Good afternoon, Lawrentians.
It is such a joy to be here with you today for our annual Matriculation Convocation. Each year I am reminded of the privilege it is to serve this remarkable university and this vibrant community. Matriculation convocation is always one of my favorite moments of the year—a time when we gather together not just as individuals but as one community, united by purpose and tradition, and ready to embark on the journey of a new academic year.
Having said this, I start today with a heavy heart. Over the summer we lost a member of our community, Professor Garth Bond, a respected and beloved member of our English department for 20 years, after a long hard-fought battle with leukemia. Garth dedicated his career to growing the minds and hearts of our students using literature and the power of language. He also created close meaningful relationships with many colleagues across campus and others in the community. It was evident that Garth treated people with humanity. His absence is already and will be deeply felt.
A little over a week ago, Julie, Garth’s wife, hosted family and friends at an intimate and touching celebration of his life. His contributions to so many were profound. We will celebrate Garth’s life and legacy as a Lawrence community on the morning of Saturday, October 4. More information will come soon. Please keep Garth’s family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts as they are in mine.
Welcome to the academic year 2025-2026.
To our first year and new transfer students—welcome. You are beginning what I hope will be one of the most transformative journeys of your life. You bring with you fresh ideas, new energy, and unique perspectives that will enrich us all. You will change Lawrence just as Lawrence will change you.
To our returning students—welcome back. You carry forward our traditions, our culture, and our spirit, and deepen the richness of our community.
To our faculty and staff—thank you for your tireless commitment, your creativity, and your care. It is because of you that Lawrence is the extraordinary place that it is.
Convocation is a time for reflection and renewal. It’s a time to ask ourselves who we are as a university, where we are going, and what it means to be part of a learning community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts and sciences and in the Conservatory of Music. It is also a time to connect our daily work here—in classrooms, in studios, on playing fields, and across campus—to the larger world we live in.
Last Thursday, the country paused to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Most of the students here were not yet born that day. Many faculty and staff were born but lived far away from New York City, Washington DC or Shanksville, PA, where the violence played out. I was in New York City that day. It started like most days, I dropped my three-year old at pre-school, drove home, parked my car, and walked to the train station for the hour-long commute to work. I was in my office before the first plane hit the World Trade Center and watched in horror as the second plane hit. My world was thrown into chaos. Lincoln Center, where I worked, was considered a potential target. Phone lines were jammed, all bridges and tunnels were blocked. New York City was under attack. I couldn’t leave the city or contact my family. At the same time, I had to gather our students together and keep them safe until we had more information.
As the day unfolded, two thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven lives were lost as the towers fell, and we learned about the Pentagon and Shanksville attacks. The entire nation was in shock and mourning. Late afternoon, we got word that a few trains were leaving New York City for New Jersey, I left my office and began the 30-block walk to the train station hoping to be on one of them. It was still daylight, but the sky was darkened by the ash and smoke from the towers. There was no vehicular traffic, so the only people I saw were those like me walking dazed through the streets. I was overwhelmed by the events of the day but as I looked around, I noticed that in almost every store window was an American flag. That attack on our country robbed us of many lives but it didn’t rob us of the hope that we had for a united America.
I have a similar hope today as we begin this academic year at a challenging time in the world, in our nation, and in higher education. All around us, we see a world marked by polarization and division. Too often differences are treated as threats rather than as opportunities for dialogue and understanding. In politics, in media, and even in our communities, we see voices talking past one another rather than with one another. That polarization is corrosive to our ability to work together, to trust one another, and to build a shared future.
We see families weighed down by economic uncertainty, struggling with questions about opportunity, safety, and financial stability. We see communities torn apart by senseless violence and vitriol. And climate change, global conflict, and unprecedented shifts in federal policy test our resilience and force us to think about the world not just as it is today, but as it must be tomorrow.
The challenges facing the world, the nation, and higher education are real. In the midst of all of this, trust in institutions—including colleges and universities—is fragile. Higher education, once seen as one of the strongest engines of opportunity and economic mobility, now faces skepticism from many quarters. Families question the cost. Public leaders question its value. Students themselves wonder whether the investment of time and resources will yield the life they hope for.
