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Category: Faculty

George Abraham Poetry Reading

Saturday, May 4 | 5-7 p.m.
Memorial 113 – Diversity Center

PAO is hosting Chicago-based Palestinian-American poet George Abraham for a poetry reading and workshop session. The purpose of this event is to create a space where participants can learn about Palestine through poetry and reading. Especially with current world happenings, and because Arabian identities are often left out of Pan-Asian rhetoric, we feel like this is an especially important event to program.

This event will be taking place as part of PAO’s month-long event series for AAPI heritage month (which takes place every May). The event is one that we have programmed once two years prior that we are looking to bring back for this year’s AAPI heritage month celebration.

15th Annual Wisconsin Grassroots Network Festival

Saturday, May 4 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Warch 324 – Somerset Room

The Wisconsin Grassroots Festival is the signature event put on annually by the Wisconsin Grassroots Network bringing together activists and leaders from grassroots groups around the state representing many issues and constituencies who have organized to improve their communities. This year The LU YDSA and LU Dems will be sponsoring the event to host it here at Lawrence University!

Alumnus speaker: Sam Smith ’12

Archives, Agency, and the Artistic Labor of Dance from Chicago to Las Vegas at Mid-Century

Monday, May 6 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Main 201

Sam Smith ’12 (Ph.D. candidate, History, Michigan State University) will present her current research on gender, labor and the entertainment industry in mid-twentieth-century America. Smith holds an M.A. in Public History from Loyola University and is a former archivist at the Newberry Library.

College Night – Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Thursday, May 2 | 6:40 p.m.
Fox Cities Stadium

Lawrence students are invited to attend the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Thursday, May 2 at 6:40 p.m. for FREE!

There is a limited number of free tickets, which will be given away on a first-come, first serve basis. Tickets will be available during business hours at the Office of SEAL beginning Monday, April 29. This night includes discounted food and beverages for those in attendance.

If you would like free transportation to the stadium, you may sign up to be on the bus when you pick up your tickets.

If you miss out on the free tickets, you can still access discounted tickets on the Timber Rattlers website! Get $2 tickets by using your .edu email.

Enjoy this opportunity to relax and enjoy the game before Reading Period!

Questions? Contact Dakota McKee, Director of SEAL
920-832-7478
dakota.mckee@lawrence.edu

The Timber Rattlers are also offering discounted tickets for their game on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:40 p.m. Lawrence faculty, staff, and students can get tickets for $2 each (8 tickets max). Enjoy discounted food and beverages as well!

Visit the Timber Rattlers online and enter your .edu email to gain access to discounted tickets.

Upcoming ComPsych Webinar!

ComPsych will be holding an upcoming webinar on the importance of mental health and how to manage anxiety. If you are interested in attending to learn more, you can register here.

Mental Health Matters: Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Monday, May 6 | Noon

Anxiety is and has been on the rise. In fact, it is the most common issue Gen Z-ers bring up in therapy. According to our own book of business data, anxiety started appearing in 2014 as a reason for seeking out counseling. In 2020, anxiety jumped to the top of our charts and has stayed there ever since, worsening even. As a society, what is making us so anxious and how can we deal with it in a healthy way? Join this session to find out.

Speaker: Jennifer Birdsall, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Director, ComPsych

Have a question you would like them to cover during this session? Please send to webinars@compsych.com.

Summer Learning at Björklunden

We hope you’ll join us for one (or more!) of our Björklunden seminars. Lawrence faculty, staff, and students receive a half-price discount on all Björklunden seminars!

View the full lineup on the Lawrence website.

Zoom Seminars

Is Evil really Banal? Hannah Arendt and the Question of Genocide

Date(s): (ONLINE) Thursdays, April 4 – May 2, 2-3:30 pm
Instructor(s): Paul Cohen
Description: The current war in the Middle East has raised anew the urgent question of genocide. But what does the word “genocide” mean? When did it first appear, historically? This seminar will address these questions through a close reading of Hannah Arendt’s brilliant and controversial book, Eichmann in Jerusalem.

The Birth of Fascism

Date(s): (ONLINE) Thursdays, May 9 – June 6, 2-3:30 pm
Instructor: Paul Cohen 
Description: There has been a lot of talk about fascism recently, but there is little clarity about what fascism actually means and where it came from historically. This seminar will explore fascism’s historical origins in Mussolini’s Italy and Hitler’s Germany.

Is Civilization Good for Us: Nietzsche, Freud, and their Discontents

Date(s): (ONLINE) Thursdays, July 18 – Aug.15, 2-3:30 pm
Instructor: Paul Cohen
Description: This seminar will focus on how two of the greatest thinkers of the modern age, Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud, addressed the question of what constitutes a ‘civilized’ or ‘civil’ society.

