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�鶹ӰԺ celebrates the Class of 2026 at its 177th Commencement

Communications — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:24:34 +0000

As family and friends took their seats on Main Hall Green for �鶹ӰԺ University’s 177th Commencement ceremony, music filled the air, provided by the Graduation Band, conducted by Ceon D. Rumphs, Instructor of Music, and Matthew Arau ’87, Associate Professor of Music Education and Symphonic Band.

As guests waited for the ceremony to begin, they tested their knowledge of �鶹ӰԺ with trivia questions like, “What campus building is named after a Nobel Prize-winning alumnus?” and “What is the English translation of Björklunden, �鶹ӰԺ’s north campus?” that scrolled on the jumbo screens adjacent to the stage.��

Class of 2026 makes their way onto Main Hall Green for the Commencement ceremony.��

As the ceremony got underway, �鶹ӰԺ faculty, attired in traditional regalia, processed across College Avenue and onto Main Hall Green led by Faculty Marshal and Associate Professor of English Celia Barnes and joined President Laurie A. Carter and other members of the platform party. They lined the sidewalk leading to the stage, greeting graduates as they processed to their seats amid the cheers of photo- and video-taking family and friends.��

Class of 2026 on Commencement day

Honor and Respect�� The ceremony opened with Director of Community Values, Engagement and Sustainability Carter Robinson sharing the institutional Land Acknowledgement statement of Appleton and Door County campuses being situated on the ancestral homelands of the Menomonee and Ho-Chunk peoples.��

Terra Winston-Sage ’00 encourages graduates to “Invent themselves, and then, re-invent themselves in the continued pursuit of personal development.��

Terra Winston-Sage ’00, the Julia Esch Hurvis Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life and Chaplain to the University, gave the Invocation. In her remarks, she praised the Class of 2026 for their willingness to speak out on values, justice, and community, while also urging adaptability and humility.��

David R. Shepard ’83, chair of the Board of Trustees

Forever a Lawrentian�� Board of Trustees Chair David R. Shepard ’83 P’13 welcomed guests to what he described as the high point of the academic year.��

“You leave here, not only with a degree, but with a way of thinking, creating, and engaging that is unmistakably Lawrentian,” Shepard said, noting that special relationships, such as faculty mentors, are at the heart of the institution. “They do not simply teach,” he said. “They inspire, challenge, and often walk alongside you.”��

President Laurie A. Carter shares her thoughts on the Class of 2026.��

Defined by Resilience�� As more than 300 students waited for their names to be called for their walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, President Carter addressed the graduates and guests. She noted that the Class of 2026 had overcome unique challenges and described the class as one defined by resilience. They were the class that navigated the aftershocks of a global pandemic, she said, and spent their years rebuilding student life from the ground up and renewing campus traditions.

“You stepped forward and did the work,” Carter said. “Four years later, you have built a community that reflects the very best of �鶹ӰԺ.” She added, “I have had the opportunity to get to know so many of you, and it has been a joy to witness your journeys unfold.”

Carter said the Class of 2026 is the second full class she has seen progress from Welcome Week to Commencement during her time as president, noting that her own journey at �鶹ӰԺ deepened alongside theirs.��

“Your �鶹ӰԺ journey does not end today,” Carter said.��

“Your experiences were shaped by classmates, faculty, staff, mentors, families, and alumni who challenged you, encouraged you, and believed in you.” She noted, “This community will be with you as you leave this campus. Your experiences here have bound you to it and to generations of Lawrentians who came before you.” She concluded, “Now go forth and make your mark.”��

Senior speaker Megan Eisenstein ’26 encouraged the Class of 2026 to make a positive difference in the world.��

Don’t Be Afraid to Light Someone Else’s Candle�� Senior speaker Megan Eisenstein ’26, a Government major with minors in Dance and Statistics, reflected on the memories, relationships, and experiences that shaped her �鶹ӰԺ journey.

Drawing inspiration from Natasha Trethewey’s poem, “Theory of Time and Space,” which she encountered in her First-Year Studies course, Eisenstein encouraged her classmates to carry �鶹ӰԺ with them as they move into the next chapter of their lives.

“Everywhere you go will be somewhere you’ve never been,” Eisenstein said, quoting Trethewey’s poem. “You are a mosaic of all these moments and the people whom you love.”

Eisenstein spoke about the importance of community, belonging, and creating positive change in the world. She paid tribute to her late classmate Alex Stanger ’25, a close friend whose life and example continue to inspire her.

“I won’t pretend the world we are entering into isn’t gripped with fear and hatred, but we will all play a part in loosening that grip through our lives,” she said. “Build your community, and don’t be afraid to light someone else’s candle; it won’t put yours out.”��

Marjorie Liu ’00, Class of 2026, Commencement speaker��

“What’s Your Secret Story”�� Commencement speaker Marjorie Liu ’00 received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree before delivering a Commencement address centered on the idea of pursuing unspoken goals and embracing dreams that may seem impossible.