Rising costs and shifting demographics create financial pressures for colleges and families alike. The number of traditional-age college students is declining in many regions. Small, private liberal arts colleges like Lawrence face the added challenge of correcting the misconception that the liberal arts are somehow “impractical” or irrelevant in today’s workforce.
And yet, even in this difficult landscape, there must be hope. Because what we do at Lawrence—what a liberal arts education does — is exactly what this moment calls for.
Technological change is reshaping industries at a breathtaking pace, transforming how we live, work, and even relate to one another. Artificial intelligence, automation, and global competition mean that many of the jobs our students will hold in their lifetime do not even exist yet. This is the moment when the liberal arts matter most. In a rapidly changing, unpredictable world, the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and adapt creatively is more essential than ever.
These are precisely the hallmarks of a Lawrence education. This is our strength.
But how do we continue to deliver on that promise when the world around us threatens to erode the very foundation of work, when the winds of public pressure and national discourse attack our collective identity and encourage us to waver from our path?
Here too, comes a simple truth: we lean into who we are, and who we have always been.
At Lawrence, we are guided by values that have long defined our community: Belonging, Integrity, Respect, and Sustainability. These values are not just words on a page. They are the commitments that shape how we learn, how we live together, and how we prepare to lead in the world.
Our value of Belonging reminds us that every member of this community deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. It is about more than inclusion; it is about creating an environment where each of us feels that we are truly part of something larger than ourselves. Belonging is not about sameness. It is about honoring difference and weaving together a community rich in diversity. It is the deeply felt sense that you matter, that you enrich our community, that you influence our future. It is the difference between being tolerated and being welcomed; between performing to fit in and thriving because your uniqueness and humanity are not just acknowledged but celebrated. When people feel they belong—when YOU feel you belong—you bring your whole selves: your ideas, your energy, your hopes and dreams and failures.
You may be asking, as many in the world are—so what? How does it affect my time at Lawrence? Why does that matter?
Belonging matters because at our core, we are social creatures. Our best performances—on the stage, field, court, or classroom—are unlocked when we feel safe to experiment, to take risks, to fail and to learn. Belonging reduces fear and uncertainty. It deepens trust. It fosters collaboration. It converts a collection of individuals into a cohesive team. It improves attendance, increases retention, boosts learning and personal development. At a time when so much of the world pushes people apart, belonging brings us together.
It is incumbent upon us all to cultivate belonging. But how?
We start by listening, real listening – the kind of listening that suspends quick judgment and seeks to understand the story behind the sentence, and the soul behind the story. We create practices and processes that invite participation. We make our norms explicit: how we disagree, how we repair harm, how we show up for one another and celebrate each other’s contributions.
And, when someone is left out, we refuse to normalize their absence. We ask why and we act.
Small gestures matter: learning someone’s name and pronouncing it correctly, making meeting times accessible to parents and caregivers, asking quieter people for input and giving them space to speak, and sharing a smile and hello as you walk by people on campus. Those gestures compound into a culture of belonging.
Our value of Integrity calls us to live with honesty and purpose, even when it is difficult. In a world where truth can feel malleable, integrity anchors us. Integrity is a fundamental value that shapes the moral fabric of our campus. It encompasses honesty, trustworthiness, and a strong adherence to ethical principles in all aspects of academic and personal conduct. Integrity fosters a culture of respect, fairness, and accountability, which are essential for creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
Academic integrity is perhaps the most visible form of integrity within our community. Students are expected to submit their own work, avoid plagiarism, and give proper credit to sources. Returning students, I know you know this one: I hereby reaffirm my commitment to the Lawrence University honor code.
Upholding academic honesty ensures that students genuinely learn and earn their achievements, maintaining the credibility of our institution and the value of their degrees. When students cheat or plagiarize, it not only compromises their integrity but also diminishes the trust among students and faculty, ultimately weakening the academic community.
Beyond academics, integrity also influences how we interact with one another. Valuing perspectives different from your own, being truthful in communications, and adhering to positive social norms contribute to a healthy campus climate. For example, standing up against bullying or unfair treatment demonstrates moral courage and reinforces a sense of community and mutual respect.
