Communications

Senior Tomi Oladunjoye will present two sound bath symphony experiences in the Warch Cinema. The ZOANYI performances are set for 7:30 p.m. March 8 and 9.

The musical experiences, lasting about 15 minutes, are meant to be meditative in nature, Oladunjoye said.

“The audience will get these types of meditative elements in the music while sparking their creativity,” he said.

Oladunjoye, who presented his debut sound bath experience last term, called this another avenue into improved wellness. The mix of music and visuals—projected from various points around the theater—will be soothing to those in attendance, he said.

“This brings elements of wellness and peace,” he said.

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.

Countertenor John Holiday presents a recital of classical vocal works and songs performed by his studio as well as performances inspired by the words, life, and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. in the WCC Pusey Room

President Laurie A. Carter has been invited to be the guest speaker at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the State Capitol rotunda in Madison on Jan. 16. It will be broadcast live at noon on Wisconsin Public Radio and on the PBS Wisconsin website. A one-hour highlights program from the event will then air on PBS Wisconsin at 9 that night.

Produced and directed by WPR’s Dr. Jonathan Øverby, the 42nd annual Tribute and Ceremony is the official state ceremony, and the oldest official MLK Day state celebration in the United States.

This year’s theme is “Let Justice Rule.” In addition to President Carter, guests include Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Andrew Sewell, Fountain of Life Praise Band, Brown Sisters Gospel Quartet, Prince Hall Masonic Honor Guard, and Kalaanjali Dance Company.

“We come together to honor King’s birthday and his legacy of service,” Øverby said. “We pay homage to the memories of those who paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and equality during the Civil Rights Movement. This event is grounded in the very core of what it means to celebrate freedom not just for some, but for all.”

The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. People throughout the state can listen live on all WPR stations and at wpr.org. PBS Wisconsin will also carry the event live at pbswisconsin.org and broadcast a one-hour highlight program at 9 p.m.

LUgge is here. Pronounced Loog-uh, it’s a Lawrence embrace of traditions of coziness and togetherness. It’s a feeling, an essence of what it means to be a Lawrentian, a celebration of the beauty of all four seasons as we experience together the joys of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. Join with other Lawrentians from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Jan. 13 for Hot Chocolate Friday outside of Warch Campus Center. Look for cookies and other giveaways as we lean into the wonders of this winter season. It’s the first of the LUgge-inspired events to be rolled out in the coming weeks. Watch for other events to be added to the LUgge page on our website.