In-Person Seminars

Democracy Book Club

Date(s): June 9 – 14
Instructor(s): Bronwyn Mauldin
Description: Over five days we will read and discuss five key works of literature, engaging in deep discussions exploring what we can learn from them to improve civic participation in the life of our communities today.

Forests through Time

Date(s): June 9 – 14
Instructor(s): Relena Ribbons
Description: Together, we will learn about the history of the forests at Bjorklunden (including where all those birch trees are!), and how these forests have changed over recent human time scales.

The Mindful Brain

Date(s): June 16-21
Instructor(s): Lori M. Hilt, PhD (’97) 
Description: This seminar will explore how mindfulness has been secularized and utilized in such settings as schools, workplaces, hospitals, as well as in daily life. Additionally, we will explore neuroscience research on how mindfulness changes the brain. *Limited housing available in the lodge. Please contact us at bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu or 920-839-2216 to inquire about resident options. Commuter and auditor still available.

Chemistry of Art

Date(s): June 23-28
Instructor(s): Allison Fleshman
Description: In this seminar, we will explore the fascinating chemistry of paintings, learn the chemical reasons dyes bond to textiles, reflect on the importance of light in the experience of art, and explore the chemistry of glass and stained glass.
*$15 materials fee

Relief Printing: Creation and Repetition

Date(s): June 23-28
Instructor(s): Brady Nichols (’92)
Description: This seminar allows participants to discover and dive into the art of relief printing, utilizing the beauty of Bjorklunden while investigating their imaginations.

Energy, Technology and the Environment

Date(s): June 23-28
Instructor(s): Graham Sazama
Description: This seminar examines the fundamental chemistry and physics behind conventional and emerging energy technologies, with a hands-on component to further explore their design and function.

Russia and Ukraine: From Partners to Enemies

Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Tim Crain
Description: The seminar will explore the historic relationship between Russia and Ukraine, the future of the two countries engaged in conflict, and why the area is of such vital interest to the EU, NATO, and the United States.

Shakespeare in Love: Romeo and Juliet, 1594-2024

Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Garth Bond
Description: In conjunction with the Door Shakespeare production of Romeo and Juliet, this seminar will explore Shakespeare’s iconic depiction of tragic love, a story that has become synonymous with modern conceptions of romantic love around the world.

This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land: How Maps Shape the World 

Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Arnold F. Shober
Description: We often think about maps as representing some tangible reality — but what if maps actually create it? We’ll start by looking at the difference between “location” and “place,” and how maps are a political tool as much as an aid to hiking Door County.

From Sutton Hoo to Bayeux: Anglo-Saxon England in 10 Amazing Works

Date(s): July 14-19
Instructor(s): Danielle Joyner, Katie Keene
Description: This class explores the medieval worlds of Anglo-Saxon England (c. 600-1066) by focusing on extraordinary works of art and cultural monuments. Course held in Bjorklunden’s studio.

Hitler’s War: The Battle for Democracy, 1939-1945

Date(s): July 21-26
Instructor(s): Jerald Podair, Jon Greenwald
Description: On September 1, 1939, emboldened by an alliance of convenience with the Soviet Union and contemptuous of the resolve of Western democracies, Adolf Hitler ordered his troops to invade Poland — thus began the Second World War.

Water Cycle: A journey around the science and policy of Earth’s most precious molecule

Date(s): July 21-26
Instructor(s): Peter S. Levi (‘01), Titus Seilheimer (‘00) 
Description: In our seminar, we will explore the science and policy of this mighty molecule and how water availability, conservation, policy, and perception varies across communities, states, and countries.

Fact or Fiction: Images of Schools and Adolescents in Hollywood Films

Date(s): July 21-26
Instructor(s): Stewart Purkey
Description: In this course we’ll watch and talk about contemporary movies, exploring the various ways in which a range of modern Hollywood films (and the occasional foreign film) have influenced, even shaped, Americans’ perceptions of schools, the kids who attend them, and the teachers who work in them. 

Resident and Commuter options are no longer available for this week; Auditor options only. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please call 920-839-2216. 

The Campaign Nobody Wanted

Date(s): July 28 – Aug. 2
Instructor(s): Terry Moran (’82)
Description: As of this writing, the 2024 presidential election looks to be a rerun of 2020. Biden v Trump. And polls show most Americans react the same way to this choice: Ugh.

A Tour of the History of Russian Film

Date(s): July 28 – August 2
Instructor(s): Peter Thomas
Description: We will spend the week watching and discussing some of the best films made in the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the post-Soviet sphere.

The Door Four: Theater Seminar

Date(s): July 28 – Aug. 2
Instructor(s): Dan Klarer
Description: An exploration of Door County theaters with local theater artist Dan Klarer. Seminar participants will take trips to four local theaters to watch and then discuss the shows.

Resident and Commuter options are no longer available for this week; Auditor options only. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please call 920-839-2216. 

