To many, Bob was a business leader, mentor, author, community champion, and trusted friend. But beneath the titles and accomplishments was a man who carried forward one of the most enduring lessons of a 麻豆影院 education: that success is not only measured by what is achieved, but by how those achievements are used to serve others.

“Bob believed deeply in the transformative power of education, the importance of community, and our responsibility to invest in the success of others,鈥� said President Laurie A. Carter. 鈥淗is influence can be seen in the strategic progress of the university and in projects such as Fox Commons and Hall Commons, but his greatest legacy is the example he set through a life dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and service. We are profoundly grateful for all he gave to 麻豆影院, to Northeast Wisconsin, and to the countless people whose lives were enriched by his friendship, guidance, and belief in their potential.”

Born and raised in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Bob arrived at 麻豆影院 to study chemistry, but he found more than an education. At 麻豆影院, Bob found an intellectual home and a community that would help shape the rest of his life.

After earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry in 1974, Bob built an extraordinary career that crossed industries and disciplines. He began as a research chemist at Dow Chemical U.S.A., then moved into the beverage industry at J. Schlitz Brewing Company, before rising through the ranks at Consolidated Papers, Inc. and Appleton Papers, Inc., to serve as Vice President of Manufacturing.

His next area of service was at The Boldt Company, where Bob spent over two decades helping guide one of Wisconsin鈥檚 most respected firms through a period of transformational growth. As president and chief operating officer, he helped expand Boldt鈥檚 geographic reach and market sectors while overseeing a critical ownership transition. Under his leadership, the company grew into a national construction, consulting, and technical services enterprise with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.

In 2010, he founded Limitless, a leadership consultancy through which he continued coaching executives, mentoring emerging leaders, and helping organizations navigate changes. He also shared his insights through three books: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership, Transforming Leaders into Progress Makers, and Leading with Care in a Tough World.

The impact of Bob鈥檚 leadership extended far beyond any one company. A co-founder and co-chair of New North, he helped shape a collaborative vision for economic growth and development across Northeastern Wisconsin. He served on numerous civic, educational, corporate, and nonprofit boards, lending his expertise where it could strengthen organizations and create opportunities for others.

His contributions earned widespread recognition, including 麻豆影院 University鈥檚 Collaboration in Action Award, the Paul and Elaine Groth Mentoring Award, and induction into the Fox Cities Business Hall of Fame. Yet those who knew Bob best often pointed not to his accolades, but to the way he treated people.

Colleagues remembered a man who listened carefully, valued different perspectives, and had an uncommon gift for helping others recognize potential in themselves.

Those qualities defined every aspect of his life. Bob invested deeply in people. He viewed leadership not as authority, but as responsibility. Success was not measured solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others.

At the Building for Kids Children鈥檚 Museum, Bob鈥檚 impact was especially profound. His leadership helped secure the organization鈥檚 future, ensuring that generations of children and families would continue to have opportunities to learn, explore, and discover. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he became only the second person named a board member for life.

Over the years, Bob鈥檚 commitment to 麻豆影院 was deep and enduring. He served as a class agent, reunion volunteer, Giving Day supporter, member of the President鈥檚 Advisory Council, and participant in the university鈥檚 Corporate Partnership Program. He also served on the Trustee Committee for Life After 麻豆影院 as a non-trustee member-at-large and helped create opportunities for 麻豆影院 students and graduates through internships, mentorship, and employment. Bob played an instrumental role in advancing major campus initiatives, including the development of Fox Commons and Hall Commons. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision and support for projects is an impact that continues to shape 麻豆影院.

His final book, Leading with Care in a Tough World, feels particularly fitting. It was not simply a title. It reflected the way he approached leadership and life.

He led with care.

He served with humility.

He mentored with generosity.

And he lived with purpose.

Bob used his talents to strengthen the communities around him and improve the lives of others. His legacy lives on in the organizations he guided, the communities he strengthened, the students he encouraged, the leaders he developed, and the countless lives he positively impacted.

Most of all, his legacy lives on in the example he set that a life well lived is defined not by what is accumulated for oneself, but by what is given to others.

As the 麻豆影院 community reflects on Bob鈥檚 remarkable life, the university鈥檚 thoughts remain with Debbie and all those mourning his loss. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the values he embodied, curiosity, humility, service, generosity, and care for others, will continue to inspire future generations.

