President’s Letters, Speeches, & Correspondence

Greetings to the Class of 2025 and to parents, family members, and friends. We gather here today to celebrate an incredible milestone in the lives of these graduates. Greetings also to our wonderful faculty and staff. This day is possible because of your talent, hard work, and dedication to our students.

To our distinguished guests, Mr. Campbell Scott, Class of 1983 and today’s Commencement speaker; Mr. Robert McDonald, Class of 1973 and the speaker at yesterday’s Baccalaureate service; and Mr. Scott Myers, Class of 1979 and chair of the Lawrence University Board of Trustees, welcome and thank you.

I would also like to acknowledge the presence of Board of Trustee members the Honorable Louis Butler ’73, Dr. Cheryl Kopecky ’72, and Mr. Jon Stellmacher.

Graduates, this is truly a moment of joy. Take a deep breath and look around this beautiful setting on Main Hall Green. Take it all in—sitting shoulder to shoulder with classmates who have walked this journey with you, joined by the faculty and staff who have guided and nurtured you, and the family and friends who prepared you for and supported you along the way.

Getting to this moment is no small thing. You have earned it. You have put in the work and demonstrated the vision, tenacity, and resilience necessary to be here today, to be celebrated as graduates of Lawrence University.

When today’s ceremony concludes, you will recess through the Lawrence Arch—passing from student to alumni—and into a world filled with both uncertainty and opportunity. While the diploma alone will not guarantee you anything, the road you’ve walked and the work you’ve done as undergraduates has prepared you to lead a life of purpose and accomplishment no matter where your path takes you.

I urge you to go forth on that life journey with a boundless imagination and the wisdom to know there is still much to learn. Do so with diligence and humility and commitment, with kindness and empathy, building community wherever your feet may land.

The liberal arts education you have received at Lawrence has shown you a path to a lifetime of learning and growing. You’ll often hear alumni say that it was at Lawrence that they learned how to learn. And that carries through life, through good times and challenging times. You are now better equipped to adapt, to innovate, to think critically, and to thrive.

From lessons learned in First-Year Studies to the intellectual commitment required for your Senior Experience and everything in between, you have lived the principles of a liberal arts education—learning to read critically, think broadly, and communicate clearly and effectively across the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

The Class of 2025 is the first class that I have had the privilege of watching grow, learn, and develop from their first day of Welcome Week to commencement, and I have gotten to know so many of you along the way. Given that these incredible graduates are part of my inaugural class, I’d ask you all to allow me a moment of grace, as my student shout-out section may be a little longer than usual.

I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with several of you as we sought to enhance the Lawrence experience and provide new pathways for student growth and development. Mattigan Haller, a triple major in Biochemistry, Biology, and Spanish, and member of the softball team, and Daryian Matthews, a double-major in Philosophy and Psychology, brought incredible wisdom to my Student Advisory Council and were instrumental in developing the concepts for Fox Commons and West Campus.

Others, like Cammy Anh Bui, who greeted me to campus with a big hug, and Ali Butler, who along with her grandfather—board member Louis Butler—visited the President’s house the summer I arrived, and Mohamed Khalil-Ben Nasr, one of the hardest working students I have ever met, and Mariana Zendejas, an incredible artist and legacy student, I met early in their first term on campus, newly-minted Lawrentians eager to make an impact in a new community. We embarked on that journey together—meeting new people, exploring downtown Appleton, and turning an unfamiliar place into our new home. It’s been an honor watching you develop into campus leaders.

And others still I got to know through their passionate commitment to extracurricular pursuits. Thomas Craley, a stand-out foil fencer for the Vikings, championed excellence in sport and in his academic and community engagements, studying forestry and preserving our nation’s precious natural resources by serving as a firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service.

Kieran McDermott, an English major with a co-curricular record too long to recite, demonstrated incredible poise while working with the administration as a representative of CODA and as a student member of the university’s Federal Action Task Force, providing a crucial student voice as our community navigated the potential impacts of recent changes to federal policy.

Cindy Kaiser, a triple major in psychology, flute, and music education, showed leadership and kindness during a challenging time, reminding me that, in contentious moments, there is always grace in fellowship.

Richie LaCien and Edan Perez, both business and entrepreneurship majors who always had a kind word and smile to share while leading on campus through participation in KidsGive and baseball.

And MinJun Kim, a computer science major who developed a campus safety app that we will begin using on-campus next year.

And, while these individual achievements reflect brilliance in their own right, we know that we shine brighter together.

Seniors involved in student organizations, ensembles, and athletic teams have had an incredible run at Lawrence as well. Nearly a dozen graduates were recognized for their ensemble performances by Downbeat earlier this year, continuing to further the Conservatory’s legacy in its 150^th anniversary year.

This year, our softball team secured a berth in the conference tournament for the first time in a decade. Our women’s soccer program clinched both their conference season and the conference tournament for the first time in program history.

And members of our graduating Posse Scholarship cohort—Braden, Daisha, Michael, Seckou, Hayleen, Mali, Bruna, Gregory, A.J., and Nathaniel—are crossing the stage after leaving this campus with a legacy of leadership, music, dance, joy, and humanity.

These are just a few examples of brilliance from this amazing class.

