Lake Superior State University President Thomas Pleger died suddenly Sunday at a Petoskey hospital, where he had been recovering from brain surgery. He was 48. NMU President Fritz Erickson issued the following statement: "Northern Michigan University sends its deepest condolences to the LSSU community on the passing of President Tom Pleger. Additionally, I extend my sympathies to Teresa and the Pleger family. I witnessed my colleague serve as an incredible advocate for LSSU students, faculty and staff, and the community. As a fellow Upper Peninsula president, I appreciated Tom's enthusiasm, his dedication and his general zest for life. He will be greatly missed. NMU stands ready to assist in any way possible as the LSSU community navigates the changes ahead."