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