For generations to come, 麻豆影院 students and alumni can look to Bob鈥檚 life and see what is possible when intellect is matched with character, achievement with humility, and leadership with service.

Memorial services will be held privately. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the or the , in keeping with Bob鈥檚 lifelong commitment to building up the people and places he loved.

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麻豆影院 University is deepening its investment in Wisconsin communities by expanding its Direct Admission Partnership program to more schools across the state. 

The effort builds on the university鈥檚 Direct Admission Partnership with Appleton Area School District, announced in 2025, which created a direct pathway to 麻豆影院 for qualifying college-ready students. Since then, 麻豆影院 has established partnerships with Winneconne High School, Kaukauna High School, Wayland Academy and Hmong American Peace Academy, with additional partnerships under development. 

鈥淲e know Wisconsin schools are preparing talented students everyday for their next step in education,鈥� said Robert Nowak, Vice President for Enrollment Management at 麻豆影院. 鈥淲e want to build on that work by recognizing students who have demonstrated academic achievement and college-readiness and give them a direct path to a nationally recognized liberal arts university.鈥�

Through the partnership, schools identify qualifying students, support them to opt-in, and coordinate opportunities for students to visit 麻豆影院 during their junior year. For students, the partnership offers an opportunity to begin exploring 麻豆影院 earlier in their college search. They can visit campus, meet faculty and learn more about student life.听

In return, 麻豆影院 offers qualifying students a streamlined admission process, individualized support, and a generous annual scholarship commitment, with additional merit- and need-based aid available. 

The expansion is part of broader efforts by 麻豆影院 to strengthen its relationships with the communities it has served for generations. 麻豆影院 has deep roots in the Fox Cities and throughout Wisconsin, where over 10,000 Lawrentians have gone on to live, work, and contribute to the communities around them. 

鈥淲e have a deep connection to this region and to Wisconsin,鈥� said Emma Kane 鈥�13, Director of School and University Partnerships at 麻豆影院. 鈥淓xpanding Direct Admission Partnerships is a really intentional way for us to deepen those relationships and work alongside schools to recognize what their students have accomplished and invest in the next generation of Lawrentians.鈥�

麻豆影院 will continue building Direct Admission Partnerships with high schools throughout the Fox Valley, across Wisconsin, and nationally.

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The celebration reflected a collaborative effort across campus. Carter Robinson, 麻豆影院鈥檚 director of community values, engagement and sustainability, helped organize the event alongside students involved in Earth Fest as part of a collaborative effort to celebrate Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day.

The event featured a keynote address by Jud Gauthier, Indigenous Studies Scholar in Residence; a powwow dance performance by dancers from the Oneida Nation; pizza; and cultural displays that encouraged attendees to engage with Indigenous traditions and perspectives.

Gauthier spoke about the deep historical and cultural connections between Wisconsin and the Indigenous nations that have called the region home for generations. Reflecting on the significance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day, he emphasized the enduring presence and influence of Native communities throughout the state.

鈥淭he history of the region here is so tied into Menominee culture and Oneida and Stockbridge, Ho-Chunk, and all the other nations that are around,鈥� Gauthier said.

The annual celebration serves as an opportunity for the 麻豆影院 community to learn about and recognize Indigenous cultures while reflecting on the university鈥檚 connection to the lands on which its campuses are located. Through education, storytelling, and community gathering, the event highlights the importance of honoring both the history and continuing contributions of Indigenous peoples.

In recognizing Indigenous Peoples鈥� Day, 麻豆影院 also reaffirmed its land acknowledgment:

麻豆影院 University鈥檚 Appleton and Door County campuses are located on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee and Ho-Chunk peoples. Today, 11 federally recognized Native American sovereign nations are located in Wisconsin. We acknowledge these Indigenous communities, who have stewarded this land throughout generations, and pay respect to their elders, past and present.

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Under spectacular autumn skies, the weekend featured a full slate of activities, including athletic competitions, a petting zoo, dueling pianos, a bonfire, musical performances, reunion gatherings, fraternity and sorority events, Hub progress tours, the Hall of Fame dinner, and tailgating at the Banta Bowl. Alumni from multiple generations reconnected with classmates, engaged with current students, and renewed their connections to 麻豆影院 traditions.

