Lakeland Community Celebrates the Life and Legacy of President Emeritus Steve Gould
Members of the Lakeland University family came together on Saturday, June 20, to celebrate the life of the late Steve Gould, Lakeland President Emeritus, who died on August 1, 2025.
Speakers during the life celebration included Lakeland President Beth Borgen, Lakeland Professor Emeritus Jeff Elzinga, Lakeland Faculty Member David Lynch, Lakeland Trustee Emerita Barbara Gannon and Lakeland Athletics Hall of Fame member Jane Bouche. The Rev. Kristal Klemme ’14 provided a reflection and opening prayer, and LU Director of External Relations David Gallianetti served as emcee.
Click here to watch the program.
Gould served at Lakeland for 42 years beginning in 1970 as an instructor of German language and literature. Within a decade, he would leave the classroom to develop evening and off-campus programming for working adults. From 1991-93 he served as the provost and dean of Lakeland University-Japan.
Gould was named the 14th president of Lakeland in 1998. He retired in 2012 after serving one of the most consequential presidencies in Lakeland’s 164-year history.
Click here to read a complete obituary.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor his memory may support the Dr. Gould Scholarship Fund, helping future students pursue their education and carry forward his enduring impact. Friends may support his scholarship by visiting lakeland.edu/makeagift and selecting “Gould” as your gift designation.