As you walk the Commencement stage today, do so knowing that you are now a member of an alumni community more than 22,000 strong. It is a community that will support you and applaud you every step of the way.

When we say Forever a Lawrentian, we mean Forever a Lawrentian. Today’s send-off is not a good-bye. It is more of a … we’ll see you again soon. Lawrence will forever be part of your lives.

Embrace this community of learners and leaders. I encourage you to make the effort to stay connected even as the miles and years and life experiences separate you. Find solace and inspiration from your fellow Lawrentians.

We know there is a lot of pain in this world.

We see it and feel it and live it, and there are days when it can crush our spirit. Don’t ever navigate that alone. Lean into your Lawrentian family for strength.

Let them be a source of comfort amid challenges and your biggest cheerleaders amid life’s victories.

Parents, guardians, families, and friends, we also celebrate you today. No one walks this journey alone. Your contributions and sacrifices have helped your graduate reach this day. Your guidance and support going forward will be no less valuable. Graduates, please join me in thanking your support team for all they’ve done. And to the dads in the audience, we celebrate you today. Happy Father’s Day.  

To the Class of 2025, on behalf of the full faculty and staff of this university, I wish you the very best. You are ready to do amazing things.

Go forth and put your imprint on a world that so badly needs the intellect, creativity, inspiration, and compassion of you and your fellow Lawrentians.

To all of you, congratulations.

It is now my honor to present our 2025 senior class speaker, Bruna Velez.

Bruna is an international relations major from New York City who has been a leader on campus in so many ways over the past four years. She has served as president of Lawrence’s Model United Nations team, worked with the Office of Advancement to connect with alumni through our Forever a Lawrentian campaign, been active in sorority life, was a member of the cheer and dance teams, and was an enthusiastic and supportive participant in the Posse Foundation program.

She studied abroad in Rome and secured summer internships in New York and Washington, D.C., all with a focus on being an impactful global citizen.

And last month, Bruna was among the student dancers featured in “Gather Together,” the original dance performance presented so beautifully by choreographer Robert Battle as part of the inaugural Creator in Residence program. Bruna’s post-graduation plans include working as a paralegal before beginning law school.

Please join me in welcoming this year’s senior class speaker, Bruna Velez.

Dear Lawrentians: As we approach the end of another remarkable academic year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible energy, creativity, and kindness that have defined our community this spring, as well as reiterate our collective commitment to protecting our values through the work of the Federal Action Task Force, comprised of staff and faculty from across the institution.

Last week, we welcomed the Board of Trustees to campus for our May meetings. The Board was deeply engaged and inspired by the momentum they saw across the university, from our bold academic vision to the vibrant student experiences that make Lawrence such a special place. The Board toured the rapidly progressing facilities at West Campus, met with graduating seniors who intend to pursue graduate studies, received updates about enrollment, the campaign, and from LUCC, and finalized the budget for next year. I am grateful for their continued partnership and support.

I’m thrilled to report that the board also approved the following faculty for promotion: Dominica Chang, French and Francophone Studies; Mark Jenike, Anthropology; Doug Martin, Physics; and Julie McQuinn, Musicology. Congratulations, all! This well-deserved achievement is a testament to your pedagogy, research, university service, and the light you shine on our campus. More details on the Spring Board Meetings can be found in the update shared earlier this week by Christyn Abaray, Vice President and Secretary to the Board.

Following the board meeting on Friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of exploring the natural world through the lens of our incredibly insightful biology students at BioFest, a showcase of senior experiences and research projects. More than three dozen seniors presented their research on a variety of subjects, allowing members of the campus and Appleton community alike an opportunity to engage with complex research in an accessible and digestible way. Congratulations to all on successfully completing your senior experiences, and a special thanks to the many faculty and staff who supported you on this journey.

Progress on our new academic and residential facilities at West Campus continues to move forward with great speed. The academic floor—which will house the Math, Statistics, and Computer Science department, Conservatory studios and practice rooms, Lawrence’s new Humanities Center, and a state-of-the-art music production studio—will open for use this fall. The university is in the final stages of identifying a property management partner for the market-rate apartments on the third and fourth floors, and we look forward to welcoming tenants from the Appleton community as early as August.

Two student jazz ensembles—the LU Jazz Ensemble and the Latin Jazz Ensemble—contributed to a Conservatory legacy, winning 2025 honors in Downbeat magazine’s Student Music awards. This recognition marks the eighth time in eight years that Lawrence students have brought a top ensemble award to our campus. Congratulations to Patty Darling, instructor of music, José Encarnación, associate professor of music and director of jazz studies, and all our student musicians on this prestigious achievement.

We also had the honor of hosting Robert Battle, our inaugural Creator in Residence, for a powerful week of artistic expression and community engagement. From May 7-10, Robert shared his wisdom and artistry through workshops, conversations, and performances that stirred our imaginations and reminded us of the transformative power of the arts. The spring program culminated in an invigorating and joyful performance entitled “Gather Together,” embodying an ethos of community and collaboration that perfectly captures the Lawrentian spirit. This work would not have been possible without the support of Lawrence instructors and faculty—Mauriah Donegan Kraker, Margaret Paek, and Jean Carlo Ureña González—and an incredible cast of student performers and musicians. I extend my gratitude to everyone who helped bring his residency to life. Special thanks to Trustee emeritus Harold Jordan ’72 and his wife Mary Donn ’73 for their generous contribution to support this program.

