MyLU Insider

Deanna Kolell

Author: Deanna Kolell

Upcoming LUgge Events!

Sticking around campus for winter reading period? Students, faculty and staff are invited to take a break out of your Friday to indulge in hot beverages and sweet treats at the 2nd LUgge Hot Chocolate Friday!

2-3 p.m. – Friday, Feb. 10 – Seeley G. Mudd Library (front plaza)

Excited for the next big snowfall? Lean into LUgge by participating in the LUgge Snow Creation Contest, sponsored by Beta. Participating students will receive a free LUgge beanie (as supplied last) and winning creations will earn additional prizes! Stay tuned for more details.

Is your student organization or department interested in hosting a LUgge-inspired event? Contact Garrett Singer for more details.

Brand Elevation Update

The campus community has been hard at work since the fall on brand elevation, one of six strategic initiatives. The elevation of Lawrence University’s position begins with a comprehensive strategy and language founded in a brand platform (or foundation) to tell our story.

Brand elevation began with the appointment of SimpsonScarborough, a leading national marketing and research agency specializing in higher education. Following an expansive research and listening phase that garnered perspectives from current and prospective students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff, Simpson Scarborough and Communications began to create a brand platform to include the nuts and bolts of positioning (somewhat like a brand DNA). The brand platform will inform the creative expression of our brand (the elements that bring Lawrence’s brand to life). This phase of the project includes comprehensive audience testing to take place during the Spring Term.

Key to each phase of the brand development process is the opportunity for our campus community to participate in various ways. Such was the experience in November and December when students, faculty, staff, and alumni participated in 16 listening sessions and focus groups. Insights gained from these activities served as a guide for the development of creative expression, currently in progress.

When complete, the brand elevation strategy will serve as the north star to guide key messages, tool kits and guidelines for how Lawrence will bring the brand to life, including experiences that bridge messaging and support enrollment, fundraising and elevating institutional reputation.

With so many moving parts, we wanted to refine the progress of the brand elevation initiative. So, to help keep campus informed, a microsite was created where you can find more information and project timelines, as well as how you can be involved in feedback phase. We’ll continue to update you in the LU Insider as well. Additionally, the Brand Elevation Group was relaunched in December. This group, comprised of faculty, staff, students and alumni, provides insights and serves as a champion of the brand elevation initiative. We are also meeting with various shared governance groups and units.

If you would like an in-person update, please contact Jeanette DeDiemar or a member of the brand elevation group.

Björklunden seminars offer opportunities to learn amid beauty of Door County

Written by Ed Berthiaume, director of public information

Registration is now open for the summer and fall 2023 seminars held at Björklunden, Lawrence University’s pristine Door County retreat. Björklunden seminars provide an opportunity to learn while enjoying the beauty of the 441-acre estate along the Lake Michigan shoreline, just south of Baileys Harbor.

Open to the public and led by Lawrence faculty, alumni, or friends, the adult-education seminars span a wide array of topics from politics to history, literature to the arts and sciences.

The full lineup of seminars can be found here

The seminars begin in mid-June and run through mid-October. New this year will be two online courses presented by emeritus history professor Paul Cohen. The courses will each run for five weeks beginning in late March.

“I’m very excited about the lineup,” said Thomas McKenzie, Björklunden director. “It’s going to be a brilliant summer and fall at Björklunden.”

Terry Moran ’82, a longtime reporter and anchor with ABC News, returns to lead one of the seminars, After Trump?, an exploration of how Donald Trump changed American politics. Betsy Schlabach, associate professor of history, will lead a seminar on Wisconsin’s role in the Underground Railroad in the mid to late 19th century. Other topics range from boots-in-the-dirt explorations of Door County’s natural environment with noted naturalists, race and racism, insights to the night sky, media and technology, democracy and the arts, the building of the Boynton Chapel, and the history of the Green Bay Packers, among others.

“We were really intentional about offering a diverse array of options that would appeal to a range of participants,” McKenzie said.

Visitors to the annual seminars come from all walks of life. Some commute to the seminars. Others become Björklunden residents for the week, housed in the estate’s 37,000-square-foot lodge. Participants are able to explore the grounds and engage with the beauty and serenity of Door County.

Most seminars, which include meals prepared by Björklunden’s resident chef, Alex Reina, begin Sunday evening and end Friday afternoon. Classes meet weekday mornings and occasional evenings, with remaining time available to enjoy Björklunden’s mile-long shoreline and walking trails or to explore area cultural and recreational opportunities around Door County.

Lawrence has offered the Bjorklunden seminars every year since 1980, with the exception of 1993 when a fire destroyed the estate’s main lodge and the two years when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of Lawrence facilities to the public. Bjorklunden has been an important part of Lawrence since 1963, when Donald and Winifred Boynton bequeathed the property to the university.

Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in concert Friday at Lawrence

Written by Ed Berthiaume, director of public information

One of the icons of the jazz world returns to the stage of Lawrence Memorial Chapel on Feb. 3.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis featuring Naseer Shamma on oud will be in concert at 8 p.m., part of Lawrence University’s 2022-23 Performing Arts Series. Tickets are $25-$30 and available at the Lawrence Box Office or by emailing boxoffice@lawrence.edu or calling 920-832-6749.

Marsalis has led the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since the late 1980s, building on a resume that has seen him win nine Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize in music.

Friday’s concert will mark Marsalis’ third visit to Lawrence. The legendary trumpeter was 27 when he came to Lawrence in 1988 to perform at Jazz Celebration Weekend. He returned for a Convocation address in October 2001.

Wynton Marsalis was among the visitors to Lawrence we applauded in this Black History Month remembrance during the 175th anniversary celebration.

The New Orleans native studied at The Juilliard School before debuting with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. He has released more than 60 jazz and classical recordings since 1982 and has been widely recognized for his support of music education. In 1997, he became the first jazz artist to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize in music, for his composition Blood on the Fields. In 2001, he was awarded the United Nations designation “Messenger of Peace” by Kofi Annan, secretary-general of the United Nations.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) features 15 top jazz soloists and ensemble players. Under the direction of Marsalis, they perform a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to Jazz at Lincoln Center-commissioned works, including compositions and arrangements by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Benny Goodman, and others.

The orchestra will be joined by internationally renowned musician and humanitarian Naseer Shamma. Known for being one of the world’s greatest oud (an ancient Middle Eastern stringed instrument) virtuosos, he has received numerous awards for his contributions to promoting and advancing the oud and Arabic music all over the world. This tour is the first collaboration for JLCO and oud and will feature new works arranged by Marsalis, Shamma, and JLCO members. Shamma joins the tour in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Festival.

Friday’s concert is the latest in Lawrence’s ongoing Performing Arts Series. Other upcoming performances include:

Feb. 6, 8 p.m.: LADAMA, Harper Hall. LADAMA is a group of four virtuosic musicians and educators from different countries and cultures of the Americas who are sisters in song, rhythm, and spirit.

March 3, 8 p.m.: Adam Sadberry, flutist, Memorial Chapel. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra acting principal flutist and Concert Artists Guild roster member is known for his radiant, lyrical playing.

March 5, 2 p.m.: LU Gamelan concert, Memorial Chapel. This beloved performance of traditional Indonesian percussion instruments returns.

April 3, 8 p.m.: A Moving Sound, Harper Hall. Fusing traditional influences with a global sensibility, this award-winning Taiwanese ensemble has built a worldwide following through their joyous mix of original music and dance. 

April 14, 8 p.m.: Anderson and Roe Piano Duo, Memorial Chapel. Known for their adrenaline-fueled performances, original compositions, and music videos, Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe are revolutionizing the piano duo experience.

April 22, 8 p.m.: Calmus Vocal Ensemble, Memorial Chapel. Founded by former members of the St. Thomas Boys Choir in Germany 23 years ago, they have become one of the world’s most renowned vocal ensembles.

May 12, 8 p.m., Melissa Aldana, saxophone, Memorial Chapel. A Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer, Aldana has garnered international recognition for her visionary work as a band leader, as well as her deeply meditative interpretation of language and vocabulary.

See details of the Artist Series, New Music Series, Jazz Series, World Music Series, Dance Series, Opera performances, and Theatre Arts under the umbrella of the Performing Arts @ Lawrence.

The Jazz Series, which includes the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, is being sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio.

Great Midwest Trivia Contest returns for 58th year

Trivia LVIII will begin at 10:00:37 pm Central Time on Friday, Jan. 27 and lasts 50 hours straight, ending around midnight on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.

Registration for the contest will open at 8 pm on Friday, Jan. 27.

The contest will be streamed live on our Twitch channel at https://www.twitch.tv/greatmidwesttrivia.

You can join the official Trivia 58 Discord Server at https://discord.gg/WTJaUhHb8p.

Additional resources and links can be found at https://linktr.ee/gmtc

Join the Waiting Room channel in the Discord for registration and to call in answers, or use one of the phone numbers below.

  • On-Campus Phone Line: (920) 832-7140
  • Off-Campus Phone Line: (920) 832-7148

Registration

Official registration will take place at 8 pm on the first night of the contest. Latecomers can register throughout the contest but will be at a points disadvantage.

