UP Gazette

Lake Superior State College issued the following announcement on Sept. 25

On September 20, a Rudyard, Mich. couple was honored with an award at the President’s Circle Reception at Lakes Superior State University. Robert and Sally Wiles were recognized with the Dr. Donald and Catherine Finlayson Distinguished Citizen Award, presented by LSSU President Rodney S. Hanley at the annual donor recognition event. The award is presented to individuals who have enjoyed success in their profession and community, and who are strong advocates of the University, its programs, faculty, staff, and students. 

The Wiles’ are educators, retired since 1994. Sally taught most of her career in Rudyard with K-12 special needs students, while Bob worked in administration and vocational education at the EUP Intermediate School District. Bob also served as president of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP) from 2013-2015. He continues his service as President of Chippewa/Mackinac Retired School Personnel, and Sally serves as the CMRSP Treasurer. Other local community involvement in various organizations provides other avenues of volunteerism for the Wiles’ in their retirement years.

In 2019, the Wiles’ established the Robert W. and Sally A. Wiles Scholarship at LSSU, to benefit students who are pursuing two-year associate degrees. The Wiles’ also created a scholarship in memory of Sally’s brother, Richard W. White, in 2018. The Richard W. White Memorial Scholarship benefits a student majoring in the physical and natural sciences at LSSU, and honors Mr. White’s exemplary work as a geologist. They also named a scholarship to assist a Rudyard Area Schools graduate pursuing a skill in an occupation requiring less than a four year or Bachelor’s degree.

Inspired by the work of EUP Hospice in Sault Ste. Marie, Bob and Sally recently solidified their love for their community with a gift to support an assisted living home in Rudyard. The White-Wiles Assisted Living and Hospice House will serve area residents and their families for generations to come.

The event, hosted by LSSU President Hanley and his wife, Ms. Gunhus-Hanley on the University campus, celebrated the achievements made possible by the University’s major benefactors. Guests enjoyed presentations by LSSU’s best and brightest students throughout the evening.

Original source can be found here