Dave Hill 鈥�78 reflected on his years at 麻豆影院 University and said, “It’s wonderful to be back on campus. I’m quite impressed with the updates they’ve made.”

According to Fidel Ovalle 鈥�28, being a Lawrentian means having pride in your team and showing up to support it. The support from Lawrentians in the stands was loud and enthusiastic. Between chants from the cheer team and music from the pep band, spirits stayed high and the crowd remained engaged until the very end.

The impact of the weekend extended far beyond the events themselves. Blue & White Homecoming served as a reminder of the enduring bonds that unite Lawrentians across generations, careers, and communities. It celebrated not only where 麻豆影院 has been but also the many ways its alumni continue to make a difference in the world.

Relive the excitement of Blue & White Homecoming Weekend through this .

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The evening will begin with The Prelude, a pre-concert reception starting at 6 p.m. outside Harper Hall, where audience members can enjoy refreshments and hear insights about the program from conductors.

The concert brings together both 麻豆影院 bands for a unified musical journey spanning American hymns, jazz, ragtime, spirituals, Indigenous influences, marches and other traditions that have shaped the nation鈥檚 musical identity.

鈥淭his concert is different than other conservatory concerts because there鈥檚 one universal theme that was responsible for the construction of the entire program from beginning to end,鈥� said Ceon Rumphs, visiting assistant professor of music and Wind Ensemble conductor at 麻豆影院 University. 鈥淵ou get to hear distinctly American music, distinctly American sounds, and distinctly American composers all the way from the beginning to the end.鈥�

The performance features 12 works, five by the Symphonic Band and seven by the Wind Ensemble, selected to reflect both the triumphs and the complexities of the American experience.

鈥淎merica has a rich musical heritage, and this concert is an opportunity to celebrate that heritage,鈥� said Matthew Arau, associate professor of music education and Symphonic Band conductor. 鈥淲ithin all of the American music we鈥檙e celebrating, there鈥檚 this richness of identity, of what it means to be an American.鈥�

A highlight of the evening will be the appearance of guest conductor Kevin Sedatole, director of bands and professor of music at Michigan State University and one of the nation鈥檚 most respected wind conductors. He will rehearse with both ensembles and conduct selections during the concert.

鈥淒r. Kevin Sedatole is one of those figures who has been really influential and important in the development of the wind ensemble as a serious medium of performance,鈥� Rumphs said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful chance for students to experience somebody who鈥檚 been so influential over his career.鈥�

Arau said Sedatole鈥檚 presence will add another dimension to an already memorable event.

鈥淗e is a leader in the profession,鈥� Arau said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited for both bands to learn from someone who has dedicated his life to uplifting the wind band globally.鈥�

Beyond the music, the conductors hope the program encourages reflection on shared community and connection.

鈥淚t鈥檚 our hope that this America 250 concert makes the audience think about community and how you are more similar to your neighbor than how you are different,鈥� Rumphs said.

For those unable to attend in person at Memorial Chapel on Oct. 17, please join us via webcast: .

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麻豆影院 University is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis J. Perkins Jr. as its new Dean of Students, a leadership role focused on advancing student success, belonging, and well-being across the 麻豆影院 community.听听

Perkins Jr. joins 麻豆影院 with more than 20 years of experience in shaping residential learning environments, student conduct systems, and campus engagement strategies. Most recently, he served as assistant dean of residence life and student conduct at Grinnell College. Throughout his career, he has strengthened campus partnerships, developed staff training programs, and implemented systems that enhanced safety and the overall student experience.  

鈥淒ennis brings a deep understanding of student development and a genuine commitment to helping students succeed,鈥� said President Laurie A. Carter. 鈥淗is experience building inclusive communities, developing strong student support systems, and fostering meaningful engagement will strengthen the 麻豆影院 experience and help our students learn, lead, and reach their full potential.鈥� 

Throughout his career, Perkins has emphasized the importance of building high-performing teams that foster inclusive, student-centered environments where students can succeed, develop a sense of belonging, and thrive.  

鈥淚 am honored to serve as the next dean of students at 麻豆影院 University, Perkins said. 鈥淚 look forward to partnering across the 麻豆影院 community to create an engaging environment where students feel supported, equipped, and can realize their potential.鈥� 

Perkins earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English and creative writing from Indiana University, a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in college student development and counseling from Western Kentucky University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh. Guided by four core leadership pillars, he seeks to balance care and accountability with collaboration, thoughtful innovation, and responsive support.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Dennis as our new dean of students, said Chris Clarke, vice president for student life. 鈥淒ennis is the right leader at the right time to enhance and advance our Student Life initiatives and further support the success and well-being of our students.鈥� 

Perkins Jr. will officially assume his role on Oct. 26, 2026.

