Grace Subat

Due to the necessity to hold meetings virtually per our campus pandemic protocol, the Board of Trustees held its spring meeting May 11-14, 2021 via Zoom conferencing. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations and decisions. Included in the materials were updates from the functional areas of the institution, the Faculty Committee on University Governance (FCUG), the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The Board began with the General Session where they spent time with incoming president Laurie A. Carter and discussed the culminating report from the Board of Trustees Antiracism Task Force. After which, the Enrollment Committee, Development Committee, Buildings and Grounds SubCommittee, Finance Committee, and Academic and Student Affairs Committee held their meetings, concluding with the Formal Board meeting. Much of each committee and subcommittee meeting was discussing our ongoing response to the COVID-19 coronavirus global pandemic, updates on different initiatives, and forecasting fall 2021. The reports were delivered from the President, the Chair of the Board, and respective committee and campus leadership. Trustees and the campus leadership discussed the ever-changing climate and our mechanisms to lead and respond, and our institutional decision-making strategy as we welcome a new leader. There was much to celebrate as well: honoring the Board of Trustees members retiring from the Board, honoring President Mark Burstein, and welcoming President Laurie Carter.

In the May meetings, the Board:

• Approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 when Laurie A. Carter was elected the 17th president of Lawrence University, beginning July 1, 2021.
• Approved the President Emeritus Resolution bestowing the title of President Emeritus to Mark Burstein upon his retirement on June 30, 2021.
• Approved the motion from the Board of Trustees Antiracism Task Force to create a standing committee of the Board of Trustees dedicated to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work and composed of an integrated group of Board members with the President and Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion as ex-officio.
• Approved the Corporate Resolution.
• Approved the Fiscal Year 2021 and projected Fiscal Year 2022 budgets.
• Approved a Lawrence University Campus Community Resolution, thanking all for their dedication and sacrifice since the pandemic began.
• Approved the election of the Class of 2024 Term Trustees for terms ending June 30, 2024.
• Approved the election of the Officers of the Board.
• Approved the election of Francesca Siekman ‘11 as a Recent Graduate Trustee.
• Approved the election of Sachin Shivaram as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the re-appointment of Ryan Primmer ‘91 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Investment Committee.
• Approved the re-appointment of Steven Mech ‘93 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Buildings and Grounds SubCommittee.
• Approved the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) as a formal institutional body.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 20-22 on the campus of Lawrence University in Appleton, WI.

Due to the necessity to hold meetings virtually per our campus pandemic protocol, the Board of Trustees held its winter meeting February 16-19, 2021 via Zoom conferencing. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations and decisions. Included in the materials were updates from the functional areas of the institution, including the Faculty Committee on University Governance (FCUG).

The Board began with the General Session where they discussed the upcoming curricular and co-curricular strategic initiatives to be implemented. After which, the Enrollment Committee, Development Committee, Buildings and Grounds SubCommittee, Finance Committee, and Academic and Student Affairs Committee held their meetings, concluding with the Formal Board meeting. Much of each committee and subcommittee meeting was discussing our ongoing response to the COVID-19 coronavirus global pandemic and updates on different initiatives. Specifically, the Board thanked all involved with the Be The Light! Capital Campaign that concluded December 31, 2020 eclipsing our target with the total of $232.6million. Also,
information was shared that Lawrence University had surpassed the $400million mark in our endowment. The reports were delivered from the President, the Chair of the Board, and respective committee and campus leadership. Trustees and the campus leadership discussed the ever-changing climate and our mechanisms to lead and respond, and our institutional decision-making strategy.