The Palestinians, Israelis, and the United States: Past, Present and Future

Date(s): Aug. 4-9
Instructor(s): Tim Crain
Description: The seminar will review the historic conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, as well as how the United States became involved in the dispute, and the future prospects for peace.

Pragmatism: America’s First (and Only!) Philosophy

Date(s): Aug. 4-9
Instructor(s): Terry Goode
Description: We will explore pragmatisms roots in 17th and 18th century European philosophy, and examine the basic theories of pragmatism, explaining how it answers in new and important ways the primary questions of philosophy in epistemology, ontology, logic, ethics and aesthetics.

A Sky Full of Planets: Exploring the Night Sky and Our Solar System

Date(s): Aug. 4-9
Instructor(s): Megan Pickett
Description: In this course we will explore the history of our exploration of the night, particularly our home in the cosmos: our own solar system. You’ll learn about the discoveries of the latest missions, our plans for the future, and the nature of the more than 10,000 other solar systems now known to exist. ​​​

Where do we come from? Where do we go? And Everything in Between: Mythology Across Time and Across the Universe

Date(s): Aug. 11-16
Instructor(s): Nikolas O. Hoel (‘99)
Description: Across the planet, people came up with stories to help them explain earthly phenomena, including, and perhaps, most importantly death. This seminar will be an opportunity to explore mythology as it has existed in many places and amongst many individuals.

Watercolor: The Expressive Medium

Date(s): Aug. 11-17
Instructor(s): Helen Klebesadel
Description: Participants will be a part of a creative community that invites them to experiment with a wide range of traditional and non-traditional watercolor techniques and learn to create strong individualized artistic statements.

*Seminar is currently full, waitlist only. To be added to the waitlist, call 920-839-2216 or email bjorkseminars@lawrence.edu.

Be Present in Nature and Discover What Nature Has to Present You

Date(s): Aug. 25-30
Instructor(s): Jane Burress
Description: Leave the busy world behind and spend each morning immersed in nature. Join Burress, a certified forest and nature guide, for forest bathing sessions. Each session ends with local refreshments and conversation. By connecting with our senses, our imagination is awakened.

Fun with Fungi: Wild Mushrooms and their Relatives

Date(s): Aug. 25-30
Instructor(s): Charlotte Lukes 
Description: This week we will learn mainly about the many types of wild mushrooms in the county. Several PowerPoint color slide programs will be presented about the variety of mushrooms as well as ferns, lichens, mosses, clubmosses and liverworts.

Faith Builds a Chapel: The Legacy of Winifred C. Boynton

Date(s): Aug. 25-30
Instructor(s): Marjorie Graham 
Description: The Norwegian “stavkirke” chapel is the icon of Björklunden, and sits like a jewel at the edge of the forest, facing the shore of Lake Michigan. This seminar will provide an in-depth study of the chapel’s creation, carvings and murals, as well as the Viking myths, Biblical passages and personal stories behind them.

SAAM – Title IX Education

Part of our efforts this month for Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to work toward a universal understanding of Title IX. We are excited to offer the opportunity to improve your knowledge. We are asking all employees and students to complete the following training by the end of the month.

  • Employee Educational Opportunity
    Mosaic: Prevent Sexual Violence Together online course by logging in HERE.
  • Student Educational Opportunity
    Impressions online course by logging in HERE.

Please reach out to SHARE if you have any questions or to request accommodations.

Earth Week 2024

Sunday, April 21

  • Earthfest | 1-4 p.m. | Kaeyes Mamaceqtawuk/Library Plaza
    This event is a tabling and network based event in celebration of community and coming together for Earth Day. Join us for our day of collective action, as well as delicious soup and music. This event is for celebrating the earth, appreciating each other and organizing, and fostering a great space to learn/try something new. We will be serving lunch for everyone (while supplies last) from Bon App catering when the event starts at 1 p.m. Student bands will be performing from 2-4 p.m. In the event of rain, festivities will move to Warch. 

Monday, April 22

  • Science Hall Colloquium: Soil Microbe Communities | 4:30 p.m. | Steitz 102
    Forest and agricultural soils are home to vast quantities of soil microbe communities, yet we have only scratched the surface when it comes to understanding these systems. Dr. Relena Ribbons’ lab blends tools and approaches from forestry, ecology, biogeochemistry, and soil microbiology to investigate these communities. She will share insights from studies she and her research students have conducted across the region: Bjorklunden’s forest of cedars and maples along the shoreline of Lake Michigan; a network of sites in the woods of Peninsula and High Cliff State Parks; and here on the Lawrence campus, using soil microbiological markers to examine polyculture practices of co-planting tomatoes with marigolds.
  • Paint the Wall | 5 p.m. | The wall on Lawe Street (near SLUG Gardens)
    Come help us paint a mural on the wall in celebration of Earth Day!
  • SLUG Gardening Session and S’mores | 6-8 p.m. | SLUG Gardens
    Join SLUG for an Earth Day gardening session, followed by a campfire and s’mores! Attendants will be entered into a raffle to win jars of honey produced by our own SLUG bees.