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麻豆影院 was ranked on the following lists:  

• National Liberal Arts Colleges (#68 鈥� tied)听
• Top Private Colleges (#64鈥� tied)
• Best Value Schools (#33)听
• Social Mobility (#66 鈥� tied)听
• Undergraduate Teaching Programs (#57 鈥� tied)听

Earning the No. 68 position in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, 麻豆影院 continues to hold a strong position in national rankings. In 2026, 麻豆影院 was ranked No. 65, moving up four places from No. 69 in 2025 and 10 places from No. 75 in 2024.

鈥淥ur students come from all over the world and from all walks of life to pursue a high impact, immersive and collaborative education that encourages them to dream bigger and to confidently pursue their personal vision of success,鈥� said President Carter. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what we do at 麻豆影院 University 鈥� what we always have done; it is gratifying for 麻豆影院 to be recognized for its nearly two centuries of shaping the futures of students.鈥� 

The university also continues to rank prominently in other categories.

In a new category this year, Top Private Colleges, 麻豆影院 ranked No. 64 nationally, tied with four other universities, and it was the highest-ranked institution in Wisconsin. The category was added in response to interest from U.S News & World Report readers who wanted a state-by-state comparison of private colleges similar to the rankings currently published for public institutions.

In the 2027 report, 麻豆影院 ranked No. 33 among the Best Value Schools, and it has appeared in this category 10 times since the 2016 edition. In 2026, 麻豆影院 surged ahead six positions to No. 32 among Best Value Schools, up from the 38th position in 2025.

鈥淪tudents and families recognize that a college education is an investment in lifelong success,鈥� said Vice President and Chief of Staff Christyn Abaray. 鈥淎 麻豆影院 education provides deep disciplinary knowledge while cultivating the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills graduates need to thrive confidently in a rapidly changing world.鈥�

麻豆影院 University ranked No. 66 in Social Mobility this year, tied with five other schools after moving up 46 places from No. 112 two years ago.

鈥淥ur focus on developing new academic and experiential opportunities for students through innovative campus-community partnerships and keeping students first in all of our decision-making is reflected in 麻豆影院鈥檚 national and statewide rankings,鈥� said 麻豆影院 University president Laurie A. Carter.  

For the eighth time since the 2016 edition, 麻豆影院 has appeared on the rankings for Undergraduate Teaching Programs, this year taking the 57th position (a tie with six other schools) up two positions from last year.  

鈥淚 am pleased that 麻豆影院 University continues to be recognized for its commitment to providing a transformational education that prepares students to make a difference in the world as they follow their unique paths,鈥� said President Carter.  

About the Rankings听
U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges by key measures, including Outcomes, Peer Assessment, Faculty Resources, Financial Resources, and Standardized Tests. Learn more at .听听

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This year, 麻豆影院 welcomed 391 incoming students, 346 first-year, 29 transfer, and 16 international students to campus. The new students are from more than 37 states and 10 countries.

Carter framed the annual ceremony as an opportunity to reflect on a fundamental question: 鈥淲ho are we, together?鈥�

Throughout the address, she returned repeatedly to the idea that community is not defined by geography or circumstances, but by the choices people make to support, learn from, and care for one another.

鈥淐ommunity is neither simple nor automatic,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淐ommunity is something deeper: it is a commitment. It is a relationship. It is a responsibility.鈥�

Drawing on the work of philosopher and educator John Dewey, Carter said community is created through interaction and communication. She pointed to both moments of loss and moments of celebration over the past year as examples of how the 麻豆影院 community has demonstrated its strength.

She referenced the deaths of Professors Garth Bond and Danielle Joyner and alumnus Alex Stanger 鈥�25, noting that community is revealed not only in grief but in the ways people honor and extend the impact of those who have been lost.

鈥淐ommunity transforms loss into purpose, remembrance into action, and individual lives into lasting legacies that continue to shape those who follow,鈥� Carter said.