KidsGive, a program created in 2009 by Lawrence students and Professor Dena Skran, celebrated a huge accomplishment this term. Since its founding, Lawrentians who participated in the KidsGive program have traveled to Sierra Leone to support projects focused on youth education and health. As part of this work, KidsGive contributed to the development of an all-girls junior secondary school at the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) School. After 15 years of continuous effort, the school recently celebrated its grand opening! I am profoundly moved by these efforts; the legacy of this work will endure for decades to come, a shining beacon of the transformative power of global engagement and experiential learning at Lawrence.

Our 17 Days of Kindness initiative has been another shining example of what makes this community exceptional. From handwritten notes and shared meals to volunteer efforts and spontaneous acts of generosity, this celebration of compassion and connection has brightened our campus and reminded us that small gestures can have lasting impact. Thanks to all who planned, enacted, and participated in this ever-expanding tradition.

Lawrentians also celebrated the robust history of Greek life on campus through Greek Week, marking the 165^th anniversary of fraternity and sorority life at Lawrence. The weeklong celebration culminated in a Fraternity and Sorority Awards luncheon this past Sunday, at which we honored the collective and individual accomplishments of Greeks across campus. While Greek Week has now wrapped in spectacular fashion, I now look forward to the inaugural Greek Reunion at homecoming this fall!

Congratulations are also in order for Faith Onukaogu ’26, who took home the top prize in The Pitch, a regional business startup competition, for her innovative multi-purpose clothing brand, Anima Unita. This is a tremendous achievement, and we are so proud of Faith for representing Lawrence with such vision and poise. Thank you to all who supported her journey and to those who planned and executed this exciting opportunity. This marks the seventh time in the nine-year history of The Pitch that a Lawrentian has won seed money for a startup idea.

Athletics has given us more to celebrate. Men’s Baseball captured their third conference championship in four years—an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to the dedication and talent of our student-athletes and coaching staff. And Women’s Softball made a triumphant return to the conference tournament for the first time in a decade. Congratulations, Vikings! And a special congratulations to coaches Trent Whitcomb and Korey Krueger for realizing these accomplishments in their very first seasons. These successes are a testament to the perseverance and spirit of our Vikings.

For the first time in 20 years, Lawrence hosted the Midwest Conference Outdoor Track and Field championship earlier this month. This amazing achievement gave us the opportunity to showcase our updated track and field facilities. Thanks to all those across campus who made hosting this momentous event possible.

Finally, I want to congratulate Men’s Fencing head coach, Eric Momberg, on being recognized as the United States Fencing Coaches Association’s (USFCA) Division III Men’s Team Coach of the Year. This prestigious national recognition is well-deserved, as Coach Momberg has led the Vikings to incredible successes in competition, has developed an outstanding team culture, and has been honored twice in recent years as the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference Coach of Year. Congratulations, Eric!

As Commencement approaches and we prepare to send the Class of 2025 out into the world, let us carry forward the joy, excellence, and kindness that have defined this spring. Thank you for all that you do to make Lawrence a place of brilliance, belonging, and bold ambition.

With gratitude,

Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As the snow melts and the first signs of spring emerge across campus, I find myself reflecting on what a season of renewal truly means. This time of year invites us to pause, appreciate the beauty of change, and recognize the many ways our Lawrence community continues to flourish, together.

Over the past few weeks, news reports have detailed actions taken by federal agencies that impact students directly, both with respect to access to federal funding and the termination of hundreds of students’ lawful immigration status. Lawrence’s Federal Action Task Force is closely monitoring these developments, especially those that could affect our students’ financial aid as well as our international student community.

At this time, we’ve received no indication that Lawrence’s federal funding is at risk, and we are undertaking continual efforts to safeguard against any federal intervention or investigation against our institution. On April 7, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) issued an action alert referencing potential changes to the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work Study, and Pell Grant programs. We will continue to provide updates to the campus community as we learn more. If you have specific questions related to financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Unfortunately, during our daily monitoring of student visa statuses, we learned of the visa revocation of one of our recent graduates who is participating in their one-year of optional practical training (OPT), an option for all recent graduates that attended a US college on a student visa. Our Office of International Student Services is providing resources to this alumnus and is prepared to assist any students who are concerned about their visa status. 

We know that this ongoing uncertainty can feel unsettling. Please know that we remain deeply committed to supporting and protecting all members of our community. Our priority is to ensure that Lawrence continues to be a place where everyone feels valued and supported. For additional resources and information on changes in federal policy, please leverage our membership with NAICU and the Chronicle of Higher Education’s higher education policy tracker.

While we remain alert to challenges ahead, we also embrace this season of growth and celebration with open hearts and steadfast resolve. April has always been a month of transition, energy, and joy—and this year is no exception. Over the past several weeks, we’ve witnessed remarkable expressions of creativity, leadership, and community that exemplify the very best of Lawrence.

