Austin Lowes

SAULT STE MARIE — Lake Superior State University has announced Austin Lowes, chair for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, will be the commencement speaker for the university’s 63rd-annual commencement ceremony May 3 in Taffy Abel Arena in the James Norris Center.

Lowes is the current chair for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, re-elected in December after winning a special election for the position in December 2022.

He is originally from Sault Ste. Marie, and has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lake Superior State University, along with a master’s in social work from Michigan State University.

He has been awarded fellowships from the National Congress of American Indians and the National Association for his social work efforts among various tribes, including the Sault tribe, the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and the Bay Mills Indian Community.

Throughout his leadership, Lowes has focused on strengthening the Tribe’s cultural, educational, and economic well-being. His efforts have included initiatives to enhance community development, preserve cultural heritage, and provide opportunities for the next generation to succeed.

He is committed to fighting homelessness and has worked to establish transitional housing for tribal members experiencing hardship. In addition, Lowes spearheaded the creation of the Sault Tribe’s first Medication Assisted Treatment Program, the Healing Place, which provides services to individuals diagnosed with opioid and alcohol use disorders.

The 2025 commencement ceremony will mark a major milestone for hundreds of LSSU graduates, and the university is excited to have a speaker of Lowes’ caliber offer a message of inspiration, leadership and community.

For the full list of commencement details, go to the LSSU website at https://www.lssu.edu/academics/registrar/commencement/.