“What is your secret story? What is your secret dream?” she asked. “A dream that moves you, a dream that cannot be named because it is so outlandish, so strange, or so fragile that speaking of it might shatter the dream entirely?”

She encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty rather than fear it. Liu spoke of her own experience at �鶹ӰԺ, describing herself as shy and largely unknown on campus, yet profoundly transformed by her relationships with faculty. She credited late professor Peter Fritzell with helping her discover her calling as a writer and encouraging her to pursue a dream she once believed impossible.

“Remember that you, too, are a language,” Liu told the graduates. “Remember to look deeper within yourself and read yourself with curiosity and deliberation.”��

Recognizing Teaching Excellence�� Provost and Dean of the Faculty Peter Blitstein presented the 2026 faculty awards. Assistant Professor of German Petra Watzke, who joined the faculty in 2023, was honored with the Excellence in Teaching by an Early Career Faculty Member. Associate professor of Biology Alyssa Hakes, who joined the faculty in 2012, was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award. Associate Professor of Music Esteli Gomez, who came to �鶹ӰԺ in 2019 as a visiting artist with a successful performance career as a soprano soloist, was honored with the Excellence in Scholarship or Creative Activity award.��

Peter Blitstein recognizes Petra Watzke, assistant professor of German Studies, for excellence in teaching.��

Estelí Gomez, associate professor of music: voice

Alyssa Hakes, associate professor of Biology

Copeland Woodruff shares an embrace after being awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree.��

The university also recognized the retirement of Copeland Woodruff, the Mary and Michael Jaharis Director of Opera Studies and Associate Professor of Music, bestowing an honorary Master of Arts degree in recognition of his distinguished service and leadership in building �鶹ӰԺ’s nationally recognized opera program.��

After the highlight of the morning – the conferral of degrees – the graduates prepared for one final �鶹ӰԺ tradition of recessing through the Memorial Hall Arch, signifying their transition from student to alumnus.

“You entered carrying hopes, questions, and ambitions,” Carter told the graduates. “You are leaving carrying knowledge, friendships, and a deeper understanding of who you are.”

For members of the Class of 2026, the walk through the arch marked, not just an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter shaped by the lessons, relationships, and sense of purpose they developed during their time at �鶹ӰԺ University.

Watch the complete ��

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New Era for �鶹ӰԺ Tennis as Whitlinger Named Head Coach

Communications — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:58:57 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University has named Tate Whitlinger as the new Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach.

Whitlinger brings nearly three decades of teaching, coaching, and leadership experience to the Vikings program and has built a reputation for developing athletes while fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and personal growth. “Tate’s passion for the game and his commitment to developing student-athletes make him an outstanding addition to �鶹ӰԺ Athletics,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President for Athletics.

Whitlinger has held the role of Head Tennis Professional at Fox Cities Racquet Club since 1999, where he has overseen daily tennis operations and instructed players of all ages and skill levels through private lessons, group instruction, clinics, and competitive training.

Whittlinger has previously served as an Assistant Coach at �鶹ӰԺ, including this past season. His experience also includes serving as the Head Tennis Coach at St. Mary Catholic High School from 2016 to 2025, guiding student-athletes to sectional and state-level competition while emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and character development. In addition, he is a USTA Tournament Director, USPTA Certified Teaching Professional, USPTA Certified Pickleball Teaching Professional, and Safe Play Certified Coach. A highly accomplished tennis player, Whitlinger was a stand-out at Neenah High School, winning three consecutive state team championships while capturing a state doubles title and a runner-up finish in the state singles championship. He went on to play collegiate tennis at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. As a tennis professional, Whitlinger was awarded the USPTA Midwest Men’s Open Player of the Year and later captured the USPTA International Men’s Open Championship while also being named the USPTA Rookie of the Year for the Midwest.

“Throughout his career, Tate has demonstrated the ability to build meaningful relationships, inspire confidence, and create an environment where student-athletes can thrive both competitively and personally,” Downer said. “We are excited to welcome Tate to the �鶹ӰԺ family and look forward to the future of our men’s and women’s tennis programs under his leadership.” Whitlinger will begin his duties in July and will oversee all aspects of the �鶹ӰԺ men’s and women’s tennis programs.

“I am deeply grateful and honored to serve as the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at �鶹ӰԺ University,” Whittlinger said. “To represent such an outstanding institution is a privilege I do not take lightly. I accept this opportunity with gratitude and humility, knowing the responsibility and trust that come with leading this program. My heart beats LU, and I am excited to help grow the tennis program into something truly special. I look forward to learning, growing, and serving alongside our student-athletes while building a culture of excellence, character, and purpose. The future is bright, and I am grateful to be part of the journey.”

