New LGBTQ+ scholarship introduced at Lake Superior State University

A new $1,200 scholarship is available at Lake Superior State University benefitting the school’s LGBTQ+ community. The announcement of the new scholarship was made by LSSU’s president Dr. Rodney S. Hanley on February 20th.

The scholarship is called The Rodney S. Hanley and Sara Gunhus-Hanley LGBTQ+ Endowed Scholarship, and will distribute financial assistance to students who are contributors to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied community at Lake Superior State University. This is a first-of-its-kind scholarship at the school and will be awarded for the first time in the spring semester of the 2023-24 school year. Dr. Hanley and his wife have promised $31,000 for the scholarship.

In an article from MLive, Dr. Hanley was quoted on the creation of the scholarship, saying, “Sara and I are proud to be able to create this scholarship at LSSU. We both recognize the importance and responsibility of the university to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among faculty, staff, and students. Diversity within a university community not only promotes a healthy and robust learning environment but also promotes social justice for all.”

President of the student group SAGE (or Sexuality and Gender Equality) Madeline Mazella was present at the scholarship signing ceremony and noted, “In today’s world, you find at times there isn’t much support. By establishing this scholarship, Dr. and Mrs. Hanley have demonstrated their acceptance of diversity for people who need it to feel safe, welcomed, and valued. This is a great step in the right direction for the community and especially on campus,” she said.

More information about the Rodney S. Hanley and Sara Gunhus-Hanley LGBTQ+ Endowed Scholarship, supporting an existing scholarship fund at lLake Superior State University, or establishing a new scholarship can be gained by contacting the LSSU Advancement Office at foundation@lssu.edu or by phone at 906-635-2665. Anyone wishing to make a gift to a scholarship fund can find information about doing so on the school's giving page.

Lake Superior State University was founded in 1946 at the site of the former U.S. Army Fort Brady. The school has nearly 2,000 undergraduate students, of which 88% are Michigan students from every county. 

More information about Lake Superior State University can be found at the school’s website.