In the course of the February meetings, the Board:

• Approved the granting of an honorary degree to Dr. John Raymond during Commencement 2021.
• Approved the granting of tenure to Ingrid Albrecht, Assistant Professor (Philosophy).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Matthew Arau, Assistant Professor (Music Education), Associate Director of Bands.
• Approved the granting of tenure to Chloe Armstrong, Assistant Professor (Philosophy).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Stephanie Burdick-Shepherd, Assistant Professor (Education).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Horacio Contreras, Assistant Professor (Music).
• Approved the granting of tenure to John Holiday, Associate Professor (Music).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Danielle Joyner, Assistant Professor (Art History).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Victoria Kononova, Assistant Professor (Russian).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Nora Lewis, Associate Professor (Music).
• Approved the granting of tenure to Brigid Vance, Assistant Professor (History).

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 11-14, 2021 virtually via Zoom conferencing.

Due to the necessity to hold meetings virtually, the Board of Trustees held its fall meeting October 20-23 via Zoom conferencing to accommodate our internationally-based trustee membership. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for
conversations and decisions. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with our New Trustee Orientation for the new trustees. During the course of the meeting, reports were delivered in our committees from the respective committee leadership and campus leadership. The President and the Chair of Board led the trustees in discussion on the priorities for academic year 2020-2021 and reviewed the institutional response to the COVID-19 pandemic across all aspects of campus. The Enrollment Committee celebrated this fall’s first-year class and returning student population, which in the midst of a pandemic mirrored that of last year. The Board of Trustees Anti-Racism Task Force, created during the Summer 2020, updated the full membership on its activity. The Campaign Steering
Committee updated the full membership on this last cycle of the Be the Light! Capital Campaign, forging ahead having already reached our goal. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee focused its time on the curricular shifts and student life efforts made due to the
pandemic with insight provided by the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) president. The Finance Committee continues to contemplate revenue enhancements and savings strategies as we strive towards a more balanced budget, mindful of the pandemic.

Over the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget.
• Approved the election of Gregg Dawley ’77 as a Non-Trustee Investment Committee Member.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for February 16-19, 2021 virtually via Zoom conferencing.

Due to the necessity to hold meetings virtually, the Board of Trustees held its spring meeting May 12-15 and June 17-19 via Zoom conferencing to accommodate our internationally-based trustee membership. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations and decisions. Included in the
materials were updates from the functional areas of the institution and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

In May, the Development and Campaign Steering Committees, Buildings and Grounds SubCommittee, and Academic and Student Affairs Committee held their meetings with a culminating Executive Committee meeting. Much of each meeting was discussing our
initial and ongoing response to the COVID-19 coronavirus global pandemic. The reports were delivered from the President and the respective committee leadership.

In June, the Enrollment Committee and Finance Committee held their meetings, concluding with the Formal Board meeting. Much of each meeting was discussing the institutional spring 2020 response to the COVID-19 pandemic and forecasting fall 2020. The reports were delivered from the President, the Chair of the Board, and respective
committee leadership. Trustees and the president’s discussed the ever-changing climate and our institutional decision-making strategy on COVID-19. There was also discussion on the social unrest in the country and how Lawrence will respond.

In the course of the May and June meetings, the Board:

• Approved the Corporate Resolution.
• Approved the election of the Class of 2023 Term Trustees for terms ending June 30, 2023.
• Approved the election of the Officers of the Board.
• Approved the election of Evan Williams ‘10 as a Recent Graduate Trustee.
• Approved the election of Dan Busiel ’84 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Tamika Franklin ’05 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the election of Susan Long Hall ‘76 as a Term Trustee.
• Approved the re-appointment of Dan Howell ‘74 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Investment Committee.
• Approved the re-appointment of Susan Rutherford ’86 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Investment Committee.
• Approved the re-appointment of Jason Spaeth ‘92 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Investment Committee.
• Approved the appointment of Dale Schuh ‘70 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Finance Committee.
• Approved the re-appointment of David Uihlein as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Buildings and Grounds SubCommittee.
• Approved the promotion of Michael Mizrahi to Professor (Music).
• Approved the promotion of Monica Rico to Professor (History).
• Approved the promotion of Benjamin Rinehart to Professor (Art).
• Approved the promotion of Kuo-ming Sung to Professor (Chinese and Linguistics).