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Choosing Joy: Student speaker Megan Eisenstein’s journey of self-discovery

Communications — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:31:20 +0000

Megan Eisenstein has been selected as the 2026 �鶹ӰԺ University student commencement speaker. A student known for her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to bringing people into civic life, Megan’s academic path was not always clear.��

“I didn’t really know where I was going academically,” Eisenstein said. “I just wanted to try everything.”��

That openness to discovery ultimately led Eisenstein to a major in Government, where she found her passion, while also exploring dance, data science, and statistics along the way, shaping her studies into a blend of logic and creativity.��

“Throughout my time in college I’ve really started to think of my relationship with myself and my surroundings rather than how I relate to other people or what other people think of me,” she said. “Focusing on my own experience actually opened me up to other people further because I really started thinking about my own self.”��

Of course, Eisenstein was not on the journey alone. She had a community of Lawrentians cheering her on. She deeply valued her professors and the opportunities they presented to students, she said, as well as the broader community that has been pivotal in shaping her experience.��

“Being humble and supportive for other people is not only amazing because you’re helping others, but it also helps you be your best self,” she said. “I’ve found that in every space I’ve been,” adding that just being surrounded by authentic, expressive peers has had a lasting impact on her. “I want to take that with me wherever I go because the world needs more of that.”��

Choosing Joy��

Eisenstein’s choir director, Dr. Philip Swan, also made a lasting impact when he told the group that ‘joy is a choice.’��

Eisenstein initially found that proclamation confusing … how could you choose joy? Upon further reflection, however, the statement began to resonate with her.��

“If you notice joy around you and you think about what you’re grateful for, you’re going to be joyous even when circumstances are difficult,” she said.��

If there is one message Eisenstein wants her audience to take away from her remarks at commencement, it is that joy is powerful and can fuel us as we move through our ever-changing world.��

“You just notice it around you, and you find things that make you happy,” she said. “Realizing that helps carry you through difficult things.”��

As Eisenstein reflects on her time at �鶹ӰԺ, she sees more than an academic experience, but a personal journey shaped by community, curiosity, and small moments of joy … lessons she will share from the commencement stage and take with her into her life after �鶹ӰԺ.��

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Acclaimed performer Audra McDonald Explores ‘The Art of Leadership’ at �鶹ӰԺ

Communications — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:55:38 +0000

A sense of anticipation settled over �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel as the audience waited for Audra McDonald to take the stage. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards, and an Emmy Award, McDonald arrived, not as a performer, but as a storyteller, joining President Laurie A. Carter for a conversation dubbed, “The Art of Leadership.”��

Over the course of the evening, McDonald reflected on artistry, resilience, and purpose, frequently returning to a central idea: that leadership begins with recognizing our shared humanity.��

Audra McDonald talks with President Laurie A. Carter on The Art of Leadership.��

The path of leadership is a deeply personal journey. No two people take the same route, but many share a common denominator: the presence of guiding influences.��

“I’ve been guided really by that which moves me… what moves me is being in communion with humanity through the arts,” McDonald said. For her, that connection to humanity does not end at the edge of the stage. It extends into a deep commitment to social justice, a desire to leave the world a better place for her children, and a quiet trust that the universe will present the next right step when the time comes.��

“Certain roles that I’ve played have led me toward certain things in my life,” McDonald explained. The actress, who has portrayed more than a few rough-around-the-edges characters, likened the preparation process for these roles to a dissertation-level research project.��

Long before the curtain rises, she studies each character intently, gathering minute details to form a rich picture of who that character is and what influences might have informed their experience.��

“I look for the ways I can connect to that character,” McDonald said. By finding common ground, she said she makes space for them in her heart and extends them grace. In doing so, McDonald said she has learned that she, too, is deserving of that same grace.��

Many of the women McDonald has portrayed�� had “a lot of mountains to climb,” she said, and getting close to the opportunities, challenges, in some cases, trauma the character may have experienced, is what helps her bring them so movingly and authentically to life on stage each night. “On stage, you become their protector or defender,” she said.��

Internalizing the struggles of her characters is key to the moving performances that bring her characters to life. She takes care to ensure she isn’t overwhelmed by the emotion she brings to her roles. “Those characters affect you, but you have to be careful to leave them at the theatre.”��

Despite her disciplined practice of separating herself from the role when she leaves the theatre each night, one character lingered … Billie Holiday, whom McDonald portrayed in the musical “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.” Holiday was the victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking as a young teen and had nobody in her life who could help her escape that horrible situation.��

While portraying this deeply emotional role, McDonald found herself contemplating what opening night gift she might give the show’s small crew to thank them for their collaboration and support. On her walk back to the theatre, the answer became clear when she came upon Covenant House, a nonprofit organization serving youth and families experiencing homelessness, by providing food, shelter, medical care, and other needs to help them step back into the world with dignity. McDonald decided to stop in to make a donation in the crew’s honor and, while there, witnessed the team helping a new arrival.��

“I watched this intake happen and it moved me so much,” McDonald recalled, describing how a previously jovial security guard sprang into action to help a teen arriving with his belongings in a trash bag. She pondered how Billie’s life might have been different if a resource like Covenant House had been available to her as an abused teen.��

“I was led to that place by Billie … and now I’m on the Board,” said McDonald, who serves on the Covenant House International Board of Directors. For McDonald, this was another example of the guiding influences that have serendipitously led her to the next step, sometimes when she didn’t even know she needed it.��

It was not only the characters she portrayed who helped shape McDonald’s path, but also the mentors who guided her along the way. Actress Zoe Caldwell is someone who transformed the way McDonald viewed her work early in her career.��

Caldwell made a point of knowing the name of every person involved in a production, reinforcing the idea that everyone, from director to usher, brings value to the creative process. Collaboration, McDonald learned, is essential for success. Only with each person’s unique contribution can a performance actually happen.��

“My mentor taught me humility and true collaboration,” McDonald said. “I learned that’s not only good for you as an artist, but good for you just as a human being.”��

During her student years at The Juilliard School, McDonald felt called to musical theatre despite pressure from professors to pursue opera. That is when she first met Laurie Carter, who was then serving as a senior Student Affairs administrator at Juilliard.��

Audra McDonald shared the impact of her mentor.��

Carter took the young performer under her wing and encouraged her to follow her instincts. When the struggle became so overwhelming it led McDonald to a suicide attempt, Carter got the struggling student the help and support she needed. Reaching that dark point in her life, McDonald said, irrevocably changed it for the better.��

“It’s not lost on me that it was the start of my life,” McDonald observed about her attempt to end her life. “Laurie was one of the first people to teach me about empowering myself and fighting for myself.” Now, McDonald delights in the idea of modeling empowerment and self-advocacy not just for her own children, but for performers following in her footsteps.��

“You can stay respectful, you can stay collaborative, but you have to give yourself grace and you have to stand up for yourself as well,” McDonald said. She emphasized that finding – and using – your own voice and following your gut are essential leadership skills.��

Audra McDonald with �鶹ӰԺ students and community members��

Ultimately, how does Audra McDonald define The Art of Leadership? Interacting with others in the true spirit of collaboration, connecting with your authentic self, and trusting your own instincts. The Art of Leadership, McDonald said, is there in all of us.

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�鶹ӰԺ University names Chelsea Alt head women’s flag football coach

Communications — Fri, 29 May 2026 16:25:59 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University has named Chelsea Alt as the head coach of its newly established Women’s Flag Football program, marking an important milestone in preparations for the team’s inaugural season of competition in spring 2028.��

“We are pleased to welcome Chelsea as our new head coach for the Vikings,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President of Athletics. “Chelsea brings tremendous energy, a passion for student-athlete development, and a vision for building a competitive program. We look forward to seeing what she will accomplish as she leads the Women’s Flag Football team into its first season.”��

Alt played 12 seasons in professional women’s football leagues, was a five-time all-star, and earned a National and International Championship with the New York Sharks. She has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership, service, and professional excellence, including the 2022 Honorary ESPY Award recognizing her for outstanding achievement and influence on local women’s sports.��

Along with her playing career, Alt brings a wealth of coaching experience to �鶹ӰԺ along with professional experience in public service administration and brand management. Currently, she serves as Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach for Marian University’s women’s flag football program, where she helped build a successful first-year program that achieved a 10–4 record in its inaugural season.��

Alt previously served as assistant coach at Bryant & Stratton College in Wauwatosa, where she was instrumental in the development of the school’s flag football program. While serving as an assistant coach for the College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas, she coordinated a girls flag football event to bring greater visibility to the sport. Similarly, she planned and executed flag football camps for women of all ages and experience levels as an assistant coach for the Women’s Gridiron Foundation in New York.��

In the high school setting, Alt served as assistant coach for boys’ varsity football for the Sun Prairie Area School District and played a pivotal role in establishing a competitive girls’ flag football team from the ground up. And at Stoughton Area School District, she served as head junior varsity soccer coach and assistant varsity football coach.��

“As an Appleton native, stepping into the role of head women’s flag football coach at �鶹ӰԺ University is more than an honor— it is a homecoming with purpose,” said newly appointed head coach Chelsea Alt. “Growing up in Appleton, I could only dream of the day where women would be able to coexist and compete in the game of football, especially at the collegiate level. Not only does this opportunity allow me to live out my dreams, it gives me a platform to help young women build their own, transform themselves as individuals, and show the world what we can accomplish, both on and off the football field.”��

Alt earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Service degree with a Management of Criminal Justice concentration from Concordia University Wisconsin.��

In addition to her athletic leadership experience, Alt served as a forensic care coordinator for Lutheran Social Services, where she developed individualized care plans and supported successful community transitions for individuals under the supervision of the Department of Health Services.��

She previously served as an assistant program manager for the Department of Defense in West Point, NY, where she managed several aquatic/fitness locations at the U.S. Military Academy, led staff trainings, such as lifeguard and CPR/first aid courses, and planned recreational and athletic events for the West Point community. Additionally, she is the owner of Ctrl Alt Delete1 Creations, LLC, where she designs marketing and communications materials for clients.��

“I look forward to making a positive impact on the �鶹ӰԺ University community, as well as giving back to the Appleton community,” Alt said. “I give thanks to President Carter for spearheading the addition of this amazing sport and providing an opportunity for women everywhere to experience flag football as a �鶹ӰԺ Viking. We’re here to compete with fire, to challenge expectations, and to show that women’s flag football isn’t following anyone’s blueprint, but instead we are creating our own.”��

�鶹ӰԺ University announced the addition of women’s flag football in April 2026 as part of its ongoing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities. Women’s flag football, one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, helps create new pathways for women to compete at the collegiate level while strengthening our athletics profile and supporting institutional goals. The inaugural season will be in the Spring of 2028.��

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�鶹ӰԺ mourns the loss of Alex Stanger ’25

Communications — Tue, 26 May 2026 22:04:10 +0000

Alexander Patrick Stanger ’25, of East Calais, Vermont, died in a tragic hiking accident in the Italian Alps earlier this month. They were 23.��

Alex’s intellectual curiosity, artistic vision, and deep empathy touched countless lives on the �鶹ӰԺ campus and beyond. At the time of their death, Alex was living in Hamburg, Germany, as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, a role they embraced with characteristic enthusiasm. Read more about Alex’s Fulbright Fellowship.��

At �鶹ӰԺ, Alex pursued a double major in German Studies and Film Studies, where they became known as a gifted artist, passionate scholar, and thoughtful advocate for community and social justice. Professors remember Alex as someone who moved through the world with warmth, sincerity, and a profound commitment to others.��

“Alex embodied the very best of �鶹ӰԺ,” said Alison C. Guenther-Pal, associate professor of German, who also served as Alex’s academic advisor in both programs. “We remember Alex for their limitless kindness, genuine empathy, and the rare openness with which they engaged others. Alex approached life as a process of becoming—of cultivating an authentic self with honesty and courage—and in doing so, was a model for others to do the same.”��

Alex’s education at �鶹ӰԺ was marked by intellectual fearlessness and creative exploration that frequently examined questions of social justice, identity, and inequality. Their German Studies Senior Capstone, which explored the founding of �鶹ӰԺ University within the broader context of the colonization of Wisconsin, earned the Herman Erb Prize for excellence in writing.��

“Alex believed that academic work mattered most when it illuminated structures of inequality and their consequences,” Guenther-Pal said.��

In Film Studies, Alex developed a reputation as an inventive animator and collaborator whose enthusiasm energized those around them.��

“They were a talented animator, and so passionate about making positive change in the world through their art, scholarship, and activism,” said Anne Haydock, associate professor of Film Studies. “For Alex, everyone and everything was connected,” she said, citing as an example the unlikely correlations they drew between topics for their Senior Experience in Film Studies.��

“Their senior capstone film was a stop motion animation exploring the domestication of horses, the evolution of footwear, and the rise of AI in the context of human labor and oppression.”��

“Alex was a beloved member of our Film & Media community and touched so many lives,” Haydock added. “Their energy was infectious. They got so excited every time something clicked, and they were just as passionate about helping their peers as they were about their own projects.”��

Alex also found community and purpose through activism and advocacy. They spoke at campus demonstrations and consistently sought ways to connect scholarship with action. Their openness to people and experiences defined both their personal and academic life.��

Associate professor of English and director of Fellowships Advising Claire Kervin worked closely with Alex in preparing their Fulbright application essays and experienced first-hand the delight they found in connecting with others.��

“When we were brainstorming ideas for Fulbright application essays, they wore a huge grin while reminiscing about forming impromptu friendships during karaoke nights in Berlin and connecting with older people during yoga classes in Colorado,” Kervin said. “Alex cared deeply about inclusion, community, and belonging, not as abstract concepts, but as practices they participated in daily.”��

As a student, Alex’s time studying abroad in Berlin proved transformative and helped inspire their pursuit of the Fulbright opportunity after graduation. When they learned they had received the prestigious fellowship, Alex wrote, “I am over the moon.”��

That joy carried into their work in Hamburg, where they taught English, and spent their time cooking, baking, and crafting, and immersing themselves in creative pursuits like the one they mentioned in a recent email to Kervin.��

“I’m taking part in a community project at the Elbe Philharmonic with the theme Lost and Found,” Alex wrote. “We are putting together a concert with visual and choreographed elements – very much up my alley – that will be performed at the end of May.”��

The Fulbright Commission in Germany also honored Alex’s memory in a public statement, remembering them as a valued member of the Fulbright community and recognizing the impact they made during their time abroad. .��

“They were looking to the future and wanted to help other Lawrentians obtain the same kind of experience that they treasured,” Kervin said.��

At �鶹ӰԺ and beyond, Alex will be remembered for exactly those connections—for the kindness, conviction, curiosity, and humanity they shared with the world.��

“They reveled in the creative process and used their art, not just as a means of communication, but as a way to think through complex ideas and emotions and make human connections,” Haydock said.��

Though their life was tragically brief, those who knew Alex say their influence endures in the communities they strengthened, the art they created, and the compassion they extended so freely to others.��

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Dr. Constance Kassor selected as 2026 Baccalaureate speaker

Communications — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:43:24 +0000

Before the fanfare of commencement there is Baccalaureate – a time to gather with friends and family, to pause and reflect on the milestones achieved and the countless experiences that have made you who you are today.

Join your fellow Lawrentians and family members to attend the 2026 Baccalaureate Service on Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m., in Memorial Chapel, featuring guest speaker Dr. Constance Kassor. After the service, gather for the cookout for seniors, families, faculty & staff on Main Hall Green, from noon – 1:30 p.m.

This year’s guest speaker, Dr. Constance Kassor, is a former �鶹ӰԺ professor of Religious Studies and current chair of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Humanities Center at Cuyahoga Community College. A scholar of Buddhist thought and Asian religious traditions, her work often explores the value of slowing down and doing less in a world that constantly asks us to do more.��

Kassor garnered national attention for her immensely popular “Doing Nothing” course that focused on showing students how to disconnect from daily pressures to be fully present mentally, physically, and emotionally. Her forthcoming book, “Awakened Awareness,” examines the nature of knowledge through the work of a 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist philosopher.��

Through music, readings, and an inspiring keynote speech, the Baccalaureate Service offers a rare opportunity in your busy life as a graduating senior for an intentional moment of reflection. As your years of work culminate with graduation, take the time to look back on the growth, discoveries, challenges, and accomplishments that have shaped your journey. Then prepare, mentally and emotionally, for the moment you walk across the Commencement stage and embark on an exciting new chapter in life.��

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�鶹ӰԺ kicks off Level Up project

Communications — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:02:01 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University today announced the launch of Level Up, a bold new project to support student health, wellness, and performance.��

The Level Up project features the construction of two new facilities: The Loop, an indoor training center, and The Hub, a fitness, recreation, and practice facility. Today’s Level Up Kickoff Celebration revealed that phase one of Level Up will soon be underway with construction of The Hub set to begin later this month. A construction timeframe for The Loop has not yet been established.��

The Hub is a major renovation project that will transform the lower level of the City Center East building in downtown Appleton into a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center serving the entire campus community, complete with practice facilities for athletics and the music Conservatory.��

“The Hub greatly expands our ability to offer the variety of fitness and recreation options our students want, while providing much-need practice space for athletics and the music Conservatory,” said Chris Clarke, Vice President for Student Life. “More importantly, The Hub will bring students together outside of class with people they might not otherwise encounter any other way, which strengthens the sense of connection and belonging that contributes to students’ overall well-being.”��

Strengthening body, mind, and spirit��

The Hub features 56,000 square feet of fitness, recreation, and practice space that serves a variety of needs for the campus community:��

FITNESS & RECREATION��

9,000 square foot strength training and cardio center��

Three simulator bays with more than 50 games to give students a variety of virtual experiences��

MUSIC CONSERVATORY��

2,000 square foot conservatory practice suite with student lounge and recording studio��

State-of-the-art Wenger practice modules that allow student musicians to simulate a variety of performance environments, with record/playback features that allow musicians to hear their performance objectively and adjust in real-time��

VIKINGS ATHLETICS��

Dedicated fencing training room to rival top-tier competitors��

Cutting-edge batting cages that can track biometrics to provide data-driven feedback to adjust mechanics, timing, and power��

Hockey practice area with synthetic ice where players can focus on skills training, such as stick-handling, puck control, and shooting accuracy��

Supporting the vision��

The space for The Hub in the lower level of the City Center East building in the heart of downtown Appleton was entrusted to �鶹ӰԺ University by local business leaders John Pfefferle, Paul Hoffman, and Thomas Janssen, whose transformational gift of property brought the University’s vision for enriching campus health and wellness into focus.��

“The Hub intentionally brings together wellness, athletics, and music, creating an environment that mirrors the way �鶹ӰԺ students live, learn, and grow,” said �鶹ӰԺ University President Laurie A. Carter. “This kind of creative, integrative thinking is exactly what today’s world – and job market – demands. The Hub reflects the adaptability, collaboration, and innovation our graduates will need to thrive and to lead in their lives after �鶹ӰԺ.”��

During her remarks at the Kickoff Celebrations, longtime Appleton resident, business leader and �鶹ӰԺ Trustee Kathi Seifert reflected on �鶹ӰԺ’s long history of campus/community collaboration over the decades.��

“The Hub is the latest extension of that shared vision and collective effort,” Seifert said. “Local business leaders placed their trust in �鶹ӰԺ to steward forward their gift of this space to create something exception. The Hub is a bold new step forward for �鶹ӰԺ University and our community as well.”��

A space for creativity and connection��

During his remarks at the Kickoff Celebration, head softball coach Korey Krueger ’95 reflected on Virginia Woolfe’s “A Room of One’s Own,” a required text during his student days at �鶹ӰԺ that stuck with him for decades. The book examined the need for an individual to have space and freedom to be truly creative.��

“The Hub will be a shared space for the entire �鶹ӰԺ community to find that creativity, to have a space to create, grow, and thrive,” Krueger said. “The Hub is not just a project that will create a space: it is a project that will create energy, connection, and community – a room of one’s own – for everyone.”��

Practice is a crucial part of developing excellence in any endeavor, said Chris Jenkins, Dean of the �鶹ӰԺ Conservatory, with four to six hours of daily rehearsal being the norm for Conservatory students.��

“With The Hub, we’re leveling up to a new rehearsal space that befits a world-class conservatory,” Jenkins said. “And our students are thrilled at the prospect of having the new practice suite available to help them level up their rehearsals and performances.”��

Joey O’Connor, who is graduating in June with degrees in Trumpet Performance and Music Education, remarked that finding available rehearsal space for the hours of daily practice required by musicians can be a challenge for Conservatory students.��

“The new practice suite at The Hub will be a game-changer for any musician who wants to be able to put in the hard work we know – and embrace – as the fuel to make us the musicians we aspire to be,” O’Connor said.��

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�鶹ӰԺ University to launch NCAA Women’s Flag Football

Communications — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:34:54 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University will launch Women’s Flag Football for the 2027-28 academic year, making it the 12th women’s varsity sport offered at Wisconsin’s #1 small private college.��

Flag Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which added it to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January. Flag Football also makes its official debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, fielding both men’s and women’s teams.��

“We believe deeply in expanding access to meaningful opportunities that support the whole student experience,” said �鶹ӰԺ University President Laurie A. Carter. “As an emerging sport, Women’s Flag Football allows us to respond thoughtfully to the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics while creating new opportunities for women student‑athletes to compete, lead, and thrive. This program will enrich our campus community and strengthen �鶹ӰԺ’s commitment to opportunity, leadership, and student success.”��

A national search for a head coach to lead the newest Vikings team will begin immediately with the intent to have the new coach in place by this fall to lead recruitment and planning for the inaugural season in the 2027-28 academic year. Competition will begin in Spring 2028.��

“The addition of Women’s Flag Football at �鶹ӰԺ University reflects our continued commitment to innovation, access, and a holistic student-athlete experience,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President of Athletics. “This emerging sport creates new pathways for women to compete at the collegiate level while strengthening our athletics profile and supporting institutional goals. We are excited about the opportunity to position �鶹ӰԺ as a leader in one of the fastest-growing sports on the NCAA landscape.”��

Alice A. Gorinshteyn, a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Russian Studies, and Inaya Rivera Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in Government and Philosophy, were instrumental in establishing Flag Football as a club team at �鶹ӰԺ and look forward to its introduction as the newest Vikings sports program.��

“Flag football becoming a varsity sport at �鶹ӰԺ fills me with excitement, thinking about others getting to experience the energy that comes with it, empowering women to feel strong, confident, and unstoppable,” Gorinshteyn��said.��

Reflecting on her participation in sports growing up, Gorinshteyn said football did not feel like an option for her as a woman athlete.��

“It is so important to make football something that anyone can enjoy and be a part of,” she said. “Flag football, to me, is more than a sport; it is a community. Adding Flag Football to �鶹ӰԺ is not just adding another sport; it is creating another family on campus. It will bring a type of energy on campus that is indescribable.”��

Rodriguez, co-founder of �鶹ӰԺ’s Flag Football Club, looks forward to more women experiencing the empowerment and strength she has felt while playing the sport.��

“For me, flag football has always meant more than just a game,” Rodriguez said. “Back in high school, I was the only girl on my team, and stepping on to that field taught me what it means to be fearless. It showed me that strength does not have to fit one image, and that passion can create space where there once was none. Bringing Flag Football to �鶹ӰԺ means creating that same opportunity for other women. It means giving students a place to challenge themselves, build confidence, and find community through a sport that has the power to make people feel seen. Adding the sport is not just about starting a new team, it is about creating a legacy that shows future generations they belong here too.”��

The new Flag Football team will utilize existing facilities and infrastructure already in place by Men’s Football and other outdoor sports, making it a cost-effective addition to the varsity sports offered at �鶹ӰԺ. It also will help attract a new population of students to campus that can meaningfully impact overall enrollment and retention.��

