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Disruptive Public Health with Catrina J. Sparkman

Preserving Black Memories: How the Creator’s Cottage Combats Alzheimer’s Disease

Wednesday, Feb. 26 | 4:30 p.m.
Wriston Auditorium

Catrina J. Sparkman, Black theater artist, publisher, authorpreneur, and Artistic Director of the Creator’s Cottage, an artist and writer’s maker space in Madison, WI will headline our new Disruptive Public Health Lecture Series on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Join us as we hear about the Memory Collectors Storytelling Project: how Sparkman harnesses the creative power of artistic storytelling to promote dementia and Alzheimer’s disease prevention among Black older adults! Come and learn about the origins of the Creator’s Cottage and its impact on Black mental health as well as artists and writers of color. 

The LU Disruptive Public Health Lecture series is designed to highlight professionals who use unconventional methods and new ways of thinking that completely transform the traditional way we improve public health. Learn more about Catrina J. Sparkman here

Preserving-Black-Memories-Flyer-11×17-1Download

Deadline extension: SEJ Paid Summer Internships

Looking for paid summer internships in social and environmental justice?

The Social & Environmental Justice Program provides a unique chance to complete a full-time summer internship with a partner organization in Milwaukee or Appleton, receive mentorship from faculty, alumni, and community leaders, and earn a $5,000 stipend to support wages and housing.

The deadline to apply is now Saturday, Feb. 22 at 11:55 p.m.

learn more about the sej program

If you need assistance with your application materials, you can schedule an appointment on Handshake with Rich Marshall or reach out to Professor Jason Brozek (jason.brozek@lawrence.edu) or Michelle Buchinger (michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu) with questions.

Summer Experience Funding Highlight: Kaitlin Mahr Fund

From now until the end of March, we will be highlighting various funds and summer internships available to students! Through the generous support of alumni and friends, Lawrence students are eligible to apply for funding to support summer internships or projects.

The Kaitlin Mahr Fund

The Kaitlin Mahr Internship in English was established in 2019 in memory of Kaitlin Mahr, a member of the Lawrence University Class of 2009, whose life was tragically cut short in 2007 due to depression and an accidental overdose. As a student, Kaitlin was majoring in English, a member of Melee Dance Troupe, and a LARY Buddy tutor. 

The Kaitlin Mahr Internship in English supports students pursuing internships in career fields related to English. This fund will allow students to seek prominent internships in large and midsized publishing houses and other literary endeavors in New York, Minnesota, California, and elsewhere. Internships might also take place at smaller independent presses or in new media, journalism, digital marketing, etc. Preference will be given to students who are majoring in English. 

The fund was established by Kaitlin’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. Todd and Debra Mahr. Dr. Mahr is a member of the Lawrence University Class of 1979. The gift was made in honor of Dr. Mahr’s 40th Reunion. The Kaitlin Mahr Internship in English will provide a stipend to cover travel and living expenses.

Priority Deadline: March 28, 2025

Apply for summer experience funding

Questions? Michelle Buchinger can help! Email her at michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu.

Fox Commons Events this Week

Medical Professions Networking Event

Tuesday, Feb. 18 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Fox Commons B&E Center

Local and alumni in medical professions (MD, DO, DDS, DPM) will talk with current students in small groups. A Taco Bar will be provided.

Careers in Finance

Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Fox Commons B&E Center

The Investment Club will host Lawrence alumnus Chuck Saunders, who is Chief Investment Officer for the UW Office of Trust Funds.

Stories from Experience

Thursday, Feb. 20 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Fox Commons B&E Center

Join us for an inspiring story. Don’t miss this opportunity to be motivated and empowered—your presence makes the stories even more impactful! Hosted by the Schreiber Institute for Women’s Leadership. Guest Speaker: Christyn Abaray, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Board at Lawrence University.

7th Biennial Gaines Student Playwrights Series

Everything That Haunts Us

Thursday, Feb. 20 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22 | 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Cloak Theatre

Join us for the premiere of 3 one-act plays written by Lawrence students!

“This Isn’t How It Happens” by Shira Hanovich
Kate is dead. At least, that’s what everyone at this funeral seems to think. But when she gets out of her coffin and insists that this isn’t how it happens, her guests are stuck trying to bend to her will. As Kate gets closer to determining how the events of this funeral play out, the threat of death and existential fear loom ever closer.

“The House on the Hill” by Madeline Guest
Adam is dead. But he wasn’t a few minutes ago. As he tries to understand what the rest of his life (or, rather, death) will look like, 3 other new friends begin to figure out why they’ve been left behind.

“Static Cling” by Nina Broberg
When student-athlete Faith Mitchell is recovering from a major surgery following a terrible break to her elbow, she comes to believe she is being haunted by a malevolent ghost coming to take revenge on her. Her neighbor, Jillian Vincent, tries to help her get to the bottom of what’s really haunting her.

Also featuring developing productions:

  • “Beyond the Myths: The Storyteller” by Kean Zhao – audio production
  • “Moving Beyond” by Diego Garcia – staged reading

Performances will take place in the Cloak Theatre, located inside the Lawrence University Music-Drama Center.

Get your tickets today!

General Admission:

  • Adult – $15
  • Senior – $10
  • Student – $8
  • Lawrence students, faculty, & staff – FREE (only available in-person at the Box Office)
Tickets for Student PLaywrights Series

Summer Experience Funding Highlight: Eloise Frick Cherven Fund

From now until the end of March, we will be highlighting various funds and summer internships available to students! Through the generous support of alumni and friends, Lawrence students are eligible to apply for funding to support summer internships or projects.

The Eloise Frick Cherven Fund

This fund was established in 1993 in memory of Eloise Frick Cherven, Lawrence University Class of 1976, by her family, friends, and classmates. Mrs. Cherven was a dedicated geology major who later earned a Master of Science degree from California State University at Los Angeles and forged a successful career in petroleum and environmental geology.

The fund supports student projects and research that pursue some line of investigation or other activity that would broaden their experience or knowledge, help others, and prove of future value. Projects in any area are eligible, though preference will be given to students majoring in or projects related to geology.

Priority Deadline: March 28, 2025 

Apply for summer experience funding

Questions? Michelle Buchinger can help! Email her at michelle.m.buchinger@lawrence.edu.