Tuesday, April 23

  • Rechargeable Battery Giveaway | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Warch Campus Center
    Introducing Lawrence University’s annual sustainability giveaway. This year we will be giving out rechargeable batteries & charging stations to the student body. If you would like a set of your very own, please fill out the form at the Earthfest tabling event on Sunday, April 21.

Wednesday, April 24

  • Erin Brockovich Showing | 7 p.m. | Warch Cinema
  • Food Recovery Network | 7:30 p.m. | Warch 414 – Runkel Room
    This is a food safety training session so students will be able to volunteer at the food recovery session.

Thursday, April 25

  • Food Inc. Showing | 7 p.m. | Warch Cinema
    Food Inc. (2008) is a documentary that explores corporate farming in the United States.

Friday, April 26

  • Bike Lane Walking Tour with Professor Brozek | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Meet at the Arch
    Professor Brozek has been integral to the institution of the bike lanes here in Appleton. Join him on a walking tour where he teaches about an infrastructurally oriented model of sustainability and how anyone can make an infrastructural impact at the local level!

Saturday, April 27

  • Sustainability/CCE Appleton Trash Pickup | Depart 11 a.m.-1 p.m. & Return 3-5 p.m.
    In Collaboration with the Center for Community Engagement, LUCC Sustainability committee is organizing shuttles to nearby Appleton parks in which students, staff, and faculty can clean up areas that aren’t maintained as well as campus. Join us to volunteer!
  • Invasive Species Pull | 12-2 p.m. | Start in front of Hiett
    Come help restore native ecosystems! Join the Sustainability Committee and learn how to identify and remove invasive species including Garlic Mustard and Burdock. We will start in front of Hiett Hall at 12 p.m. and continue by the access road to SLUG. Afterward, there will be a drawing to win a pesto made from the Garlic Mustard harvested!

New North ESG Summit

Thursday, May 2 | 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Warch 324 – Somerset Room

Sustainable Lawrence is thrilled to partner with the New North ESG Planning Committee to host an interactive summit dedicated to exploring the transformative power of sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in business. This summit aims to catalyze conversations, share insights, and inspire action toward a more sustainable future.

Lawrence University students are invited to attend the Summit at no cost! Students are also invited to attend a special luncheon with the Summit’s guest speakers and featured panelists (11 a.m.-Noon). Seating for the luncheon will be limited!

Interested Faculty and Staff can register using the New North event page. Scroll down beneath the schedule for registration details.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Carter Robinson (carter.robinson@lawrence.edu) with any questions.

Summit Agenda

12:30 – 1 p.m. | Registration Check In & Networking

1 – 1:15 p.m. | Welcome
Kick off the summit with a warm welcome and introduction to our esteemed partners and the purpose of our gathering.

1:15 – 1:45 | The Business Imperative of Sustainability & ESG
Delve into the essential concepts of sustainability and ESG with compelling storytelling examples curated by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. Understand the key trends, emerging regulations, and the undeniable business case for integrating sustainability into organizational strategies.

​1:45 – 2:30 | How Wisconsin Companies Are Leveraging Sustainability
Discover firsthand how Wisconsin companies, both large and small, are leveraging sustainability to drive innovation and enhance their business practices. Dive into insightful case studies from industry leaders; US Venture, Plexus, Faith Technologies and Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE).

​2:45 – 3:45 | Panel Conversations: Diving into Topics of Interest
Engage in dynamic panel discussions covering various topics of interest related to sustainability and ESG. Explore sustainability program basics, data-driven sustainability strategies, energy and greenhouse gas management, workforce implications, and more.

​4:05 – 4:45 | Networking Breakouts as Roundtables
Participate in roundtable discussions facilitated by volunteer conversation leaders. Delve deeper into topics such as operationalizing sustainability, navigating ESG pressures, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in ESG, federal programs and funding opportunities, and engagement with students on careers in ESG.

​4:45 – 5:30 pm. | General Networking & Happy Hour

David Portillo, tenor with Craig Terry, piano

Friday, April 26 | 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Chapel

Praised by Opera News for “high notes with ease, singing with a luxuriant warm glow that seduced the ear as he bounded about the stage with abandon,” American tenor David Portillo has established himself as a leading classical singer of his generation. In 2022-23, David Portillo will showcase his talent for concertgoers and in a range of notable projects, including performances as Tamino in The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera, Ferrando in Così fan tutte with The Dallas Opera, Nadir in The Pearl Fishers with Austin Opera, and assume the title role in Handel’s Jephtha with Jane Glover and Music of the Baroque.