| Dear Lawrentians: As we settle into the spring term, I want to take a moment to welcome you back and to reflect on a month marked by both deep loss and meaningful moments of connection, creativity, and accomplishment. Spring is a season of renewal, and even as we carry what we have endured together, we also look ahead with purpose and care for one another. Over spring break, we were saddened by the passing of Professor Danielle Joyner, whose absence is felt deeply across our community. Professor Joyner was a dedicated colleague, teacher, and mentor who shaped the lives of countless students and enriched our academic mission. We continue to hold her family, friends, students, and colleagues close in our thoughts, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of campus resources as we grieve together. We will gather for a campus memorial for Danielle on Saturday, April 25. This spring has also reminded us of the power of the arts and shared experience. Lawrence International marked its 50th anniversary with a vibrant celebration of Cabaret, honoring five decades of global engagement through performance. Congratulations to all who participated in what was a very special evening. In Main Hall, students and faculty gathered for a forum celebrating the remarkable career and influence of Audra McDonald, ahead of her campus visit for our conversation on “The Art of Leadership”. Thanks to Tim Spurgin, Kathy Privatt, and Philip Swan for bringing Audra’s artistry to life. Her time with our community offered an inspiring look at artistry, resilience, and leadership across disciplines. Patricia Smith, this year’s Creator in Residence, also returned to campus earlier this month to continue exploring the power of storytelling with our campus community. Smith, an American poet, spoken-word performer, playwright, author, writing teacher, and former journalist, will join us twice more through the end of the term. My thanks to Professor Timothy Troy for his leadership in coordinating these opportunities with Patricia. I am especially grateful to Harold ’72 and Mary Donn ’73 Jordan for their generous sponsorship of these artistic programs. Their support has significantly enriched our commitment to academic and artistic excellence. We were also delighted to honor our very own Professor Melissa Range for a book launch on April 9 that sparked thoughtful conversation and connection. Her new archival collection, Printer’s Fist, highlights the nineteenth century abolitionist movement and was the winner of the Vanderbilt University Literary Prize. Congratulations, Ranger! I am grateful to our student leaders at Hillel for organizing the annual student led Passover Seder, which fostered reflection, community, and shared tradition. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and meaningful experience for all who attended. Please join me in congratulating Brianna Castillo, who has been selected as a recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship awards graduating seniors a stipend to pursue a year of independent, purposeful exploration outside the United States. Brianna’s selection speaks not only to her achievements, but to the curiosity and global engagement we seek to cultivate in all Lawrentians. Congratulations, Brianna! Congratulations to Esperanza Gonzales and Walden Hoddie, who have stepped in to serve as Lawrence University Community Council President and Vice President, respectively. I am grateful to Brook Schara for her service as LUCC President these past few terms and look forward to working with Esperanza and Walden to continue elevating the student experience. This past week, we were pleased to welcome members of the President’s Advisory Council to campus for a recent visit that offered valuable time for conversation, reflection, and shared learning. The group is comprised of alumni and community members who care deeply about Lawrence. Their engagement with our campus community resulted in thoughtful perspectives on our priorities and future direction. I am grateful for their continued commitment to the university and for the insight and generosity they bring to our work. I am also incredibly excited to share that the Board of Trustees has approved the commencement of construction on the Hub, an important step forward that will enhance student and academic life, campus wellness, and athletic performance for years to come. The facility, which will be located next to Fox Commons, will feature spaces for campus wellness and athletic training, state-of-the-art practice rooms for the Conservatory, and a suite of fully equipped simulator bays for recreation. We look forward to sharing additional updates as this project moves ahead. In just a few weeks, on May 1, we will kick off one of my favorite spring traditions: 17 Days of Kindness. Each year, this initiative offers us a meaningful reminder that small, intentional acts of care can have a powerful impact on our campus culture. I am continually inspired by the creativity, generosity, and compassion our students, faculty, and staff bring to our community, and I look forward to seeing how kindness takes shape across campus this spring. Thanks to the Office of Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership for their stewardship of this special event, and thanks to all of you across campus who will join together to share their light in May. Finally, to share an important leadership transition within the Conservatory. Andy Mast, Associate Dean of the Conservatory, will be departing the university at the end of the academic year to assume the role of Dean of the Crane School of Music at SUNY Postdam. We extend our sincere thanks for his dedicated service, collaborative spirit, and meaningful contributions to students, faculty, and programs during his tenure. At the same time, I am deeply pleased to announce the promotion of Samantha George to Associate Dean of the Conservatory, recognizing her outstanding leadership, deep commitment to shared governance, and longstanding service to the academic community. I look forward to the insight and energy she will bring to this role. Thank you for all that you bring to this community each day. With gratitude, President Laurie A. Carter |