The Lake Superior State University community was upended Sunday as word spread that President Thomas Pleger had died following a Friday morning operation to treat a mass on his brain.

Pleger was being treated at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. According to LSSU Provost David Roland Finley, complications from the surgery took their toll on the 48-year-old and he passed away shortly after midnight Sunday. Just after 2:30 a.m., Finley sent an email to LSSU staff quoting a Facebook post by Pleger's wife, Teresa Pleger, which read in part, "Tonight another bright light shines in the sky."

In an LSSU press release, LSSU Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Curran said, “Dr. Pleger had an appreciation and understanding of the human condition, of the arts, and of global awareness. Tom knew that the value of a higher education is much more than gaining credentials and potential earning power. It is a catalyst for empowering those around you to find opportunity and a pathway to a rich and fulfilling life. He embodied those values and his life stands as a testament to the example he set. It was an honor serving with him over the past two years as board chair.”

Finley said Pleger had been suffering from flu-like symptoms for several weeks. On Wednesday, he sought treatment at War Memorial Hospital in the Sault. Following tests, he was transported by ambulance to McLaren where doctors investigated further and determined that the mass was causing pressure on his brain and that the surgery was necessary.

Finley called the loss "very tough and sudden," and described Pleger as a great mentor whose hallmarks were open communication transparency.

"He was an amazing friend of higher education and a champion for all students," Finley said.

He listed many of Pleger's accomplishments during his tenure at LSSU, which began on July 1, 2014. They included the renovation of South Hall into the newly reopened Considine Hall, the securing of a capital outlay for the university's Center for Freshwater Research and Education, and LSSU successful reaccreditation through the Higher Learning Commission. He had also been named a member of Gov. Rick Snyder’s 21st Century Economy Commission.

Tributes poured in Sunday from several area leaders. Chippewa County Administrator Jim German was quick to express deep sorrow on behalf of the Board of Commissioners, saying Pleger's death will be felt well beyond the LSSU campus.

"Dr. Pleger was a visionary," said German. "Our deepest condolences go out to his family."

Added Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Anthony Bosbous, "It's a very sad day for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. Our community suffered a tremendous loss."

State Sen. Wayne Schmidt released a statement saying, “Tom was dedicated to higher education and the importance of liberal education, and he was overwhelmingly committed to the success of the students of LSSU.”

Pleger was LSSU's eighth president and was hired away from the University of Wisconsin Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, where he had been serving as campus executive officer and dean. According to his biography on LSSU's website, Pleger had held positions at several University of Wisconsin campuses, including Madison, La Crosse, Marinette and Fox Valley, and at Lawrence University.

According to the press release, Finley will be assume day-to-day operations for the university with assistance from other senior staff members, until the Board of Trustees can determine a way forward.

The release also says details on funeral arrangements and upcoming campus memorials will be announced shortly. In addition, donations to a fund in Pleger's memory will be coordinated through the LSSU Foundation.