Nov 22
Mar 09, 2021
Sometimes a fulfilling experience hinges on dressing the part.
Lake Superior State University students who want to engage in outdoor course activities or partake in the natural resources of the Eastern Upper Peninsula but lack the wardrobe no longer must worry. The LSSU Fisheries and Wildlife Club recently created Seamore’s Annex to supply classmates with outdoor protective clothing at no cost. Seamore’s Annex is an extension of the campus Seamore’s Closet that has provided professional business attire to LSSU students for free since fall 2019. Student Lakers keep the clothes from both facililties.
“Attending LSSU and participating in many outdoor recreational activities the Eastern Upper Peninsula has to offer have given me and my friends memories that will last a lifetime. The Fisheries and Wildlife Club wanted to give many other students the same opportunities,” said Austin Heslinga, president of the Fisheries and Wildlife Club and a junior fisheries and wildlife management major. “By creating Seamore’s Annex, we hope to have many students participate in activities they otherwise would have not been able to participate in.”
Trenton Schipper, vice president of the Fisheries and Wildlife Club and a senior majoring in conservation biology, added, “As officers of the club, we witnessed this need on our campus. The outpouring of support from LSSU faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as the community, has blown us away.”
More than half of LSSU students are considered economically challenged, said Geralyn Narkiewicz, LSSU career services coordinator. “Understanding the needs of our student body is extremely important,” she said.
Dr. Ashley Moerke, adviser of the Fisheries and Wildlife Club and director of the Center for Freshwater Research and Education at LSSU, said, “I am really proud of the Fisheries and Wildlife Club for recognizing the imperative to create opportunities for all students, regardless of their economic situation, to be able to participate in outdoor activities surrounding our campus. Seamore’s Annex is a terrific step toward promoting equity and access to outdoor opportunities for our students.”
LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley observed, “This generosity reflects part of the LSSU vision to identify potential, enable success, and drive social mobility. It also reflects one of the goals in our strategic plan of increasing support and services for students who are Pell Grant-eligible. We appreciate the mindfulness of Fisheries and Wildlife Club and the beneficence of our donors.”
The Fisheries and Wildlife Club accepts new or gently used outdoor clothing and gear at Laker Hall on Mondays @ 12-1 PM, Tuesdays @ 8-9 PM, Thursdays @ 2-3 PM, and Fridays @ 1-2 PM.
Donations for Seamore’s Annex or Seamore’s Closet also can be dropped off at room 267 of the Kenneth H. Shouldice Library or by contacting Narkiewicz by email at [email protected] or phone at (906) 635-2228.
LSSU students can access Seamore’s Annex or Seamore’s Closet by contacting Narkiewicz.