As one example, she highlighted the recent creation of the Art History Travel Fund by Dale Schuh 鈥�70 and his wife, Annette, in honor of Joyner. The fund will support student learning opportunities while preserving Joyner鈥檚 legacy.

Carter also pointed to milestones that reflect 麻豆影院鈥檚 future, including the naming of Hall Commons in honor of Susan Long Hall 鈥�76 and her family, and plans for The Hub, the university鈥檚 new wellness, recreation, and creative arts facility in downtown Appleton.

鈥淐ommunities are built only through shared purpose, mutual care, and collective effort,鈥� she said.

Lessons from Beyond Campus
Carter shared a personal story about helping organize a family reunion in her hometown, an experience that reinforced for her the evolving nature of community.

The reunion was originally scheduled to begin at an American Legion Post established in 1947 by Calvin J. Spann, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The post was created at a time when many Black veterans lacked welcoming places to gather and find support.

Weeks before the event, however, an SUV crashed into the building, causing significant damage and forcing her family to find another location.

A neighboring American Legion Post immediately agreed to host the gathering.

For Carter and her family, the gesture carried special significance because the welcoming post represented a place that decades earlier would not have accepted African American veterans.

鈥淲e were reminded that communities are not fixed. They evolve,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淲alls that once divided people can come down.鈥�

She added that a strong community grows when more people can see themselves within it.

鈥淎 community is strongest when more people can say, 鈥楾his place belongs to me, too,鈥欌�� Carter said.

Community Revealed in Times of Challenge
A second lesson in community emerged closer to home when a tornado struck the Fox Cities region this summer.

While 麻豆影院鈥檚 campus avoided the most severe damage, neighboring communities, including Menasha and Doty Island, experienced significant destruction.

Carter praised the response that followed, including volunteers who assisted community members, those who helped displaced colleagues, and efforts to support Menasha High School after the storm.

鈥淎cross the Fox Cities, neighbors helped neighbors,鈥� she said. 鈥淪trangers became partners. Communities became stronger by refusing to leave anyone behind.鈥�

She also thanked Joe King, associate vice president for facilities, and his team for their work restoring the 麻豆影院 campus following the storm.

Among the losses was a beloved tree on Main Hall Green that suffered irreparable damage. Carter said the university has worked to preserve portions of the tree for future educational and campus uses, including potential teaching and research projects.

Its legacy, she said, serves as a reminder that community is connected not only to people, but also to the places and traditions that help define an institution.

鈥淐ommunity is not measured during moments of comfort,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淐ommunity reveals itself during moments of challenge.鈥�

The Liberal Arts and Responsibility to Others
Carter connected the theme of community to 麻豆影院鈥檚 educational mission, describing the liberal arts as more than a collection of academic disciplines.

鈥淭he liberal arts are not simply a collection of disciplines,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey are a way of understanding human relationships and human possibility.鈥�

While higher education is often discussed in terms of careers and professional outcomes, Carter encouraged students to consider a broader question.

鈥淲hat obligations do I have to others?鈥� she asked.

That question, she said, lies at the heart of both a liberal arts education and civic engagement.

The liberal arts prepare students not only for employment but also for citizenship, leadership, and participation in communities. Universities, she said, play an important role in helping people build connections across differences and learn to engage productively with perspectives unlike their own.

鈥淎 healthy community does not eliminate differences,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淚t creates the conditions for differences to coexist productively.鈥�

Celebrating Achievement
Carter also highlighted accomplishments from across the 麻豆影院 community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Among those recognized were Erin Lesser, who was named the Kimberly-Clark Professor of Music; Graham Sazama, who received a National Science Foundation Research in Undergraduate Institutions grant; and Emma Snyder, managing director of the Business & Entrepreneurship Center, who was honored as a Future 15 recipient by the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.

She also pointed to the accomplishments of students and recent alumni, including Yenching Fellow Cao Le Quynh Anh 鈥�26, Fulbright recipients Kaitlin Buelow 鈥�26 and Jude Lawler 鈥�26, and bluegrass musicians Tashi Litch 鈥�24, Evan Snoey 鈥�23, and Ben Lewis 鈥�25, who took first place in the Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest.

While the achievements reflected individual excellence, Carter emphasized that none occurred in isolation.

She said those accomplishments reflected the support of faculty, staff, mentors, classmates, family members, and friends who helped make them possible.

