Lake Superior College News Releases

(Duluth, Minn.) — Lake Superior College (LSC) will recognize this year’s graduating class at commencement exercises at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday, May 18.  More than 1,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates will be awarded to the class of 2009.

The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. in the DECC Auditorium.  A reception for students, friends, and families will be held at 5 p.m. in the Harbor Side Ballroom.

“Commencement is a day of celebration for our students,” said Dr. Kathleen Nelson, LSC’s president. “It recognizes their educational accomplishments and signals the beginning of life’s next adventure. Whether the next step is the start of a career or the pursuit of more education, we know that the time and effort students spent at Lake Superior College will be remembered and valued. We wish the class of 2009 well.”

Colonel Penny J. Dieryck will be the featured keynote speaker.  She is the Mission Support Group Commander for the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota National Guard.  Her civilian position as a military technician with the Minnesota Air National Guard is Support Officer.

In her nearly 30-year career with the Air National Guard, Dieryck moved up through the ranks, most recently as Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander in 2004. She moved to Joint Force Headquarters in May 2007 and accepted her current assignment as the Mission Support Group Commander in June 2008.

Colonel Dieryck has worked in the civilian world for the City of Duluth Police Department and City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department.  She currently is an adjunct instructor for the College of St. Scholastica and Concordia University-St. Paul.

LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 6,000 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry.  LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.

Lake Superior College of Duluth, Minnesota has announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Magnuson as vice president of academic affairs.  Magnuson will lead the college’s academic unit and supervise all instructional activities.

“I am thrilled to be joining such an excellent faculty, staff and college with the wonderful reputation of LSC,” Magnuson stated. “As LSC continues to move forward to serve the community’s educational and training needs, I am looking forward to working with the leadership team under Dr. Nelson and with everyone else at the college to foster student success.”

Prior to joining LSC, Magnuson served as division dean of liberal arts/general education at Ivy Tech Community College – Central Indiana in Indianapolis.  He also served as developmental education division dean and executive director of community campuses for Ivy Tech.  He has also held teaching assignments at the University of North Dakota and Kelsey Community College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“Dr. Magnuson has a passion for learning and a commitment to students,” Dr. Kathleen Nelson, LSC’s president explained. “He will bring energy, enthusiasm and creativity to his new assignment.”

Dr. Magnuson earned a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from the University of North Dakota. He also holds a master of education degree in K-12 educational administration, a bachelor of education degree in secondary education, a bachelor of arts degree in English and a bachelor of arts degree in history, all from the University of Saskatchewan.

Lake Superior College is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. With more than 4,500 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry. LSC is also a leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.