Former President Bill Clinton will make an appearance at Lawrence University Friday, April 1 to deliver a campaign address on behalf of his wife, Hillary Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination for president.
The country’s 42nd president will speak in the Somerset Room of the Warch Campus Center, 711 E. Boldt Way, beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Clinton will be the first former president ever to visit Lawrence. William Howard Taft was the only sitting president to ever visit Lawrence (1911). Three future presidents have paid visits to the Lawrence campus: Richard Nixon (1959); John F. Kennedy (1960) and George H.W. Bush (1988). Only one first lady — Michelle Obama — has ever spoken at Lawrence (2012).
According to her campaign website, the former president will discuss why Hillary Clinton is the best candidate to raise wages and incomes, defend workers’ rights and fight to break down economic, social and racial barriers for families.
Attendance is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the anticipated capacity turnout, this will be a standing-only event. Once inside, audience members will not be allowed to leave and return. Members of the Lawrence community planning to attend need to show a Lawrence I.D.
By institutional policy, Lawrence does not endorse or invite political candidates to campus, but when approached by them, policies allow for the booking of such events as part of the college’s educational mission, provided more than half of all spaces are available for students, faculty and staff. The college does encourage students to experience first-hand the political process by participating in candidate visits.
Lawrence Associate Professor of Government Arnold Shober said Wisconsin’s status as a purple state makes it a natural draw for presidential attention.
“Northeast Wisconsin is among the few remaining areas in America where Republicans and Democrats still live in the same neighborhoods,” said Shober. “Visits from four of the five presidential contenders is proof that the Fox Valley is pivotal for both parties. Bill Clinton’s visit shows that Hillary Clinton recognizes the importance of the Fox Cities in her unexpectedly tight race in Wisconsin. Sanders can count on Madison, and Clinton should do well in Milwaukee, but the balance for the Democrats will tip here in the Fox Valley.”
About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College” and Fiske’s Guide to Colleges 2016. Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.
