Lyle Mudge: Paving the Future through Thoughtful Planned Giving at LSSU

Lyle Mudge, a 1977 graduate of Lake Superior State University has chosen to remember LSSU in his estate plan with a planned gift that will fund an endowment at the university. The Lyle G. Mudge Engineering Endowment will award an annual scholarship to assist engineering students at LSSU who have demonstrated good academic performance but are struggling financially with academic expenses. Lyle's desire to leave a legacy at his alma mater through this planned gift will continue to shape the future of the university and its inspiring students in perpetuity.

Lyle attended Delta College in University Center, Michigan from 1973 — 1975 where he earned an Associate degree in Electronics Engineering. He then attended Lake Superior State College (now Lake Superior State University) from 1976 — 1977 where he earned an Associate degree in Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Following graduation, Lyle was recruited by McDonnell Douglas for an engineering position in electrical design on a new prototype aircraft which later became the AV-8B Harrier for the United States Marine Corps. He participated onsite with testing of the new AV-8B aircraft in Maryland and California and provided engineering support of ongoing testing of the F/A-18 Hornet. Following his assignment in Maryland, Lyle worked on advanced programs for several years. After advanced design, he then went on to manage the Crew Station design team for the F/A-18 Hornet for crew station design, aircrew ejection and life support systems for all foreign and domestic versions of the aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. His career continued where he later held various positions engaged in the design, development, and testing of tactical aircraft. Toward the end of his career, he worked on various corporate level special projects regarding engineering policy and managed major upgrades to the Hornet family of aircraft. Lyle retired from Boeing on July 1, 2007, after 30 years of service.

"Lake State provided a solid foundation for a very rewarding and successful engineering career," Lyle commented. "I'm very grateful for the education Lake State provided and the opportunities that education provided for me in my career and life in general."

A planned gift, such as Lyle's, leaves a legacy of lasting philanthropy that continues past one's lifetime. In essence, it's an affirmation of the belief that our influence can extend beyond the present, fostering a tradition of support and enduring goodwill.

There are many ways to remember Lake Superior State University in your estate planning. To learn more contact Sharon Dorrity, Donor Relations/Gift Planning, at (906) 635-2665 or email [email protected].