Earlier this term, the Conservatory of Music marked a significant milestone with a remarkable trip to New York City in celebration of its 150th anniversary. Eleven Conservatory students performed at iconic venues across the city, participated in masterclasses with renowned instructors, and celebrated the Conservatory’s legacy at a reception hosted by Manhattan School of Music President James Gandre ’81—a proud Lawrentian and member of our Board of Trustees. This opportunity to showcase Lawrence talent on a national stage was a memorable moment for all of us.

The celebration of musical excellence continued here at home when Roomful of Teeth—the Grammy Award-winning ensemble featuring our own Estelí Gomez, Assistant Professor of Music—performed a series of new works to an energetic crowd in Memorial Chapel on April 4. Their artistry and innovation were deeply moving and a testament to the extraordinary talent that defines the Lawrence experience.

Spring has also brought meaningful recognition to our faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences. I want to echo Provost Blitstein’s congratulations to Monica Rico, Robert S. French Professor of American Studies and Professor of History, and Nora Lewis, Associate Dean of the Faculty and Associate Professor of Music, both of whom were recently awarded prestigious Academic Leadership Fellowships from the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. This honor acknowledges their outstanding service to Lawrence and their potential for transformative leadership in higher education. Congratulations, Monica and Nora!

I also want to recognize Beth Zinsli, Assistant Professor of Art History and Curator of the Wriston Art Center Galleries, on her election as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trout Museum of Art. As our collaborative development project with the Trout Museum at West Campus continues to take shape, Beth’s leadership in the local arts scene will further strengthen our community partnerships and create new, enduring programmatic opportunities for our students. Congratulations, Beth!

Progress on our facilities at West Campus continues at speed, and we eagerly await our grand opening this fall.

At Lawrence—and as Lawrentians—we take great pride in preparing students not only for lives of achievement and personal fulfillment but also for committed and meaningful citizenship. One current Lawrentian demonstrated this tradition in spectacular fashion just last week; first-year student Adrian Stancil-Martin connected immediately with Appleton upon matriculating to Lawrence and was elected to serve a two-year term as Alderperson for District 11 on Appleton’s Common Council. Congratulations, Adrian!

In athletics, we are incredibly proud of Coach Eric Momberg, who was named Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season by the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference (CCFC), and of the 12 Lawrence fencers who received CCFC honors for their competitive excellence and sportsmanship.

We are pleased to welcome the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors to campus this month. During their visit, the board of directors will receive updates on the academic program review, Lawrence’s ongoing response to federal actions, and the progress of our capital campaign. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to engage directly with current students and hear firsthand what it means to be a Lawrentian today. These gatherings are a powerful reminder that our community extends well beyond our campus—and that generations of Lawrentians continue to shape and support the university’s future.

This visit will also give these alumni the opportunity to connect with a familiar face in a new role. I’m excited to announce that Matt Baumler has been promoted to Interim Vice President for Advancement. Matt will succeed Amy Wilson in the vice president role as Amy departs Lawrence to focus on family. I am grateful to Amy for her leadership. Matt has served Lawrence with integrity and exuberance since 2009, most recently as Senior Associate Vice President of Advancement. I am looking forward to working with him in his new role. Congratulations, Matt!

As the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm our pathways once again, I encourage each of you to take a moment to step outside, breathe deeply, and reflect on all we’ve accomplished together.. 