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 20-23 virtually via Zoom conferencing.

The Board of Trustees held its winter meeting from February 5-7 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with updates from cabinet members, Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC), and
Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The opening reception and dinner was held on February 5th. This event also served as a celebration of life for Terry Franke.

During the general session on February 6th, Cal Husman, Vice President for Alumni and Development, gave an update on Be The Light! campaign efforts and President Mark Burstein went over updates from campus. The rest of this meeting was focused on reviewing the Veritas est Lux Implementation Plan and discussing the five priorities: (1) sustain financial equilibrium, (2) deepen the academic program, (3) raise retention rates, (4) strengthen the co-curricular experience, (5) and support the academic enterprise.

The formal meeting of the Board took place on February 7th, 2020. During the meeting, reports were delivered from each of the committee chairs.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the granting of an honorary degree to Natasha Trethewey during Commencement 2020.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 12-15, 2020.

The Board of Trustees held its Fall Meeting and retreat from October 30 to November 1, 2019 at Lawrence’s northern campus, Björklunden vid Sjön. The purpose of the retreat was to review data on the higher education sector, discuss survey results on Lawrence’s institutional identity, and review the Veritas est Lux implementation plan, which will guide institutional work for the next three years.

Lawrence’s Strategic Plan, Veritas est Lux, identifies a wide range of institutional aspirations. Extensive research and institutional data have enabled the University to focus on its most pressing needs in light of the rapidly changing higher education sector. Discussion at the fall retreat centered on establishing a clear and highly focused
approach for advancing Lawrence’s development over the next three years in the form of an implementation plan. The implementation plan outlines five priority areas which were developed through a process that began at the Spring 2019 Meeting of the Board
of Trustees. Paramount to our implementation efforts will be to (1) sustain financial equilibrium, (2) deepen the academic program, (3) raise retention rates, (4) strengthen the co-curricular experience, (5) and support the academic enterprise.

The formal meeting of the Board took place on November 1, 2019. During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board. Trustees approved the granting of an honorary degree for Commencement 2020.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the granting of an honorary degree during 2020 Commencement.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 5-7, 2020.

The Board of Trustees held its spring meeting from May 15-17 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee, the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC) and Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA).

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Wednesday, May 15. The topic of the discussion was “belonging”. Vice President for Student Life Chris Card kicked off the conversation by sharing that belonging might be defined as students’ perceived social support on campus, a feeling of being connected or feeling cared about, accepted, respected and valued by the group. Students in attendance shared the places where they felt that they did and did
not belong. The group also discussed strategies that may help to increase students’ sense of belonging at Lawrence. It was noted that diversity and inclusion efforts on campus were appreciated, that more could be done to incentivize interactions between student groups (including politics, religion, College and Conservatory, etc.) and that formal mentorship programs could be beneficial. In attendance were students from a range of class years and affiliations, trustees, and members of the President’s Cabinet.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and the Chair of the Board. Trustees and the president’s cabinet revisited the university’s strategic plan, Veritas est Lux, and advised on priority areas for the next academic year. At the meeting, the Finance Committee endorsed the proposed FY20 budget, including a special endowment draw. The Board also approved a Real Estate Transaction Policy.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the election of Mei Xian Gong ’11 as a Recent Graduate Trustee
• Approved the election of Frederick Fisher as a Term Trustee
• Approved the election of Cheryl Wilson Kopecky ’72 as a Term Trustee
• Approved the election of Jon M. Stellmacher as a Term Trustee
• Approved the appointment of Michael Cisler ’78 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee
• Approved the appointment of Steven Mech ’93 as a Non-Trustee Committee Member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee
• Approved the promotion of Scott Corry to Professor (Mathematics)
• Approved the promotion of Andrew Knudsen to Professor (Geology)
• Approved the promotion of David McGlynn to Professor (English)
• Approved the promotion of Rob Neilson to Professor (Art)
• Approved the promotion of Arnold Shober to Professor (Government)
• Approved the granting of an honorary degree for the 2020 Commencement speaker to be announced in early 2020.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for October 30-November 1, 2019 at Björklunden.

