Photo credit via LSSU/Berg Lake Superior State University's graduation ceremony was held on May 5 in Sault Ste. Marie.

ESCANABA — Thirteen area residents have successfully completed their requirements for a bachelor’s degree and two area residents also earned an associate’s degree from Lake Superior State University. Degrees were conferred on May 5.

Graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting are Bailey Dalgord of Escanaba, Jerri DeMenter of Rapid River, and Breeanne Smith of Iron Mountain; dual majoring in accounting and business administration-management is Emily Maule of Iron Mountain; in business administration-entrepreneurship is Cassandra Steele of Iron Mountain; in business administration-management are Chelsea Auge of Gladstone and Rachel Leckson of Manistique; in business administration are Esperanza Albanys of Iron River, Tammy Wilber of Rapid River, and Diane Pascoe of Escanaba; in criminal justice is Andrew Miller of Escanaba; and in early childhood education are Tessa Cocco of Carney and LeAnn Salmi of Gladstone.

Albanys minored in international business, Wilber minored in marketing and web design, and Pascoe minored in marketing. Cocco and Salmi also graduated with an associate degree in general studies with a behavioral science concentration.

Dalgord, DeMenter, Pascoe, and Steele graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning a 3.90-4.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale; Auge, Cocco, and Maule graduated magna cum laude earning 3.70-3.89; and Salmi and Smith graduated with cum laude honors, earning a 3.50-3.69 GPA on a 4.00 scale.

“Being able to transfer so easily from Bay College to the LSSU’s Regional Campus was great,” said Salmi. “I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree without ever having to travel far away. It was very cost-effective, the teachers were personable and effective, and the staff was always there to help. Getting my bachelor’s degree in early childhood was something I never thought I could do locally, but Lake Superior State University made it possible.”

Dalgord added, “The best part of the program was being able to complete all four years without having to move. I was able to keep my part-time job during school, where I’m now working full-time as an accountant. I would not have had that head start in my career if it wasn’t for the regional center.”

The graduates were taking classes at Bay College, which offers LSSU baccalaureate programs in Escanaba and Iron Mountain through a partnership with LSSU. For more information on degree programs available, please contact Berg at (906) 217-4123 or hberg@lssu.edu, or friend LSSU on Facebook.