The addition of a sport that is rapidly growing in both popularly and interest, demonstrates �鶹ӰԺ’s responsiveness to emerging trends in intercollegiate athletics while underscoring its commitment to the Division III philosophy of broad-based participation and student experience.��

“�鶹ӰԺ plays a vital role in the growth and vitality of the Fox Valley, and this program is a wonderful example of that impact,” said �鶹ӰԺ Board of Trustees member Kathi Seifert, whose financial gift to �鶹ӰԺ Athletics made it possible to introduce the new program within months of the NCAA’s adoption of Flag Football as an emerging sport for women. “Supporting Women’s Flag Football at �鶹ӰԺ is about more than adding a sport; it is about creating an environment that builds self‑confidence, teamwork, and resilience, and affirms that women belong in every arena. I’m grateful to play a small role in helping the university expand access for women student‑athletes and build an even stronger future.”��

With the addition of Flag Football, �鶹ӰԺ University now offers 12 varsity sports for women: Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball. The University offers 11 varsity sports for men: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, and Track & Field.��

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�鶹ӰԺ University Embarks on Chapel Restoration Project

Communications — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:45:58 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University’s Memorial Chapel will soon be undergoing an eagerly awaited restoration of the building’s impressive front façade bordering College Avenue. Work on the project, which entails replacing the entire front pediment and entablature, is targeted to begin between April 28 and May 4.

“For more than a century, Memorial Chapel has served as a vibrant cornerstone for both the �鶹ӰԺ campus and the greater Appleton community,” said �鶹ӰԺ University President Laurie A. Carter. “This restoration is not just an investment in our campus infrastructure, it is a commitment to preserving a shared space where our students and our neighbors can continue to gather, celebrate, and connect for many years to come.”��

About the Chapel��

Memorial Chapel began as a collaborative effort between �鶹ӰԺ University and the Appleton community to create a gathering place and performance space for cultural, political, social, and major ceremonial events for both the campus and local community. A landmark of the Appleton historic district, the Chapel remains a vital part of campus and community life.��

Designed by William J. Smith of Chicago and built by C.R. Meyer and Sons, �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel was dedicated in 1918. Its six majestic white columns and portico support an intricately decorated pediment and steeple. Eight exquisite stained-glass arched windows decorate the side walls with depictions of both religious and secular scenes along with the institutional seals of �鶹ӰԺ and the City of Appleton.��

This Appleton landmark has been lauded by the Wisconsin Historical Society as “perhaps the most distinguished example in Wisconsin of a Georgian Revival church structure,” and stands as a reminder of the enduring bonds between the campus and community.��

“Memorial Chapel has served as the backdrop to countless community moments for more than 100 years,” said Vice President for Advancement Joe Emmick. “Embarking on this renovation will ensure the Chapel continues to be a valuable community resource for future generations.”��

Scope of the Renovation��

Memorial Chapel has been diligently maintained and improved over the decades. A magnificent 41-stop mechanical-action organ built by John Brombaugh, one of the world’s most distinguished organ builders, was installed in 1995. In more recent years, the Chapel’s flooring and seats have been replaced, HVAC and mechanicals upgraded, and new insulation added. The roof has been replaced, an accessible entrance updated, and all stained-glass windows repaired and restored. AV equipment upgrades and lighting and acoustic improvements have been made to enhance the guest experience.��

Despite careful maintenance over the years, the 1,184-seat Chapel was due for major historic preservation to repair and restore it for the future. Unfortunately, wood rot affected the domed wooden belfry and spire, which led to roof leaks. Hidden water damage from the leaking caused a small portion of the front façade to chip off in 2024. For safety, netting and scaffolding were installed and will remain in place until the restoration is completed.��

Weather, water damage, and age have led to significant deterioration of the Chapel façade. An architectural investigation recently confirmed the damage is beyond repair and that a full replacement of the front pediment and entablature is necessary. The project will include new sheet metal and flashing, refinished columns, repaired capitals, and a water management system to prevent future damage. The work is expected to be completed by early winter of 2027. Repairs to the belfry and spire will be addressed in a second phase of this historic preservation project.��

A Unique Restoration Approach��

The entire pediment and entablature of Memorial Chapel will be replaced with CastWorks® Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. GFRC is a lightweight but extremely durable material that can be cast into highly detailed structures. The material is watertight, but the glass fiber throughout the concrete mixture makes it much lighter, stronger, and more resilient to cracking and wear from environmental forces.��

The entire pediment and entablature will be removed in sections and molds will be created for each section. The GFRC mixture will be applied to the mold, allowing the original architectural details to be meticulously replicated, and a steel framing attachment will be applied to the back. The individual panels will then be installed on the building. Once all panels are in place, the entire façade will be finished and sealed.��

“It is exciting to have the restoration work get underway for a building that has been such an integral part of campus and community life for so long,” said Senior Vice President of Facilities Operations Joseph M. King. “We look forward to seeing this historic building free of the scaffolding that has enshrouded it to reveal a beautifully restored structure.”��

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