Integrity also prepares students for future challenges. The moral principles learned at Lawrence serve as a foundation for professional and personal life. Employers value honesty and ethical behavior, and individuals known for their integrity are more likely to earn trust and leadership roles.
Integrity is vital at Lawrence because it underpins academic excellence, nurtures respectful relationships, and develops responsible citizens. By committing to honesty and ethical conduct, students and faculty can cultivate an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Upholding integrity today shapes a more honest and just society tomorrow.
How do we cultivate integrity?
We remember what we do when we think no one is watching matters now more than ever.
Our value of Respect compels us to listen intently, to engage across differences, and to treat others with dignity. Respect is fundamental to creating a positive, inclusive, and productive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. It fosters mutual understanding, enhances collaboration, and promotes a sense of community. Respect does not require agreement, but it does call for openness, civility, and a willingness to value the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and beliefs of others.
At Lawrence, respecting others begins with basic manners, such as courteous communication and active listening. It means valuing differing opinions, even when they conflict with your own, and engaging in open-minded discussions. Respect also entails recognizing personal boundaries and property, ensuring a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable.
Respect extends beyond interpersonal interactions. It involves honoring shared spaces by keeping them clean and maintained and respecting institutional rules and policies. Complying with them demonstrates consideration for our collective well-being. Respect is also crucial in fostering academic integrity. Valuing each other’s learning experiences encourages honesty and responsibility. Plagiarism, cheating, or disruptive behavior undermine this respect and diminish the educational value of the Lawrence experience.
Respect is the cornerstone of a thriving Lawrence. It creates a supportive atmosphere in which students can learn, grow, and succeed. By practicing respect daily, individuals contribute to a harmonious community that values each person’s dignity and fosters lifelong skills essential for a civil society.
Our value of Sustainability challenges us to be good stewards—of our environment, our resources, and of each other. It reminds us to think long-term and to care for the future as much as the present. Environmental and financial sustainability are critical priorities for Lawrence as we strive to create a responsible and resilient future.
Environmental sustainability involves implementing practices that reduce the ecological footprint of university operations, conserve natural resources, and promote awareness among students, faculty and staff. We are working to achieve this by adopting energy-efficient technologies, using renewable energy sources, and promoting green spaces. These efforts help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, preserve local ecosystems, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
Financial sustainability, on the other hand, ensures that Lawrence can maintain our operations, facilities, and programs over the long term without compromising the university’s economic stability. This involves strategic budgeting, diversifying income sources such as grants, donations, and partnerships, and managing expenses prudently. Financially sustainable colleges are better equipped to invest in quality education, infrastructure, and student life, which in turn enhances their reputation and appeals to prospective students. Integrating environmental and financial sustainability creates a balanced approach that benefits both the planet and the institution’s economic health.
Environmental and financial sustainability are interconnected goals that help us operate responsibly, reduce our ecological impact, and ensure long-term viability. By embracing innovative practices and active engagement, Lawrence can serve as a model of sustainability.
These values—Belonging, Integrity, Respect, and Sustainability—are the foundation for a Lawrence where we can grapple with the full range of ideas and perspectives that shape our society. They are what allow us to practice civil discourse in a time when it is sorely needed. They are what allow us to thrive not only as individuals but as a community. They are the buffers that insulate us from the chaos and conflict of the world and the vehicles through which we can create change. These values make it clear to the world that hate, violence, bullying, and intimidation are not welcome at Lawrence University.
And they are a testament to one truth above all others: the liberal arts education you receive at Lawrence is not just preparation for a job—it is preparation for a life of meaning, purpose, and impact. Lawrence has delivered on that promise for 177 years, a beacon on the river, shedding light on society’s greatest challenges and illuminating students’ futures.
Through your studies, you will learn to think critically, to question assumptions, to approach problems from multiple perspectives, and to communicate with clarity and creativity. You will engage in collaboration, in research, in performance, in community work—experiences that shape, not only what you know, but who you become.
