MyLU Insider

Deanna Kolell

Author: Deanna Kolell

Forever a Lawrentian

Come join us for this three-day “Forever a Lawrentian” event April 11-13.

Forever a Lawrentian is all about connecting students to our amazing and vast Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA); a community of scholars, change-makers, and supporters that all students will become part of when they graduate.

Our alumni want to meet current students and provide them with the support they need to be successful at and beyond Lawrence. At Forever a Lawrentian events in April students engaged with and received advice from the LUAA Board of Directors. These connections will give students an advantage in their career journeys both while at Lawrence and after graduation.

Read more on the Lawrence website

Schedule of Events

Thursday, April 11

The Job and Internship Showcase: Nonprofit, Education, and Social Impact

4:40-6:30 p.m. | Warch 325 – Pusey Room

  • This event is all about facilitating meaningful connections between employers and Lawrence students in a relaxed and informal setting. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about organizations, internships, and early career opportunities.

Career Chat: A conversation on careers in sexual violence advocacy, compliance, and more

4:40-6:30 p.m. | Memorial Hall – Diversity & Intercultural Center

  • Join Sara Holtzman, Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator, and Maggie Schmidt ’12 Attorney at the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, in a conversation on careers in sexual violence advocacy, compliance, and more.

Young Athletics Alumni Panel – How Being a Student-Athlete Prepared Me for My Career

7-8:30 p.m. | Warch 204 – Cinema

  • Come to this panel to hear from young athletics alumni on how being a student-athlete helped get them ready for their careers post-Lawrence. Panelists are:
    • Danielle Dixon ‘20 – Women’s Soccer, Current Job: First Grade Teacher
    • Brad Sendell ’22 – Men’s Basketball, Current Job: Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach + Golf Pro
    • Nora Robinson ’21 – Women’s Track & Field, Current Job: Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
    • Gabriel Baker ’20 – Football & Men’s Track & Field, Current Job: Senior Financial Analyst II, Amazon / LUAA Board of Directors

Friday, April 12

Spin the Wheel the Forever a Lawrentian edition

12-2 p.m. | Outside Warch

  • Participate in this event to learn more about the alumni community, win free t-shirts, and receive an entry into the Forever a Lawrentian Giveaway.

Networking Presentation and Reception

5-6:30 p.m. | Warch 324 – Somerset

  • Stop by Somerset to get some networking tips before putting them to practice as you meet with our Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors.  We will also have a station for students to get free professional headshots!

Cheers to our Seniors

8:30-9:30 p.m. | Memorial Hall – Viking Room

  • Our alumni community is going to raise a glass to the Class of 2024. Seniors, join us and meet members of the alumni community that you will soon become a part of. The first drink is on the Alumni Team! 

Saturday, April 13

Sit and Chat with Alumni

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Warch 324 – Somerset

  • Join us for lunch and get to know our LUAA Board of Directors and local alumni who are working in the Career Communities you want to join. We will also have a station for students to get free professional headshots!

Ask Alumni Panel

1-2:15 p.m. | Warch 325 – Pusey

  • Hear from and ask questions directly to alumni who have been in your shoes. This panel will be moderated by Matt Murphy ’06 and the panelists include: Tracy Donald ’95, Rebecca Frostenson ’04, Gayatri Malhotra ’14, Gabriel Baker ’20, Hugh Dellios ’83, Michael Stein ’80, Rick Chandler ’74, and Elizabeth Anderson ’10.

    Learn more about the panelists

Alumni of Color Q&A Panel

2:30-3:30 p.m. | Memorial Hall – Diversity and Intercultural Center

  • We are excited to have an Alumni of Color panel this year for students to hear directly from our alumni on their experiences at and after Lawrence. This panel will be moderated by Brienne Colston ’15 and the panelists will include: Jiayi Young ’94, Mohit Gupta ’11, Bob Currie ’74, Gayatri Malhotra ’14, and Tracy Donald ’95.

Conservatory Alumni Q&A Panel

2:30-3:30 p.m. | Shattuck 156

  • Come to this panel to hear directly from alumni of the Conservatory of Music.  Get advice from them about their time in the Con or learn how their degree helped them in their life after Lawrence. This panel will be moderated by Brad Grimmer ’06 and panelists will include Chuck Erikson ’02, Alison Guthrie ’86, Matt Murphy ’06, Schuyler Thornton ’14, and Sarah Koenigs ’09.

Guest Recital: Ksenia Nosikova, piano

Saturday, April 13 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Harper Hall

This event is free and open to the public!