With gratitude for your continued dedication to our community, 

Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As we move into the final week of winter term, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the strength and resilience of our campus community. I am incredibly proud of the many ways Lawrentians continue to shine and excel.    Lawrence was recently recognized as a top producer of Fulbright recipients, the second such recognition in seven years. Four recent graduates have been selected as Fulbright recipients this year, an accomplishment that reflects the academic rigor of a Lawrence education, the meaningful and successful guidance of our faculty and staff, and the commitment of our students to lifelong learning and global citizenship. A special thanks to Claire Kervin, assistant professor of English and director of fellowships advising, and the Fulbright Campus Committee for supporting our students as they navigated one of the most competitive fellowship programs in the nation.     I’m thrilled to announce that Lawrence University will also be home to the newly established Alpha-Rho-Mu chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society for history. The establishment of this chapter will allow our history students and faculty to better connect with scholars across the nation, open new research and publication opportunities for history majors, and contribute to a stronger sense of community and fellowship in our history department. Thanks to Brigid Vance, associate professor of history, for leading this effort and for serving as the chapter’s first faculty advisor. I look forward to inductions this spring!    Congratulations are also due to Kivie Cahn-Lipman, Lawrence’s new cello professor, who released the premiere recording of The Gentle Shepherd by Allen Ramsay earlier this month. The Gentle Shepherd, first published in 1725, is widely considered to be the first Scottish opera, and the reconstruction of this work presented several technical challenges—the largest being it was published without a score! Thank you, Kivie, for continuing to expose our campus community to works that challenge our conceptions of musical canon.     Stansbury Theater was graced by yet another seminal work this month; on March 9, director Copeland Woodruff and conductor Kristin Roach led their students in a performance of The Consul, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti—almost 75 years to the day of its premiere in March of 1950. While this is not the first time The Consul has been performed at Lawrence, the cast and crew breathed new life into this historic story, demonstrating that the Conservatory’s legacy remains vibrant and robust well into its 150th year. It was a masterful performance; I’m grateful to you all.     In the world of athletics, our Vikings continue to hone their competitive edge. Three student-athletes on our men’s fencing team—Cristobal Perez Fourcade, Eli Freyre de Andrade, and Thomas Craley—are all headed to the NCAA Championships after stellar finishes in last Saturday’s NCAA Midwest Regional. Congratulations, all!    This weekend also marked the inaugural home opener for our men’s lacrosse program, which bested the Northland College Lumberjacks in spectacular fashion on Saturday, with a final score of 22 to 5! Women’s lacrosse also brought home a victory from Franklin College, beating the Grizzlies 12-11 on Sunday. Go Vikings! While the changing of the seasons brings renewal, we also find ourselves navigating federal actions that are already impacting higher education institutions across the country. Recent executive actions have raised concerns about the future of funding for colleges and universities, particularly regarding the potential revocation of federal support. Sixty institutions have received letters indicating forthcoming investigations into their policies and programs, and two institutions—Columbia University and the University of Maine system—have already seen a collective $500 million in grants and contracts suspended. While Lawrence has not received such a letter, we are actively monitoring the situation and preparing for any necessary responses.    To that end, we have taken proactive steps to ensure we remain informed, prepared, and steadfast in our mission:  Government Relations Task Force: Led by Alison Scott-Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, this newly assembled group—comprised of staff, faculty, and students—has been meeting since January to track updates from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and ensure that our community is informed of any potential implications for Lawrentians.  Emergency Council for Academic Affairs: Originally formed during the pandemic, this council will be called together early in the spring term by Provost Blitstein to further inform our institutional response and ensure the continuity of our academic mission.  Student Information Sessions: In Week 9, Chris Clarke, Vice President for Student Life, and Eric Schacht, University Counsel, offered an information session to student leadership about the potential impacts of federal actions. This presentation will be repeated in the spring term with updated information to ensure that our students remain informed and prepared.    Please also know that while the Department of Education announced a significant reduction of force (RIF) last week, federal financial aid programs that support our students and their families—federal student loans, Pell Grants, and other forms of federal aid—have not been affected at this time. Per a March 14 letter published by the Office of the Undersecretary of the Department of Education, “continuity of operations for Federal Student Aid (FSA) is both a statutory and critical function of the Department. Accordingly, no employees working on core functions of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or student loan servicing were impacted by the RIF.” If you have concerns about financial aid awards, please reach out to the Office of Financial Aid.     We know that many students’ summer internship plans have been negatively affected or revoked in the last several weeks. The Career Center team has been working closely with faculty across the institution to ensure that we can support students whose summer opportunities may have been lost. If your summer plans have been affected by recent executive actions, please contact the Career Center directly. I also ask departments across campus to evaluate their needs over the summer months to determine whether your office is positioned to support a robust student internship. For guidance on establishing internship parameters, please contact your supervisor and the Career Center.     I know that moments like this—where uncertainty looms large and the most vulnerable among us are targeted—can feel overwhelming. But Lawrence has always been a community rooted in care, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we will face them together, resolute in our mission, ready to champion our values and ensure Lawrence remains a place where all can thrive. If you need additional support, please know that the following offices are available to provide resources and guidance:  Dean of Students  Spiritual and Religious Life  Wellness Services  International Student Services  Human Resources (the Employee Assistance Program)    Thank you for all you do to make this community strong. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more, and in the meantime, I encourage you to lean on one another, extend kindness, and find solace in the strength of our shared purpose. Wishing you all a safe, restful, and restorative spring break. With gratitude, Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As we step further into the winter term, I am heartened by the energy and dedication across our campus. The recently concluded Winter Board of Trustees meetings reflected this spirit, with the board enthusiastically supporting and applauding the important work being done across our university. From the considerable efforts of Provost Blitstein and the faculty-led Academic Program Review Task Force to the many ways our faculty, staff, and students continue to push boundaries in learning and innovation, our collective efforts are shaping Lawrence’s future in meaningful ways. A large portion of our meetings was dedicated to reviewing the recently completed Academic Program Review report. The board focused their discussions on how the faculty might use this data to inform efforts to better resource our academic programs and position Lawrence for enrollment growth in an increasingly competitive environment. The faculty did not recommend, nor did the board approve, any cuts to any of our academic programs. The board applauds and thanks Provost Blitstein and the Academic Program Review Task Force for their thoughtful and thorough work. The Provost’s Office will provide additional information on the review process and report’s recommendations in the coming weeks. I’m thrilled to report that