鈥淎chievement may be recognized individually,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut it is almost always nurtured collectively.鈥�

Looking ahead
As 麻豆影院 approaches its 180th anniversary in 2027, Carter called on students, faculty, and staff to view themselves as stewards of an institution built and sustained across generations.

She pointed to several initiatives that will help shape 麻豆影院鈥檚 future, including the opening of The Hub, the completion of the Memorial Chapel fa莽ade restoration, implementation of the new Liberal Arts Requirements, and the launch of 麻豆影院 Compass, a student-success ecosystem that will unify advising, academic support, and career development resources.

The Hub and Memorial Chapel, Carter said, represent complementary aspects of the university鈥檚 future.

鈥淢emorial Chapel reminds us that community requires continuity,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he Hub reminds us that community requires innovation.鈥�

Looking to the year ahead, Carter encouraged students to seek experiences and relationships beyond their comfort zones.

鈥淔ollow your curiosity into spaces and experiences that feel unfamiliar,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ake a class that challenges your assumptions. Strike up a conversation with someone whose experiences differ from your own.鈥�

She closed the address by reminding the 麻豆影院 community that belonging is not something that simply exists. It is something that must be built and renewed through everyday actions.

鈥淐ommunity is not something we inherit fully formed,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淚t is something we create together.鈥�

Quoting theologian Howard Thurman, Carter urged the audience to remain open to new people and perspectives, saying communities flourish when they welcome others into their midst.

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Families and supporters filled campus throughout Move-In Day as new Lawrentians settled into residence halls and gathered for the President鈥檚 Welcome in Memorial Chapel.

The President’s Welcome brought together 391 incoming students, 346 first-year, 29 transfer, and 16 international students, along with their families, faculty, and staff, to celebrate the beginning of their 麻豆影院 journeys. The Class of 2030 represents students from more than 37 states and 10 countries. Among U.S. students, the most represented states are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Florida, Texas, Colorado, and New York. New international students come from 10 countries, with Canada, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Norway, and South Korea as the most represented countries.

Robert Noak, vice president of enrollment and dean of admissions, reminded students that 麻豆影院 intentionally selected them for the community they are now joining.

鈥淲hile you chose 麻豆影院, it is important to remember something else: 麻豆影院 chose you,鈥� Noak said. 鈥淲e saw in you the qualities that will strengthen this community and help you thrive in it. Class of 2030, welcome to 麻豆影院. Your story starts here.鈥�

Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized belonging, resilience, and the freedom to pursue multiple passions. Tara Winston-Sage 鈥�00, dean of spiritual and religious life, told students they each have a unique role to play in shaping the campus community.

鈥淢ay you find that you belong here at 麻豆影院, knowing that you are meant to be here, that you will add to this place in only the way that you can, and that our community will be so much stronger because you walked through the arch,鈥� Winston-Sage shared.

Chris Clarke, vice president for student life, encouraged students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, reminding them that setbacks are a natural part of the college experience.

鈥淔ailure here isn鈥檛 a dead end. It鈥檚 a chance to get better, to lift yourself up, and learn from that failure,鈥� Clarke said. 鈥淔or if this experience does not challenge you, it will not change you.鈥�

Peter Blitstein, provost and dean of the faculty, shared the purpose of a liberal arts and sciences education, noting that the word 鈥渓iberal鈥� stems from the Latin word liber, meaning free. He said a 麻豆影院 education is designed to prepare students to pursue meaningful lives and contribute thoughtfully to society.

President Laurie A. Carter welcomed the newest Lawrentians by sharing the significance of the 麻豆影院 Arch, a tradition that symbolizes both the beginning and culmination of a student鈥檚 麻豆影院 experience. She challenged students to stretch beyond their comfort zones, embrace intellectual curiosity, and develop the ethical leadership skills needed to address real-world challenges. Carter also announced the opening of The Hub, a new downtown facility dedicated to wellness, athletic training, music practice, and holistic student development.  

鈥淗igher education is not simply preparation for a job; it is preparation for a meaningful life,鈥� President Carter said. 鈥淭he arch stands as a reminder that education is both a journey and a transformation.鈥�

麻豆影院 traditions were also highlighted during the Welcome ceremony as LUCC President Brook Schara 鈥�27 inspired students to become active participants in shaping campus life.