Pianist Ksenia Nosikova, praised as “First rate” (Germany’s Fono Forum), “Full of dramatic intensity” (London’s International Piano), “Subtle and expressive” (France’s Journal L’Alsace) “Impressive musicianship, musically very poetic” (Boston Globe), and “Refined sensibility and exquisite pianism” (New York Concert Reviews), has performed extensively in Europe, Asia, Russia, USA, Canada, and South America. The scope of her concert engagements expands from prestigious professional concert venues, such as Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall in New York City, Shanghai City Hall in China, City Hall Theatre in Hong Kong, Chetham’s International Piano Series in England, and Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago, to major academic institutions world-wide, including over 180 American universities’ guest artist series. Her diverse and extensive repertoire list consists of masterworks and lesser-known pieces, as well as over 30 piano concertos.

She has recorded for Profil Medien, Albany Records, Centaur Records, and Capstone Records labels. Among her nine critically-acclaimed recordings are the complete Years of Pilgrimage by Franz Liszt, called an ‘outstanding achievement’ by Classics Today and “super disc” by London’s International Piano magazine. A graduate of Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and University of Colorado, Dr. Ksenia Nosikova is a Professor of Piano and Co-Chair of Piano Department at the University of Iowa. Her students have won prizes at various national and international competitions and have been accepted to prominent music programs, including Curtis, Juilliard, Colburn, Eastman, and Peabody. She has presented over 300 master classes in the US and abroad, most recently at the Beijing Central, China, Shanghai, Wuhan, Xian, Sichuan, Tianjin, and Shenyang conservatories and Hong Kong Academy in China.

She is an artist faculty member of the Semper International Music Festival in Italy and Wiener MusikSeminar International Master Classes in Austria. Her 2019-2020 concert engagements have taken her to Brazil, China, Singapore, Thailand, and Prague. She is a member of the American Liszt Society’s Board of Directors and the Artistic Director of Piano Sundays at Old Capitol Concert Series (IA). Ksenia Nosikova is a Steinway Artist.

The Future of Journalism

Wednesday, April 10 | 5:30-6:45 p.m.
Main 201

The journalism landscape is in the midst of unprecedented transformation. But what precisely constitutes journalism? How will it evolve in the coming years, and where can one discover the burgeoning opportunities within this dynamic field?

Join us for an intellectually stimulating event that delves into the multifaceted world of journalism and its profound influence on our democratic society. Esteemed panelists, all Lawrence alumni, will dissect the intricacies of reporting, storytelling, and media’s pivotal role in shaping public discourse.

Alumni Panel

  • Luther Abel ’22 – Nights and Weekend Editor, National Review
  • Nathan Heffel ’02 – On-Air Host, Colorado Public Radio
  • Kate Morton ’18 – Reporter, Wispolitics.com

Moderated by Ty Collins from the Career Center and English Professor David McGlynn.

Guest Recital: Kenneth Johnson, trombone

Wednesday, April 10 | 8-9:30 p.m.
Harper Hall

Dr. Kenneth Johnson is a dedicated trombonist and educator newly relocated in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He is originally from Fredericksburg, VA, where he began playing trombone in elementary school under the guidance of his musician parents. He has been the Principal Trombonist in Sinfonia Gulf Coast in Destin, FL since 2017 and is a founding member of the Brass Institutes of America where he has served on the faculty since 2013. As a home studio recording musician he can be heard on the podcasts. The Musical and the Award Winning Bite Sized Broadway, and as well as through the American Composer’s Alliance. This past fall he also joined the staff at Notre Dame of DePere, where he teaches Instrumental and General Music.

This event is free and open to the public!

Interactive Networking Crash Course

Thursday, April 4 | 12:30-1:30 p.m. OR 5-6 p.m.
Warch – Pusey Room

Does networking give you anxiety? Here is your one stop shop to gain confidence and grow your professional network! Invite your friends, and sign-up on Handshake.

Sign up for 12:30-1:30 session

Sign up for 5-6 session

  • Gain confidence in meeting people of authority
  • Learn how to put together an elevator speech
  • Uncover common questions to ask during networking events
  • Find tips & tricks on how to make eye contact and shake hands
  • Learn how to follow up and stay in touch with new contacts

NAfME Symposium

April 12-13
Shattuck 163

Lawrence University’s National Association of Music Education presents its 7th annual symposium!

Register Today!

It Takes You!

Composition, Improvisation, and Hip-Hop in the Music Classroom

Featuring keynote speaker Kiran Vedula, hip-hop educator and musician

Also featuring Loren Dempster, Eli Grover, Patty Darling, and Tim Albright

Itinerary

Friday, April 12

  • 7-9 p.m. | Open Mic Night | Shattuck 046 – Jazz Room
    In collaboration with JGEI (Jazz and Gender Equity Initiative), join us for NAfME Open Mic Night! Share any of your original compositions, improvisations, songs, poems, or other creative works! The stage is yours!

