parents of Cory Gallaway
Lewiston, Michigan

2002 – Wayne & Sue King

Parents of Tiffany King,
Freeland, Michigan

2001 – Phil & Christine Butler

Parents of Courtney Butler
Elk Rapids, Michigan

2000 Donna Vinette

Mother of Nicole Vinette
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

1999 – Emily Chandauka

Mother of Sophie Chandauka
Zimbabwe, Africa

1998 – Patricia Johnson

Mother of Candy Johnson
Perry, Michigan