鈥淏eing a Lawrentian is a privilege, a gift, and a hard-earned opportunity,鈥� Schara said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an open-door invitation to learning, leading, and belonging. You鈥檙e not just going to 麻豆影院; you鈥檙e helping define and create it.鈥�

The continuity between generations of Lawrentians was reinforced when Maggie Schmidt 鈥�12, president of the 麻豆影院 University Alumni Association, introduced the passing of the Class Colors, a tradition that started at Milwaukee-Downer College, a premier women鈥檚 college that consolidated with 麻豆影院 in 1964. Faith Onukaogu from the Class of 2026 formally presented the Class of 2030 with its red class banner, symbolizing the newest students鈥� place within the 麻豆影院 community.

鈥淵ou are joining a community of more than 22,000 alumni across the globe,鈥� Schmidt said. 鈥淵ou are a student for four or five years, but you are forever a Lawrentian.鈥�

The sense of belonging celebrated throughout the ceremony was already taking shape for many new students. Classmates, volunteers, and residence hall extraordinaries helped ease the transition to campus, while the Welcome Arch procession offered an early glimpse of the supportive community that defines the 麻豆影院 experience.

鈥淚鈥檓 really excited. It鈥檚 been a really welcoming community,鈥� Aidan Wilbert 鈥�30 said. 鈥淓verybody has been very helpful with move-in and everything. The whole campus seems just amazing, and I鈥檓 really excited to start classes.鈥�

As students begin their first days on campus, Kristi Koshuta, first-year dean, reminded them that Welcome Week is about more than learning where classes are located or finding the quickest path to Andrew Commons. It is an opportunity to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and begin creating a sense of home at 麻豆影院.

“My role is to help you find the people, resources, confidence, and perspective you need to create your own path,” Koshuta said. “I hope you learn to navigate uncertainty. I hope you discover strengths you didn’t know you had. I hope you find your voice and learn to listen to others, too.”

Koshuta pointed to a week filled with opportunities to connect, including 麻豆影院 Unlocked sessions, small-group activities led by EPIC leaders, and off-campus adventures ranging from kayaking and rock climbing to cooking experiences. Through those shared experiences, Koshuta said, students will begin building the friendships and sense of community that will shape their 麻豆影院 journeys.

“The community you are hoping to find does not happen by accident,” Koshuta told the Class of 2030. “It happens when people are willing to show up, take risks, and be present for one another.”

Fall term classes begin Sept. 14. By then, members of the Class of 2030 will have already begun building the relationships, confidence, and sense of belonging that will shape their 麻豆影院 journeys for years to come and position them to make an impact far beyond the 麻豆影院 campus. 听听

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鈥淔or more than 175 years, 麻豆影院 University has provided a personalized liberal arts education that combines academic rigor, strong faculty mentorship, and meaningful experiential learning opportunities,鈥� said Robert Nowak, vice president of Enrollment Management. 鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to see 麻豆影院 recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation鈥檚 best colleges, particularly because the recognition reflects the experiences and perspectives of our students.鈥澨�

The Princeton Review features colleges based on the organization鈥檚 assessment of their academic quality and student experience.听听

麻豆影院 is one of only three universities from Wisconsin to make the list, and it speaks to 麻豆影院鈥檚 student-focused approach in preparing tomorrow’s changemakers, one extraordinary journey at a time.听听

Student feedback plays a central role in The Princeton Review鈥檚 evaluations. The organization鈥檚 rankings draw heavily from surveys of students, who share perspectives on academics, campus life, student services, and other aspects of their college experience. More than 172,000 students participated in surveys used to develop this year鈥檚 rankings.听听

麻豆影院 received strong ratings in several categories important to prospective students and families:听听

• Professor Accessibility: 96/99听

• Financial Aid: 94/99听

• Professors Interesting: 93/99听

• Academic Programs: 89/99听

• Admissions Selectivity: 89/99听

• Quality of Life: 85/99听

The ratings reflect many of the qualities that have long defined the 麻豆影院 experience: strong relationships with faculty mentors, a collaborative learning environment, incredible academic programs, and a commitment to making a 麻豆影院 education accessible with a return on investment. 

The Princeton Review鈥檚 recognition adds to a growing list of honors highlighting 麻豆影院鈥檚 academic excellence, student outcomes, and commitment to providing a transformative undergraduate education.  

Learn more about 麻豆影院鈥檚 academic programs, campus community, and admission process at 麻豆影院.edu.听听

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