the board also approved the following faculty for tenure: Hillary Caruthers, Economics; Scott Dixon, Philosophy; Estelí Gomez, Music (Voice); Anne Haydock, Film Studies; Relena Ribbons, Geosciences; Elizabeth Sattler, Mathematics; Austin Segrest, English; and Betsy Schlabach, History. Congratulations, all! This well-deserved achievement is a testament to your pedagogy, research, university service, and the light you shine on our campus. The board also thanked LUCC President, Isabel Dorn, for her service to the campus community over the past year, and offered a warm welcome to Brook Schara, LUCC President-Elect. Thank you, Isabel, for your commitment and leadership. And congratulations, Brook! I look forward to working with you and your Cabinet in the coming academic year. More details on the Winter Board Meetings can be found in the board update message shared last week by Christyn Abaray, Vice President and Secretary to the Board. We continue to make great strides in improving our campus spaces to better support our students and faculty. Construction on the third floor of Fox Commons is now complete, with furniture scheduled for delivery over Spring Break. We look forward to opening this new space in Fall 2025. Harper Hall has also undergone significant enhancements, with audio/visual upgrades designed to better serve the needs of our Conservatory faculty and students. Later this academic year, the stage will be refinished and a ramp will be added to increase accessibility, further solidifying Harper Hall as a premier performance space on campus. I want to extend my congratulations and appreciation to Marcia Bjornerud, Walter Schober Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Geosciences, and Ann Ellsworth, Associate Professor of Music, along with the entire cast and crew, for their outstanding production of Un-Earthing: An Eco-Geomusical about Hubris and Hydrofracturing. Their performance christened the newly renovated Harper Hall in spectacular fashion, exemplifying the kind of interdisciplinary collaboration that makes Lawrence a beacon of creativity. Additionally, please join me in celebrating Estelí Gomez, Assistant Professor of Music (Voice), for her recent performance at Carnegie Hall—an incredible accomplishment that highlights the talent and dedication of our faculty. I’m also excited to share that nine students and recent graduates have advanced to the 2025 semifinalist round for the U.S. Fulbright award. The Fulbright Award is one of the nation’s preeminent scholarship programs, and the National Screening Committee receives thousands of applications each year. Best of luck to our semifinalists, and a special thanks to Claire Kervin, who, in addition to her role as Assistant Professor of English, serves as Lawrence’s Director of Fellowships Advising. Our student-athletes continue to excel both in competition and in the classroom. With an impressive win over Lake Forest, our Women’s Basketball program has secured a place in the Midwest Conference Tournament for the second consecutive season. Be sure to cheer on the Vikings in the semifinal round versus Ripon College on February 23! As we move through the rest of the term, I encourage all of us to embrace the traits that define Lawrence: curiosity, creativity, and, most importantly, community. During our winter board meetings, the Board reaffirmed our campus’s core values of inclusion, acceptance, and unity in response to recent executive orders. In these challenging times, our unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for all members of our community remains as strong as ever. This commitment is clearly reflected in the board’s letter to our campus community, which can be read in full here. The only way we can successfully move our campus, our community, and our beloved institution forward is together, and the administration is always happy to work with student organizations who are prepared to work collaboratively to ensure a positive future for Lawrence and Lawrentians. Thank you for all you do to make this such a special place. Warmly,​ Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: Happy New Year, and welcome back to campus for the start of our winter term! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating break. As we return to our shared purpose of learning, creating, and growing, I am excited to begin another chapter in the life of our vibrant community. This term brings with it some of the most cherished traditions at Lawrence. From continuing to celebrate the Conservatory’s 150th anniversary—a remarkable milestone honoring a legacy of artistic excellence—to long-standing campus favorites like LUgge, Winter Carnival, the Great Midwest Trivia Contest, Cultural Expressions, and the President’s Ball, winter at Lawrence is a season of joy, creativity, and community. I encourage everyone to join in these traditions, which highlight the warmth and energy that make our campus so special. Among these incredible traditions is our annual Winter Convocation on January 24. I want to thank the convocation committee for developing a compelling program, which includes a keynote address from Patricia Smith. Patricia Smith is the award-winning author of eight critically acclaimed books of poetry, a Guggenheim fellow, a Civitellian, a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient, and a four-time champion of the National Poetry Slam. She is also a professor at the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University. I look forward to seeing many of you in the Memorial Chapel as we welcome Patricia Smith to Lawrence for her convocation remarks.  I am thrilled to announce an extraordinary accomplishment by our faculty: Gregory Hitch, Sigma Colón, Jason Brozek, Andrew Knudsen, and Claire Kirven have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation. This grant will support their collaboration with the College of the Menominee Nation on the project “Environmental Justice in the Watershed of the Menominee Nation.” This initiative exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary work and community partnership, addressing critical issues while advancing Lawrence’s mission of academic excellence and social impact. Congratulations to all involved for this significant achievement! Lastly, I want to offer my congratulations to two of our recent alumni for being recognized by Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Education list. Alec Nguyen ’23 and Austin “Hung” Nguyen ’23 earned a spot on this prestigious publication for their start-up Afforai, an AI-powered citation manager. Alec and Austin presented their idea in The Pitch, a regional competition featuring startup ideas from students at universities across northeast Wisconsin, and have since grown the platform substantially, serving over 100,000 users. Congratulations, Alec and Austin! As we embark on this new term, let us embrace the opportunities it brings to connect, collaborate, and create. Winter is a time of introspection and transformation, and together, we will continue to make strides that reflect the values and aspirations of our Lawrence community. I look forward to seeing you at our winter events and celebrating the incredible work happening across campus. Best wishes for a successful and fulfilling term! Warm wishes,​ Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As we reflect on the end of the fall term and the close of 2024, I am filled with pride for all that we have accomplished together as a community. This season has been a celebration of achievement and the enduring spirit of Lawrence.   Celebrating Our Community and Achievements This fall, we came together for the presidential election, demonstrating kindness, respect, and active engagement. I want to again thank the Office of Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL) for their outstanding voter registration efforts, which earned Lawrence the “Most Engaged Campus” recognition from the All IN Campus Democracy Challenge. Their work reflects our deep commitment to civic engagement.   In the arts, our community was captivated by Kaleidoscope, Fred Sturm Jazz Weekend, the powerful production of Working, and an unprecedented performance of nine world premieres executed with aplomb by the Trombone and Flute ensembles. The cast, crew, musicians, and faculty delivered extraordinary performances that celebrated the dignity of work and highlighted the depth of talent within our Conservatory.   Our student-athletes also gave us much to cheer for this term! The women’s soccer team and cross-country teams brought home the Midwest Conference championships, and Vikings football, women’s tennis, and volleyball celebrated significant wins this fall. Additionally, Joe Sagar (Women’s Soccer) and Jason Fast and Shelby Baldwin (Cross Country) were recognized by the Midwest Conference as 2024 Coaches of the Year. Congratulations! Your hard work and determination continue to inspire us all.   