[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9309-S9310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Lake Superior 
State University on the 50th anniversary of its founding. The 
University has a long and interesting history.
  In 1822, Colonel Hugh Brady established a fort in Sault Ste. Marie 
along the Saint Mary's River. The fort was later named after Colonel 
Brady, its first commanding officer. In 1866, Fort Brady was rebuilt to 
protect the State lock and canal from invasion or destruction. In 1892, 
Fort Brady was moved to a nearby hill-top because increased commercial 
shipping raised the value of river-front property.
  During World War II, Fort Brady saw a lot of action as over 20,000 
troops were stationed there for training. The Army used the winters of 
the region to condition its snowshoe troops for warfare in northern 
Europe. At the end of

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World War II, Fort Brady was placed on inactive status.
  After Fort Brady's closing, local businessmen and officials were 
prompted to find a way to keep the recently renovated buildings and 
property in use. At the same time that residents were working to keep 
Fort Brady functioning, the Sault branch of the Michigan College of 
Mining and Technology (currently Michigan Technological University) was 
being inundated with applications from war veterans. It was quickly 
decided that moving the school to Fort Brady would solve both problems.
  In 1946, the Michigan College of Mining and Technology opened with a 
class of 272. The Sault Ste. Marie branch offered classes in chemical, 
electrical, and mechanical engineering and in forestry. Michigan State 
University assisted in the founding of a general studies program that 
offered liberal arts credits for the first 2 years of course work that 
were transferrable to other institutions.
  In 1966, the college was renamed Lake Superior State College. The 
State Board of Education accorded the College 4-year status and 
authorized it to grant baccalaureate degrees. The College's first class 
of 4-year students graduated in 1967. The College separated from 
Michigan Technological University in 1970, and on November 4, 1987, 
Governor James Blanchard signed legislation changing Lake Superior 
State from a College to a University.
  Over its 50 years, the University has grown steadily and currently 
has an enrollment of approximately 3,500 students. Lake Superior State 
has maintained the school's small personal atmosphere, while achieving 
national recognition for accomplishments such as winning three NCAA 
division 1 hockey titles. In the field of academics, the school is 
particularly known for the quality of its criminal justice and nursing 
programs.
  Over the past 50 years, Lake Superior State University has prepared 
thousands of students, including several members of my Senate staff, to 
contribute to the State of Michigan and the Nation. I know my Senate 
colleagues will join me in honoring Lake Superior State University on 
its 50 years of service to the community.

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