Appleton and Fox Cities Archives - �鶹ӰԺ University

Building Connections, Creating Possibilities: Emma Snyder Named to Future 15 of the Fox Valley��

Communications — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:24:21 +0000

For Emma Snyder, meaningful leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities, and helping others recognize what they’re capable of accomplishing. It’s an approach that has shaped her career and her work at �鶹ӰԺ University, and one that recently earned her recognition as one of the Future 15 of the Fox Valley.

As managing director of �鶹ӰԺ’s Business and Entrepreneurship Center, Snyder works to connect students with professionals, alumni, entrepreneurs, and opportunities throughout the Fox Valley. Her goal is to help students see how their interests and experiences can translate into meaningful careers, regardless of their academic background.

“My job is to help bring those worlds together,” Snyder said. “We have incredibly talented students, dedicated faculty, accomplished alumni, and a community full of professionals who have so much knowledge and experience to share.”

Emma Snyder (center), director of �鶹ӰԺ University’s Business & Entrepreneurship Center, celebrates with colleagues and supporters at the Fox Cities Future 15 awards ceremony on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The event recognized emerging young professionals making an impact in the Fox Valley community.

Snyder’s path to �鶹ӰԺ wasn’t necessarily a straight line. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from Bowling Green State University before spending several years with gener8tor, where she worked with entrepreneurs, startups, corporate partners, and community organizations through accelerator programming.

Those experiences helped shape her relationship-driven approach to leadership and reinforced the importance of making connections.

“Some of the most valuable things you can offer someone aren’t necessarily financial resources or technical expertise, but rather an introduction, a conversation, encouragement, or simply someone who believes in what they’re trying to accomplish,” she said.

That philosophy carries into her work at �鶹ӰԺ, where Snyder sees opportunities to connect students’ liberal arts experiences with a wide range of professional fields. Through initiatives such as Music and Entrepreneurship Week and Career Insight Carousel events, she creates opportunities for students to explore industries, meet professionals, and begin building relationships that can extend well beyond their time on campus.

She also hopes students recognize the opportunities available right here in the Fox Valley.

“We have so many incredible businesses, organizations, and opportunities right here in the Fox Valley, and I want �鶹ӰԺ students to recognize that they don’t necessarily have to leave the area to build an exciting and meaningful career,” Snyder said.

Looking ahead, Snyder hopes to continue expanding the Business and Entrepreneurship Center’s presence both on campus and throughout the region, with an emphasis on alumni engagement, connections with young professionals, and interactive opportunities for students to explore different career paths.

For Snyder, the Future 15 recognition is both a meaningful personal milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the people who have supported her along the way. She credits her family and friends for their encouragement throughout her education and professional journey and feels fortunate to work in a community that values collaboration and connection.

Ultimately, she hopes to help make the Fox Valley a place where people recognize the possibilities around them and feel empowered to pursue them.

“If I can play even a small role in helping someone discover their potential, build a relationship that changes their career, or recognize an opportunity they didn’t know existed, I consider that a success,” she said.

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Remembering Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74: A Life of Leadership, Service, and Purpose

Communications — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:02:51 +0000

Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74, a �鶹ӰԺ University alumnus, longtime business executive, leadership mentor, and co-founder of New North who championed regional growth and leadership development across Northeast Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the age of 74.

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 �鶹ӰԺ 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,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His 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 �鶹ӰԺ, 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 �鶹ӰԺ to study chemistry, but he found more than an education. At �鶹ӰԺ, Bob found an intellectual home and a community that would help shape the rest of his life.

After earning a bachelor’s 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’s most respected firms through a period of transformational growth. As president and chief operating officer, he helped expand Boldt’s 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’s 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 �鶹ӰԺ University’s 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’s Museum, Bob’s impact was especially profound. His leadership helped secure the organization’s 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’s commitment to �鶹ӰԺ was deep and enduring. He served as a class agent, reunion volunteer, Giving Day supporter, member of the President’s Advisory Council, and participant in the university’s Corporate Partnership Program. He also served on the Trustee Committee for Life After �鶹ӰԺ as a non-trustee member-at-large and helped create opportunities for �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ.

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 �鶹ӰԺ community reflects on Bob’s remarkable life, the university’s 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, �鶹ӰԺ students and alumni can look to Bob’s 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’s lifelong commitment to building up the people and places he loved.

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�鶹ӰԺ University expands direct admission partnerships across Wisconsin

Communications — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:20:37 +0000

New partnerships build on �鶹ӰԺ’s longstanding Wisconsin connections and recognize the achievements of college-ready students

�鶹ӰԺ 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’s Direct Admission Partnership with Appleton Area School District, announced in 2025, which created a direct pathway to �鶹ӰԺ for qualifying college-ready students. Since then, �鶹ӰԺ has established partnerships with Winneconne High School, Kaukauna High School, Wayland Academy and Hmong American Peace Academy, with additional partnerships under development.