Saturday, April 13

  • 8:30-9 a.m. | Arrival & refreshments | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Enjoy some coffee and an assortment of breakfast pastries before we begin our day of learning!
  • 9-9:20 a.m. | Loren Dempster – Songwriting Activity/Warm-up | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Loren Dempster, Instructor of Music at Lawrence University, leads us in a short songwriting activity that you could incorporate into your own classroom.
  • 9:30-11 a.m. | Kiran Vedula – Hip-Hop Session | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Musician, producer, and educator Kiran Vedula shares about the power of hip-hop in facilitating culturally-responsive educational experiences. Kiran is the founder of  “Flutes at Dawn.” Their mission, excerpted from their website is as follows:
    • “Provide high-quality education and mentorship through vulnerable communication, cultural relevance, and shared positive experiences. Create inspiring spaces where people learn about themselves and connect with others in the process of expressing and making art/media. Respect, study, and elevate cultures, people, and art forms that are historically undervalued/misunderstood by presenting music and dance performances, workshops, and other educational material at professional theaters, performing arts centers, schools, universities, and beyond.”
  • 11:30 a.m. | Lunch – Catering from Tipsy Taco | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Join us for a free lunch catered by Tipsy Taco! There are several cafes within walking distance; feel free to get lunch on your own as well.
  • 1-1:30 p.m. | Eli Grover – Bucket Drumming | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    AASD educator Eli Grover shares a bucket drumming activity that you can bring to your classroom.
  • 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Patty Darling & Tim Albright – Emerging Improvisers | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Patty Darling and Tim Albright, both Lawrence University Jazz Department Faculty, share ideas and activities for encouraging emerging improvisers in your music classroom.
  • 2:30-3 p.m. | Loren Dempster – Songwriting Activity/Sharing Lyrics & Songs | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Loren Dempster joins us for a second songwriting activity.
  • 3-4 p.m. | Eli Grover – Body Percussion | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    Eli Grover shares ways we can get students powerfully creating with body percussion — no external instruments needed!
  • 4-5 p.m. | JGEI – Beginning Jazz Jam Session | Shattuck 163 (Large Rehearsal)
    NAfME partners with JGEI (Jazz and Gender Equity Initiative) for a beginning jazz jam session — no previous experience required!

Applications open for Fall Term weekends at Björklunden

Björklunden applications are open through April 26 for Fall Term.

The weekends provide a distinctive and highly memorable integrative experience. Each weekend during the academic year, groups gather to explore and reflect on ideas, artistic expressions, and community issues. Topics are wide-ranging, and students have the opportunity for intensive inquiry and discussion with faculty members and among themselves in an informal, intimate setting.


Student Program General Information

FAQs

Student Program Application

Michael Lowenstern, clarinet: Masterclass & Recital

Masterclass
Sunday, April 7 | 6-8 p.m.
Memorial Chapel

Recital
Monday, April 8 | 8-9:30 p.m.
Harper Hall

Michael Lowenstern (b. Chicago, Illinois, United States, 1968) in the Hyde Park neighborhood, is an American bass clarinetist and composer specializing in new music.

Lowenstern holds a B.M. and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, an Artist’s Certificate from the Sweelinck Conservatorium Amsterdam, and an M.M. and D.M.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. In 1989, Lowenstern received a Fulbright grant to study in Amsterdam with bass clarinet virtuoso Harry Sparnaay. In addition to Sparnaay, Lowenstern’s clarinet and bass clarinet teachers have included Charles Neidich, Richard MacDowell, and John Bruce Yeh, and he has also studied composition with Daniel Weymouth.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Lowenstern’s playing is characterized by an expressive, almost vocal tone, an agile technique, and a strong command of the instrument’s upper register. He has performed with ensembles representing a wide range of musical genres, including The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Steve Reich and Musicians, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Klezmatics, Robin Cox Ensemble, John Zorn, and Billband. In 1991 he won the first prize at the International Gaudeamus Competition in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Lowenstern has created numerous compositions for bass clarinet, both solo and with electronics. His works explore the possibilities of large ensembles of bass clarinets (done by multi-tracking), as well as juxtaposing the instrument with drum and bass-style beats more common to electronic dance music than to contemporary classical music. He has also composed music for film, dance, and the Internet. Since October 2006, a segment of his playing with Billband has been used as the theme for the National Public Radio segment “Science Out of the Box,” which airs on the Weekend All Things Considered program.

Faculty Recital: Chamber Music for Piano and Winds

Wednesday, April 3 | 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Chapel

Seven Lawrence faculty members will perform works by Poulenc, Tomasi, and Mozart:

  • Joe Connor (saxophone)
  • Ann Ellsworth (horn)
  • Brigit Fitzgerald (bassoon)
  • Andy Hudson (clarinet)
  • Erin Lesser (flute)
  • Nora Lewis (oboe)
  • Michael Mizrahi (piano)

Free and open to the public!

Can’t make it to the Lawrence Memorial Chapel? Catch the live webcast.