To register, a team representative will call the appropriate phone line (see below). A Trivia Master will answer and take the team’s name and a team representative’s contact information (name, phone number, and email). The teams will be assigned a team number–on-campus team numbers will start at 1, and off-campus numbers will start at 101.

Teams should use the registration period to find out if they have a significant delay in their signal. The official time for Trivia is time.gov.

Phone Numbers

  • Head Master Phone Line: (920) 419-TRIV a.k.a. (920) 419-8748
  • Complaint Phone Line: (920) 419-6727
  • On-Campus Phone Line: (920) 832-7140
  • Off-Campus Phone Line: (920) 832-7148

Please contact greatmidwesttrivia@gmail.com for further details.

Cooking with Carter

Do you have a story to share about a particular meal or dish that is meaningful to you? Cooking with Carter is a new series of webisodes that welcomes you to lead the creation of a meal and share its story with the Lawrence community.  

You will serve as the executive chef, with President Carter serving as your dedicated sous-chef. The meal will come to life as you share stories about the ingredients and customs that make this meal special for you.  

Each meal will consist of a main dish with a side and dessert. You will design the menu and prepare two of the items (one of them on camera!). You may even have the chance to connect with a chef from an Appleton restaurant to help pair a menu item with your creation as part of the experience. 

While the pots and pans cool, the conversations can really heat up as you and a select group of friends enjoy a special meal together with President Carter, savoring the moment, and the fruits of your labor.

Apply to be the next star

If you have a compelling story that goes with a recipe from your culture or family, we invite you to share it with us and you may be the next executive chef on Cooking with Carter! We ask that applications be submitted by Feb. 10.

Black History Month events

Thursday, February 2 – Forgotten Black Figures discussion
6:30-8 p.m. – Diversity & Intercultural Center
In collaboration with the Ethnic Studies Department
Join us in a discussion on forgotten and underrepresented Black figures.

Saturday, February 4 – Financial Empowerment Workshop
2:30 p.m. – Diversity & Intercultural Center
Featuring Jonelle L. Rocke, Generational Wealth Strategist
In collaboration with CODA
Join us to learn about financial discipline and management.

Tuesday, February 7 – The Exchange in White America
5-7 p.m. – WCC Cinema
The Exchange in White America is a new documentary film with local significance. Directed by Joanne Williams, a former Milwaukee TV anchor, the film is about a student exchange program that took place in 1966 between Rufus King High School in Milwaukee and Kaukauna High School. Then, 50 years later, the production was performed again by a new group of students. We’ll screen the film and follow with a discussion with filmmaker Joanne Williams.

Wednesday, February 8 – Candles for Cuties
6-7:30 p.m. – Diversity & Intercultural Center
Make your own candles just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Friday, February 10 – Slam Poetry
5 p.m. – Copper Rock
In collaboration with Alianza
Join us for a beginner’s workshop in all things mindfulness and meditation.

Friday, February 10 – Movie Night – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
8-10 p.m. – WCC Cinema

Saturday, February 11 – African Cooking Class
12-3 p.m. – Spiritual & Religious Life 114 – Community Room
This event is a collaboration with the Black Student Union and African Caribbean Union. We will be inviting guest to teach how to cook authentic Nigerian food.

Saturday, February 11 – Movie Night – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
8-10 p.m. – WCC Cinema

Sunday, February 12 – Brown Girl Brunch
12-2 p.m. – WCC Somerset
Join BSU and Black female speakers in a discussion about the experiences of being a Black Woman.

Sunday, February 12 – Brunch on the Block
12-2 p.m. – Nathan Marsh Pusey Room
Join BSU and Black male speakers in a discussion about the experiences of being a Black Man.

Wednesday, February 15-Thursday, February 16 – Hair Care Initiative w/DnIC
Location given after sign-up
Treat yourself by getting a new look for FREE, done by Black hair stylists and barbers.

Saturday, February 18 – Bon App x BSU Dinner
4:30-7:30 p.m. – Andrew Commons
Join us in a special dinner night at Andrew Commons with tasty meals!

Saturday, February 18 – Black Excellence Ball
9 p.m.-midnight – WCC Esch Hurvis
Join us in BSU’s annual ball, with the theme “Royalty.”

Saturday, February 25 – Cultural Expressions: Motherland
7-9:30 p.m. – WCC Esch Hurvis
Join us at our final event of BHM, our annual showcase of cultural talent and representation.

Tuesday, February 28 – Black History 101 Mobile Museum
9 a.m.-4 p.m. – WCC Somerset
The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is an award-winning collection of over 10,000 original artifacts of Black memorabilia dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to hip-hop culture. Founder Dr. Khalid el-Hakim has a passionate commitment to carry on the rich tradition of the Black Museum Movement.