“We know Wisconsin schools are preparing talented students everyday for their next step in education,” said Robert Nowak, Vice President for Enrollment Management at �鶹ӰԺ. “We 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.”

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

In return, �鶹ӰԺ 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 �鶹ӰԺ to strengthen its relationships with the communities it has served for generations. �鶹ӰԺ 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.

“We have a deep connection to this region and to Wisconsin,” said Emma Kane ’13, Director of School and University Partnerships at �鶹ӰԺ. “Expanding 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.”

�鶹ӰԺ will continue building Direct Admission Partnerships with high schools throughout the Fox Valley, across Wisconsin, and nationally.

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�鶹ӰԺ University: The highest-ranked National Liberal Arts College in Wisconsin

Communications — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University once again retained the top spot among Wisconsin Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings published Sept. 22 by U.S. News & World Report.

�鶹ӰԺ was ranked on the following lists:

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

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

“Our 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,” said President Carter. “That’s what we do at �鶹ӰԺ University – what we always have done; it is gratifying for �鶹ӰԺ to be recognized for its nearly two centuries of shaping the futures of students.”

The university also continues to rank prominently in other categories.

In a new category this year, Top Private Colleges, �鶹ӰԺ 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, �鶹ӰԺ ranked No. 33 among the Best Value Schools, and it has appeared in this category 10 times since the 2016 edition. In 2026, �鶹ӰԺ surged ahead six positions to No. 32 among Best Value Schools, up from the 38th position in 2025.

“Students and families recognize that a college education is an investment in lifelong success,” said Vice President and Chief of Staff Christyn Abaray. “A �鶹ӰԺ 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.”

�鶹ӰԺ 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.

“Our 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 �鶹ӰԺ’s national and statewide rankings,” said �鶹ӰԺ University president Laurie A. Carter.

For the eighth time since the 2016 edition, �鶹ӰԺ 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.

“I am pleased that �鶹ӰԺ 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,” said President Carter.

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

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�鶹ӰԺ summer music programs bring nearly 80 young musicians to Appleton

Communications — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:22:27 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ and the Appleton community welcome nearly 80 young classical musicians from across the United States and abroad this July as �鶹ӰԺ University expands its summer music programming and brings a series of public performances to campus and downtown venues.��

The summer lineup includes the �鶹ӰԺ Summer Music Institute, a weeklong program for high school musicians, and the return of the �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival, now in its third year on the �鶹ӰԺ campus, running July 18–Aug. 2.��

�鶹ӰԺ Summer Music Institute students perform at Memorial Chapel.��

Together, the programs bring high school, college-aged, and early-career musicians to Appleton for intensive training with �鶹ӰԺ faculty and guest artists while offering the community opportunities to hear rising young performers in concert.��

New this summer is a Classical Voice track within the �鶹ӰԺ Summer Music Institute, joining the Piano & Strings program, now in its fourth year. The institute will bring 37 high school musicians from 12 states to campus for chamber rehearsals, private lessons, coaching, workshops, and performance preparation.��

The �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival will bring 40 pre-professional musicians from 19 states and three countries to Appleton for two weeks of advanced chamber music study, collaboration, and public performances. Five current �鶹ӰԺ students and five �鶹ӰԺ alumni are among this year’s festival participants.��

“We are continuing to expand summer music programming here at �鶹ӰԺ, and we are particularly excited to be creating unique opportunities for high schoolers, current �鶹ӰԺ students, and recent alumni,” said Michael Mizrahi, the Frank C. Shattuck Professor of Piano and faculty member for the �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival. “These programs allow us to deepen the ties between �鶹ӰԺ and Appleton while offering a unique, high-quality musical experience for the young artists participating. These programs are another way in which �鶹ӰԺ augments its national profile as a leader in music performance and education.”��

The summer programming also connects directly with Appleton’s broader arts community. �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival participants will collaborate with visiting musicians during Mile of Music, the all-original music festival held in downtown Appleton July 30–Aug. 2. The young musicians will create original arrangements and compositions and perform 50-minute sets at �鶹ӰԺ and downtown venues.��

�鶹ӰԺ will also host multiple Mile of Music venues on campus and support Music Education Team programming led by �鶹ӰԺ faculty, students, and alumni.��

One featured community event is Music in Motion, an interactive concert for adults and children ages 5 and older presented by Play Out, the �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival, and Mile of Music. Hosted by Caitlin Sullivan, the program celebrates music inspired by movement—from grooves, dances, strolls, and swings to a musical interpretation of Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion. The performance will include video art by Jorge Carvajal and live drawing projections by Caroline Chu.��

The programs also provide professional experience for current �鶹ӰԺ students. �鶹ӰԺ Summer Music Programs offer three internships in arts administration, giving students hands-on experience in marketing, artist relations, event production, and audience engagement. The internships complement �鶹ӰԺ’s new Business and Entrepreneurship major—including its arts entrepreneurship track—by connecting classroom learning with professional practice.��

�鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival performances include:��

