only in my own life, but throughout the region,” said Chuck Schmidt ‘75, chair of the South Hall Renovation Project. “Tomorrow’s business and community leaders will pass through the halls of LSSU and our unique ability to shape and inspire those leaders is a prized opportunity that deserves nothing less than excellence.” Schmidt said that for more than 40 years, business students have immersed themselves in the exceptional academic programs and personalized attention that is uniquely Lake State’s. Faculty have kept pace with 21st century teaching methods and business practices, but the lack of modern facilities for the School of Business in recent years has hampered this learning experience. Schmidt said there are critical reasons to support this project today, including: Absence of a facility hinders recruitment and enrollment. Prospective students choose universities with modern facilities and an identified building to house their program. Right now, LSSU business students are spread throughout the campus without program identity and a place to call home. Education flourishes in the right environment. The desired environment clusters classroom space, faculty offices, gathering places, and technology labs in one common CAPITAL INVESTMENT – First National Bank of St. Ignace President and CEO James North, left, presents a symbolic $10,000 check to LSSU Foundation Executive Director Tom Coates for LSSU’s South Hall Renovation Project. First National Bank has been a strong partner with LSSU since the late 1980s, helping high school graduates from the EUP attain the goal of a post-secondary education. First National’s $10,000 pledge gives the bank an opportunity to name the department chair’s office in the School of Business’ new home. setting. Students and faculty intermingle and the collegial environment becomes a catalyst for innovative thinking and learning. Proper preparation demands technology. In today’s climate of change, technology is the driving force and properly-prepared students must be knowledgeable of the tools available in their given specialty. Keeping pace with today’s technology cannot be considered a luxury in the competitive, post-secondary world. It is a fundamental need. Schmidt emphasized that the university must demonstrate to the State of Michigan that LSSU is up to the challenge to bring this project to fruition. He encouraged alumni and friends, parents and corporate partners to participate in the public phase of the project: The South Hall Opportunity. “Our campaign goals are ambitious, but so are our alumni and faculty – our most powerful assets,” Schmidt said. “We invite you to hear their voices as you learn more about our exceptional program, our overwhelming need for an appropriate facility, and the limitless potential that is unique to Lake State.” Watch a “fly-through” animation of the building design and learn more about the project by visiting lssu.edu/soho or contact the LSSU Foundation at 906-635-2665 or [email protected]. Lambdas seek to name suite after Saluja Enterprising members of the Lambda Sigma Beta business fraternity have undertaken an initiative to honor Prof. Madan Saluja’s long career at LSSU and his impact on so many in the School of Business. A micro-campaign was recently launched with a goal to raise $150,000 from the Lambda brothers to name an office suite in the first level of the new South Hall in his honor. The “Saluja Damn Good Office Suite” refers to Prof. Saluja’s longtime assertion that a ‘C’ is a “damn good grade” in his classes. 4 Part of the office suite will be reserved for Saluja’s use now and, upon retirement, will be made available to him and fellow retired Business School faculty. Space in the suite will be designated to house the fraternity’s memorabilia, as well as to recognize the Lambda Business scholarship recipients and honor the School of Business Distinguished Alumni. To make an investment in the Saluja Suite, contact Tom Coates ’86, LSSU Foundation Executive Director, 906-635-6670 or tcoates@lssu. edu.