Alumnus creates first of its kind endowment at LSSU in support of Geology Student Research

Nov 01, 2023

(Sault Ste. Marie, MI) – A first of its kind endowment at LSSU has been established in support of Geology student research through the generosity of LSSU alumnus Matthew Ritter ‘00 and his wife, Lisa. 

Matt valued his time at Lake Superior State University and was interested in finding a way to provide financial support for current Geology undergraduate student research. During a visit to campus this summer, Matt met with LSSU Professor of Geology, Dr. Paul Kelso, and as a result of their conversations, current and future Geology students will have the opportunity to further their undergraduate research with the potential to present their work at conferences while they are attending LSSU. In addition, this endowment will benefit students by being better prepared in their pursuit of graduate studies or by working in a technical field.  

Ritter is a 2000 LSSU Geology alumnus from Chesterfield Township, Michigan. After graduating from LSSU, he attended the University of Kansas for his graduate studies and met his future wife, Lisa, who was in law school at KU. Matthew began working in the oil and gas industry as a geologist and Lisa as an attorney helping people with their personal injury cases.  They have three daughters and currently reside in Colorado. 

Students eligible to receive funding must be a current LSSU Geology major and their research project mentor/supervisor must be affiliated with the LSSU Geology academic program. Requests for funding will be submitted by the student and/or their project mentor to the Geology research committee composed of members of LSSU faculty teaching Geology courses in the current academic year. 

“We are excited about the opportunities that the Matthew and Lisa Ritter Geology Research Endowment will provide LSSU geology students.” remarked Dr. Paul Kelso. “Undergraduate geology student/faculty research projects are an important experience for students. It is great that geology students will now have a reliable source of funding to help support their research and/or presentation related costs. The Matthew and Lisa Ritter Geology Research Endowment will have a significant impact on LSSU geology student research for years to come.”

Supported activities include but are not limited to: student/faculty research expenses (e.g., travel/field expenses (including food, lodging, mileage and fuel), supplies, equipment purchase or maintenance, sample preparation or analysis, software, etc.), and costs associated with conference or workshop attendance relating to the student’s project. 

For more information on the Matthew and Lisa Ritter Geology Research Endowment or for ways to create your own legacy gift to benefit LSSU students, please contact the LSSU Advancement Office at 906-635-2665 or [email protected].