The Board of Trustees held its winter meeting from February 13-15 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee and the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC).

The meeting began with a Diversity and Inclusion workshop on Wednesday, February 13 followed by a dinner with facilitated discussion. The workshop and dinner were led by consultant Tanya Odom. Central to these discussions was the idea of equity and the
extent to which all members of the university community, regardless of background, are provided an equal opportunity for success.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and Chair of the Board. The Board reviewed the overarching strategic goals outlined in the university’s strategic plan, Veritas est Lux. Discussion was focused on decreasing operating costs while
maintaining efficiency and quality of service. The Finance Committee discussed the cessation of the Perkins loan program and recommended that the Board use Lawrence’s share of Perkins loan repayments through Fiscal Year 21 be used to fund supplemental grants for students originally qualified for Perkins funds. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee gave a report on the results of the campus climate survey administered in spring of 2018. Key concerns were pedestrian safety, especially on College Avenue, and a lack of acceptance of multiple perspectives on campus. Issues of campus climate have been made a priority on campus and future Board meetings.

At dinner on Thursday, February 14, the President introduced new staff members including the new Riaz Waraich Dean for the Center for Career, Life and Community Engagement, Title IX coordinator, and the Assistant Dean of Students and the Director of the Diversity and Intercultural Center. They were also joined by newly tenured faculty.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:

• Approved the granting of an honorary degree for the Report to the Community
• 2019
• Approved the promotion of Allison Fleshman to the rank of Associate Professor
• Approved the promotion of Alyssa Hakes to the rank of Associate Professor
• Approved the promotion of Brian Piasecki to the rank of Associate Professor

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for May 15-17, 2017 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.

The Board of Trustees held its fall meeting from November 1-3 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI. Ahead of the meeting, the Board was provided with materials to prepare for conversations on campus. Included in the materials were administrative reports from the president’s cabinet and the observers representing the Faculty Governance Committee and the Lawrence University Community Council.

The meeting began with a reception and dinner with students on Thursday, November 1. The topic of the discussion was the Center for Spiritual and Religious Life. The university’s Center for Spiritual and Religious Life is entering its third year and the dinner conversation sought to gauge the impact of the Center and its mission on the lives of students. Most students reported coming to Lawrence with a variety of religious experiences. Students reported that places where spiritual encounters happen range widely across campus from places like Sabin House, local houses of worship, nature, music spaces, and Björklunden. Though most students reported they felt open about sharing their religious identities, it was recognized that tensions can sometimes arise. Sabin House is a critical space for a variety of conversations around spirituality and
religion on campus. Students cite that their spiritual identity has been greatly enhanced since coming to Lawrence and that they have developed connections to wellness and wellbeing through spiritual exploration.

During the meeting, reports were delivered from the President and Chair of the Board. The Board reviewed the President’s priorities for the academic year as well as a summary of results from the Campus Climate Survey administered in spring of 2018. Survey findings suggest that there is an overall feeling that the campus is committed to becoming more inclusive but there are concerns about lack of respect for differing social and cultural perspectives, difficulties communicating across differences and an overall stressful culture. Pedestrian Safety was the focus of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Lawrence continues to work with the City of Appleton to make crosswalk and lighting improvements. The Enrollment Committee celebrated a strong incoming first-year class of 400 students. Lawrence continues to make progress towards
achieving a graduation rate of 85% through work with a recruiting consultant in addition to analyzing why students choose to leave Lawrence. The Finance Committee continues to consider program enhancements that can lead to increased auxiliary revenue as well as expense reduction measures to achieve a balanced budget.

In the course of the meeting, the Board:
• Approved the granting of an honorary degree during 2019 Commencement

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 13-15, 2019 on the Lawrence University campus in Appleton, WI.