Sault Ste. Marie, MI — Lake Superior State University President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley and his wife, Sara Gunhus-Hanley, have created a scholarship that will provide financial assistance to students who excel in their contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allied community (LGBTQ+) at LSSU.
Known as the Rodney S. Hanley and Sara Gunhus-Hanley LGBTQ+ Endowed Scholarship, it will benefit a student who exemplifies leadership and service within the university LGBTQ+ community, study, and research vis-à-vis LGBTQ+ issues and a commitment to supporting the progress of LGBTQ+ civil rights movements. This scholarship, worth $1,200 annually, is the first of its kind at LSSU.
“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,” said Dr. Hanley, who with his wife committed $31,000 for the scholarship. “Diversity within a university community not only promotes a healthy and robust learning environment but also promotes social justice for all.”
He added, “Every student should have equal access to learning and be treated fairly by the learning community. We’ve heard from our students that feeling valued and supported by their instructors and fellow classmates is important to them and reinforces that they are respected members of our campus community.”
Representatives from the student group SAGE (Sexuality and Gender Equality) were present during the signing ceremony. SAGE President Madeline Mazella commented, “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.”
To learn more about the Rodney S. Hanley and Sara Gunhus-Hanley LGBTQ+ Endowed Scholarship, or about establishing a scholarship or supporting an existing fund at Lake Superior State University, contact the LSSU Advancement Office at 906-635-2665 or foundation@lssu.edu. Those who wish to make a gift may also visit advancement.lssu.edu/give-
