Click photo for larger image & cutline |
SAULT STE. MARIE. - Lake Superior State University extended special congratulations to long-time supporter Robert Arfstrom during a downtown retirement reception held Wednesday, Feb.22. Head Coaches Jim Roque and Mike Fitzner, along with Athletic Director Bill Crawford and President Betty Youngblood, made Arfstrom an unofficial walk-on of LSSU's hockey and men's basketball teams with the presentation of personalized game jerseys.
Arfstrom retired as president and CEO of Arfstrom Pharmacies, Inc., which includes Arfstrom Pharmacies, Arfstrom Medical Equipment and Supplies, the Frozen North ice cream shop, the Hub medical uniforms and gifts, the Great Lakes Art Gallery, and Arfstrom Camera and Photo.
The Traverse City native moved to the Sault in 1971 to work for a pharmacy that he would buy and expand with branch stores throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Arfstrom's willingness to assist LSSU is well known. He is a former member of the LSSU Board of Trustees and the LSSU Foundation's board of directors. Arfstrom has taught as an adjunct professor of pharmacology for more than 26 years. He was on the advisory committee for the LSSU Wellness CARE Center from 1989-98, and has been a keynote speaker more than once at LSSU's Nursing Convocation.
A Laker athletic fan, Arfstrom was chair of the Gem of the North committee during the expansion of the Taffy Abel Ice Arena in 1993. He is past president of the Laker Club and a member since its inception in 1976.
With his wife Bonnie, Arfstrom funded the Arfstrom/Fyvie Endowed Scholarship in memory of their parents, and established a second scholarship. The east theatre concourse of LSSU's new arts center is named for the couple in honor of their gift to its construction.
Arfstrom was recognized for all his efforts in 1994 when he was named LSSU Distinguished Citizen. In April 2005, LSSU bestowed its highest recognition with an honorary doctor of humane letters.
"Everyone at LSSU wishes Bob Arfstrom a wonderful retirement," said Youngblood. "The game jerseys are a fitting tribute to a man who truly is a 100 percent LSSU Laker."
