December Campus Update | December 13, 2024

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