Advancing Together This term,we celebrated the tireless work of Facilities, Residential Education, and the Business & Entrepreneurship faculty with two ribbon-cutting ceremonies for our new facilities in Fox Commons. This stunning and innovative addition to our physical plant is already deeply impacting the social and academic experiences of all Lawrentians. Looking to the future, we are making steady progress on the West Campus facility, which will provide state-of-the-art academic spaces for Math, Statistics, and Computer Science, as well as the Humanities programs. The fully sound-proofed Conservatory spaces in this building replace space formerly in Con West while adding state-of the art practice rooms, classrooms, and a production studio. This transformative project will enhance learning and collaboration for generations of Lawrentians and is on-schedule to be completed next August.   I am also delighted to share that Matt Baumler has been promoted to Senior Associate Vice President of Advancement and will serve on the President’s Cabinet. Matt’s leadership and unwavering dedication to Lawrence have been integral to the success of the Advancement division and, in his expanded role, he will partner with Vice President Amy Wilson to provide additional support to our Advancement team during the Onward, Lawrentians campaign. Please join me in congratulating Matt on this well-deserved recognition!   A Festive Lawrence Connection As we celebrate the season, I want to share a unique piece of Lawrence history: the beloved Christmas carol “12 Days of Christmas” has a surprising connection to our community. In 1910, Emily Frances Brown, a professor at Milwaukee-Downer College, brought the song to the United States from Oxford, England, introducing this beloved classic to the United States. Milwaukee-Downer College merged with Lawrence University 54 years later, making this classic carol a festive part of our shared story, and the Brown’s original sheet music is preserved in our university archives.   Looking Ahead As the calendar year draws to a close, I encourage students to take pride in all you have accomplished this term. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed, and I wish you success in these final days of the year. To our entire community, I hope the holiday season brings you moments of rest, joy, and connection with loved ones. You have earned this time to recharge, reflect, and look ahead to all the possibilities the new year holds.   Thank you for making this fall term one to remember. I am continually inspired by your dedication, kindness, and the collective strength of our Lawrence community. Warm wishes for a happy and restful holiday season, Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As this term comes to a close and we enter the holiday season, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of our campus community. This month has been a powerful testament to our ability to come together, support one another, and celebrate all that makes Lawrence a remarkable place to learn, grow, and thrive. Following the presidential election, I have been inspired by the sense of unity and civil discourse displayed across campus. In times like these, our shared values of respect, kindness, and engagement shine brightly. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Office of Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL) for their outstanding voter registration efforts. Their hard work not only empowered students to exercise their right to vote but also earned Lawrence the prestigious “Most Engaged Campus” designation from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. This recognition reflects our collective commitment to active citizenship and democracy. It has been a month full of brilliant performances at Lawrence. Kudos to Michael Clayville (Music in Entrepreneurial Studies and Social Engagement), Tim Albright (Trombone), Erin Lesser (Flute), and the Flute and Trombone Ensembles for their incredible execution of nine world premieres! This innovative demonstration of musical talent is a testament to the brilliant legacy of the Conservatory and a fitting way to continue celebrating its 150th anniversary. I also want to applaud the incredible talent showcased in our recent production of Working. This dynamic musical brought our community together to celebrate the dignity and artistry in all forms of creative work. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and faculty involved for creating such a memorable and meaningful experience. In athletics, a special congratulations to the women’s soccer and women’s cross-country teams for their triumphant Midwest Conference championship victories! Your dedication, teamwork, and perseverance are a source of pride for all of us, and we celebrate this significant achievement with you. Take time to care for yourselves and support your peers during these next several weeks. I hope the upcoming holiday and fall break bring you moments of joy, rest, and rejuvenation. You have all worked tirelessly this term, and this time to recharge is well-deserved. Thank you for all that you do to make Lawrence a vibrant, compassionate, and inspiring community. Warm wishes,​ Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As the leaves turn and we embrace the crisp autumn air, I’m reminded of how special this season is for all of us here at Lawrence. Our campus, so full of life and warmth, continues to be a place of collective purpose, shared commitment, and spirited academic pursuits. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in our community, the spirit of Lawrence shines brightly. First, I want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible faculty. Their dedication to teaching, scholarship, and creativity was highlighted in last week’s Board of Trustees meetings, where we shared outstanding examples of their achievements and initiatives, including the cross-departmental commitment to advancing the university’s community engagement and auxiliary revenue strategy through Lawrence at Night. The Board expressed deep appreciation for all the work being done to advance our academic mission and build a brighter future for Lawrence. A summary of the fall board meetings was shared earlier today by Christyn Abaray, Chief of Staff, Vice President of Enrollment, and Secretary to the Board. This most recent summary, as well as updates from previous board meetings, can also be found on the Lawrence University website. Since my last campus update, our Conservatory faculty and students brought to life one of my favorite Lawrentian performances: Kaleidoscope. This incredible showcase of Conservatory ensembles, large and small, never fails to highlight the immense talent of Lawrentian musicians. Special thanks to Brian Pertl, Dean of the Conservatory, for his stewardship of this vibrant and robust biannual tradition. This week, we also celebrated the completion and official opening of the Business & Entrepreneurship Center in Fox Commons. Thanks to Adam Galambos for his service as the inaugural director of the center, and to all the faculty and students who have been involved in planning and programming the space.  Looking ahead, we are making exciting progress on our new West Campus facility, which will house state-of-the-art academic spaces for Math, Statistics, and Computer Science, as well as the Conservatory of Music and Humanities programs. This project represents our commitment to providing a world-class learning environment for current and future Lawrentians, and I can’t wait to see how it will enhance our community.  I also want to acknowledge the remarkable success of our fall athletics teams! Congratulations to Vikings football, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball for recent wins that have energized our campus. Your hard work and determination are inspiring, and we are proud of how you represent Lawrence on and off the field.  I hope many of you will also be cheering on our newest Vikings, men’s and women’s lacrosse, at their inaugural scrimmages this weekend.  None of these incredible achievements would be possible without the generous and indefatigable commitment of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, parents, and community supporters. As we celebrate another phenomenal Lawrence University Giving Day, I want to thank everyone who came together in support of our students and programs. Thanks also to Amy Wilson, Vice President of Advancement, and the entire advancement division, for your leadership in this important annual initiative. As a result of your tremendous effort, we successfully raised $1.72 million, exceeding our goal by 15% and helping to ensure that Lawrence remains a place where we can all thrive. Finally, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of fall on campus. Whether it’s gathering with friends in a cozy study spot or cheering on our ensembles and teams, this season reminds us of the kindness and connection that make Lawrence such a special place. Wishing you all a wonderful and restful fall reading period.   Sincerely,  ​ Laurie A. Carter, President