Employers consistently tell us that what they seek are graduates who can adapt, who can learn continuously, who can lead with empathy, and who can solve complex problems. That is exactly what the liberal arts deliver, what Lawrence delivers. A Lawrence degree prepares you not just for your first job, but for a lifetime of evolving careers in a world that will continue to change in ways we cannot yet imagine.
Consider our alumni. They are innovators, educators, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and public servants. They are shaping communities and industries. and musicians; CEOs and Presidents of national organizations, innovating entrepreneurs, and a Nobel Prize winner. Their Lawrence education gave them the foundation to succeed — and to make a difference. So, while we honor our long tradition of academic excellence, we also embrace the responsibility to evolve. Lawrence is modernizing the liberal arts to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s world.
We see this in our new West Campus development, which expands our downtown footprint and connects us with Appleton in new and exciting ways. West Campus, our first new academic building in 30 years—and the only building on campus intentionally designed for interdisciplinary collaboration—will unlock transformative learning experiences for students studying the humanities, music, math, statistics, and computer science. Equipped with eight state-of-the art classrooms, a digital humanities laboratory within our Humanities Center, a music production studio, a math commons, and space for over thirty faculty from both our College of Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music, this new facility is a visible sign of our commitment to growth and innovation.
We see this in our new Pre-Health Commons, the Business and Entrepreneurship Center, and the independent apartment-style living options in Fox Commons. These spaces not only provide learning laboratories for our students in the heart of downtown Appleton but also serve as catalysts for personal growth and development.
We see it in partnerships with organizations like the Trout Museum of Art, Mosaic Family Health, Prevea, and gener8tor — collaborations that provide real-world experiences and pathways for students in the arts, health, business, and entrepreneurship. These partnerships show that the liberal arts are not isolated but deeply connected to the needs and opportunities of our community and our world.
We see it in our faculty’s innovative teaching and research, in interdisciplinary programs that cross traditional boundaries, and in opportunities for experiential learning that prepare students for leadership in a complex world. We see it in the care we take in supporting the whole student — intellectually, emotionally, and socially.
Lawrence is not standing still. We are building on our traditions to ensure that this university—and the education it offers—remains as transformative today as it has been for generations.
As we begin this new year, I want to challenge each of you—students, faculty, staff—to live our values out loud and embrace the opportunities of this moment.
Students: Engage fully. Stretch yourself. Listen across difference. Use your Lawrence experience to grow not only in knowledge but in empathy. Seek out voices unlike your own. Be curious. See the humanity in others. And above all, be kind. Be kind to yourselves, to each other, and to those in our broader community.
Faculty and staff: Continue to model the care, curiosity, and integrity that are hallmarks of this university. Continue to create spaces where students can ask big questions, wrestle with complexity, and discover their passions. Continue to encourage your students to grapple with different perspectives and to be open to new ideas and new ways of knowing and interacting with the world. Your work shapes not only careers but lives.
Every September 11 since 2001, I pause to remember the lives lost. I remember how the Hudson River made me feel an ocean away from my family; I remember the anguish of parents who couldn’t reach their students. But most profoundly, I remember the man who sat next to me on the train back to New Jersey, which would only take me part of the way home. We happened to live in the same town, so we agreed to share a cab from the train station. During that cab ride, he told me that he was in the twin towers, that he watched as friends and colleagues perished, that he was grateful to have made it out. He seemed a million miles away as he told his story but, in the end, he expressed gratitude for surviving, and for those that helped him navigate his way to the train so that he could get home to his family.
As I begin this academic year, I too am filled with gratitude. I am grateful that I have the privilege of leading an institution that understands its role in society and is committed to preparing its students to lead a world and a country that needs hope now as much as we did in 2001.
Lawrence has always been a place where lives are transformed—where students discover their passions, sharpen their talents, and prepare to contribute to society in meaningful ways. That is no less true today. In fact, it is more urgent than ever.
I believe in you, Lawrentians. I believe in the power of this education, in the strength of our community, and in the values that guide us. Together, we will navigate these challenging times and shape a future defined by belonging, integrity, respect, and sustainability.
We are Lawrence, and that means you.
Onward, Lawrentians. Thank you.