Lawrence’s More Light! campaign, the most ambitious fund-raising campaign in the college’s history, continues its positive trajectory. The More Light! campaign strives to enhance Lawrence’s strengths and build on the college’s historic academic and artistic excellence, while moving the college boldly into the future. Generous alumni and friends of the college have committed $128 million toward the $150 million campaign goal. Now in the second year of the public phase, the campaign focus has shifted from capital projects to Lawrence’s people and programs. Priorities include scholarships, professorships, the Lawrence Fellows program, student-faculty collaboration funds and other innovative programs such as Senior Experience.

Sustaining Memorial Chapel

The Lawrence University Memorial Chapel was constructed in 1919 as a place where the campus and community could gather. It serves as an iconic landmark on the Lawrence campus and in the Appleton community. Recent gifts will ensure that this tradition will perpetuate and flourish for years to come. Generous gifts to restore and preserve Memorial Chapel have been made by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. A recent $600,000 gift will bolster the Chapel Endowment Fund and support necessary chapel renovations. “This additional funding has been a great help as we typically struggle to find the funds for this type of project in addition to all of the other necessary repairs. I have heard nothing but positive feedback on this project,” said Director of Facility Services Dan Meyer. “The impact of these gifts will be appreciated and enjoyed for years to come.”

Initial repairs to Memorial Chapel were completed in fall 2009, timed to coincide with the beginning of the academic year. Those who attended the 2009 Matriculation Convocation were able to behold the results of a summer filled with construction dust and noise. According to Meyer, the priority was to maintain the structural integrity of the ceiling. “There were cracks appearing in several areas,” he said, “and there were some concerns regarding the safety of the building.” After structural supports were added, the cracks were patched and the ceiling was repainted. The exterior of the chapel was also cleaned and painted. Improvements to the chapel continue as the exterior columns were recently repaired.Each column was inspected, repaired and restored individually. Summer 2010 renovation plans for Memorial Chapel include replacing the seats and carpeting. “The Chapel is a central gathering place for the college,” said President Jill Beck. “These improvements will greatly enhance the enjoyment of students, faculty and the members of the community who attend or participate in events there. I am deeply grateful to the donor for making this project a reality.”

Transforming Memorial Union into Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall, formerly known as Memorial Union, is the latest addition to Lawrence’s academic boulevard. Although similar on the outside, one step inside the building reveals change. The hallways are brightly lit and welcoming, and the space is occupied by classrooms and offices rather than food and drinks. The first floor of the building has been completely remodeled and boasts four versatile and fully equipped classrooms that can seat up to 40 students, three lounges and six faculty offices. On the lower level of the building, the former Coffeehouse has been converted into a temporary bookstore. The Viking Room remains unchanged.

The renovation of Memorial Hall was made possible by a $500,000 gift from William and Phyllis Leverenz Younger ’48 and their son, William Younger Jr. “Lawrence has been part of my family for a long time,” said Phyllis Younger. “My two older brothers attended Lawrence, so it was natural that it would attract me too. Bill and I are happy to contribute to the continuing success of such a fine school.” Strong believers in the value of a college education, the Younger family includes in their philanthropy the William and Phyllis Younger Scholarship Endowment, which provides perpetual annual support for Lawrence students.

Providing an Educational Legacy

Mildred Zschaechner Scott ’28 and her husband, Dr. V. Brown Scott ’27, were lifelong supporters of Lawrence University. The couple appreciated the liberal arts education they received at Lawrence and remained connected to the university throughout their lives. Mildred established two Charitable Gift Annuities and included Lawrence University in her estate plans. The V. Brown Scott and Mildred Zschaechner Scott Scholarship was established in 2009 through gifts from the Mildred E. Scott estate, adding more than $600,000 to Lawrence’s endowment.

As the first recipient of the Scott scholarship, Sarah Wolfson ’12 benefits from the generous legacy left by the Scott family. “Lawrence University is my dream school. I am continuously grateful to those who provide support for me to succeed, grow and thrive in the Lawrence community,” said Wolfson. “I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of the V. Brown Scott and Mildred Zschaechner Scott Scholarship. I am sure that all the students who follow will benefit greatly as I have, not only at Lawrence, but in all their future endeavors.”

The Scott Scholarship was among the five new funds recognized at the 29th Annual Scholarship Luncheon in February. More than 275 donors, students and staff gathered to honor scholarship donors and recipients. From its earliest days, Lawrence has made equity in opportunity an institutional priority. This year 90 percent of Lawrence students receive some type of financial aid, a portion of which is covered by named scholarships. As Lawrence continues with More Light! it remains committed to raising an additional $30 million in named scholarships to bolster the endowment. This will ensure the college’s commitment to providing students of all backgrounds and financial means with the opportunity to benefit from a distinctive Lawrence education.

Office of Development News

Stacy Mara has been promoted to director of development. Mara’s responsibilities include the reporting lines to corporate and foundation relations, operations and research, and annual giving. She will also serve as a manager for the More Light! campaign and be a key strategist for the college’s focus on alumni and constituency engagement. Mara has worked at Lawrence since 2001, most recently as director of annual giving.