Dear Lawrentians: As the new academic year begins, I am filled with pride and excitement to welcome back our returning students, faculty, and staff, and greet the exceptional Class of 2028. The generosity of kindness, talent, and commitment to excellence that define Lawrence University have been evident during Welcome Week, the first few days of classes, and at Matriculation Convocation earlier today.   This year, we are proud to welcome a diverse group of new students, who hail from 34 states and 18 countries, bringing with them a wide range of perspectives. The incoming class reflects our value of inclusivity, with 18.5% of the class being first-generation college students. The incoming class also exemplifies the Lawrence commitment to academic and athletic excellence, with 13.7% Conservatory students and 38.5% student-athletes. We are also thrilled to welcome more than 50 outstanding transfer students, whose experiences and talents are a welcome addition to our campus community. These students, along with our returning Lawrentians, contribute to the intellectual and cultural richness that make Lawrence a unique and vibrant place to learn and grow.   As we look ahead, we also recognize the growing complexities and challenges facing higher education today. Universities across the nation are experiencing increased political and legal scrutiny on matters such as admissions policies, tuition, curriculum, research, and diversity initiatives. This environment presents both challenges and opportunities for us as an institution committed to providing an outstanding liberal arts education.   At Lawrence, our mission has always been clear: to educate students who will think critically, act with integrity, and demonstrate respect for the perspectives of others. We must navigate difficult moments by fostering a community that values open dialogue. We must remain resolute in our commitment to engender mutual kindness and cultivate respect.   As public and internal pressures on institutions of higher learning continue to grow, it is essential that we stay focused on our purpose. Institutions like Lawrence exist to educate and advance knowledge. Our challenge is to honor these traditions while embracing new opportunities that prepare students for the future.   In 2022, we embarked on a transformative journey, bringing together key coalitions to assess Lawrence University’s position in relation to other institutions, the evolving higher education landscape, and public discourse. With the aid of this comprehensive exploration, we developed a five-year strategic plan. We are now centered on three core priorities: academic excellence, student outcomes, and financial sustainability.   Focusing on our priorities allows us to adapt to a changing world while staying true to our liberal arts roots. The initiatives we’ve launched are both challenging and exciting, and include the expansion of academic program offerings, growth in enrollment, new and renovated facilities like Fox Commons, West Campus, Harper Hall, and the Memorial Chapel, the diversification of revenue streams, and deeper integration of academic and career preparation, among others.   Embracing change is never easy—it involves rethinking cherished traditions and accepting new realities. It’s a process of mourning what we leave behind but also finding joy and growth in the opportunities that lie ahead.   It is an honor to serve as president, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the months to come. I am confident that we will continue to make Lawrence a place where discovery, creativity, and community thrive.   Sincerely,  ​ Laurie A. Carter, President