● 7 p.m. Monday, July 20��— Gibson Community Music Hall��

● 7 p.m. Friday, July 24��— �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

● 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25��— �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival Young Artists Concert No. 1, �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

● 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26��— �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival Young Artists Concert No. 2, �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

During Mile of Music, �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival participants will collaborate with visiting musicians to create original arrangements and compositions. Performances include:��

● 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30��— Mile of Music kickoff featuring the �鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival, �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

● 9 a.m. Friday, July 31��— Music in Motion: An Interactive Concert for Adults and Children Ages 5 and Up��

● 11 a.m. Friday, July 31��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 1, Hilton Paper Valley Ballroom, featuring Ruby Mac��

● 2 p.m. Friday, July 31��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 2, Riverview Gardens, featuring Buddy Red��

● 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 3, Copper Rock Coffee Co., featuring Ron Artis II��

● 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 4, Appleton Public Library, featuring Kate Stenson ’24 & Gold Standard��

Faculty for the �鶹ӰԺ Summer Music Institute includes Samantha George, violin; Wen-Lei Gu, violin; Jenny Kozoroz, viola; Kivie Cahn-Lipman, cello; Mark Urness, double bass; Anthony Padilla, piano; and Michael Mizrahi, piano.��

�鶹ӰԺ Chamber Music Festival faculty includes Tim Albright, trombone; Michael Clayville, trombone; Andy Hudson, clarinet; Erin Lesser, flute; Brigit Pacher, bassoon; Joe Connor, saxophone; and Jean Carlo Ureña González, percussion. Guest faculty include Brandon Ridenour, trumpet; Caitlin Sullivan, cello; Teagan Faran, violin/viola; Ben Russell, violin; and Leo Sussman ’15, flute.��

About �鶹ӰԺ University�� �鶹ӰԺ University is a liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Its world-renowned Conservatory of Music offers rigorous training in performance, composition, music education, and related fields while connecting students with a broad liberal arts education.��

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�鶹ӰԺ University Announces 2026-27 Performing Arts Series Season

Communications — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:11:18 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University announced its 2026-2027 Performing Arts Series lineup that will bring an internationally acclaimed orchestra, GRAMMY-winning jazz artists, innovative folk ensembles, and a celebrated vocal group to the �鶹ӰԺ stage for a season of inspiring performances.��

“We are excited to unveil a new season that brings nationally recognized, award-winning performers to our campus,” said Dr. Chris Jenkins, Dean of the �鶹ӰԺ Conservatory of Music. “This season offers an amazing opportunity for Lawrentians and the broader Fox Cities community to experience musical artistry representing a wide array of genres.”��

The �鶹ӰԺ Conservatory of Music offers numerous opportunities to see outstanding student performances in orchestra, band, choir and jazz ensembles, chamber groups, award-winning opera productions, musical theatre, improvisation shows, and much more.��

The �鶹ӰԺ Community Music School offers opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities, including bands, string ensembles, choirs, and unique offerings such as the Balinese Gamelan and Community Sambistas, as well as master classes and private instruction.��

Ticket Sales��

Available online at �鶹ӰԺ.edu/Tickets or in-person during Box Office hours.��

Events in �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel:�� $42 Adults, $30 Seniors��

Events in Stansbury Theatre:�� $20 Adults, $15 Seniors��

Individual tickets sales begin July 1, 2026. Group discounts available for 10 or more people. Contact Jillian Johnson at 920-832-6749 or email boxoffice@lawrence.edu for group sales information.��

Box Office Hours & Location����

Box Office is located in the Music-Drama Center at 420 E. College Avenue.��

Closed now – September 20: Tickets available online only.��

Reopens September 21: Monday – Friday, 2 – 6 p.m., and one hour prior to event.��

Questions? Contact boxoffice@lawrence.edu or 920.832.6749.��

More about �鶹ӰԺ events at: �鶹ӰԺ.edu/Conservatory.��

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra��

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.�� �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra opens the season with a performance showcasing one of the nation’s premier orchestras and Wisconsin’s largest cultural institution.��

Since its founding in 1959, the MSO has built a national reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement. The orchestra’s 72 full-time professional musicians perform more than 125 concerts each season throughout Wisconsin, spanning classical, pops, family, education, and community performances.��

The MSO has presented world and American premieres by leading contemporary composers including John Adams, Philip Glass, and Roberto Sierra, while also becoming the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes. Beyond the concert hall, the orchestra reaches thousands of young people and families annually through its education and outreach initiatives.��

Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend��

November 6 – 7, 2026��

Christie Dashiell��

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.�� �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

Kicking off the Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend, GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, composer, and educator Christie Dashiell brings her distinctive blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul to �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel as part of the Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in North Carolina, Dashiell is known for her improvisational artistry and rich vocal tone. A graduate of Howard University and the Manhattan School of Music, she first gained national attention performing with Howard University’s acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble Afro-Blue, which appeared on NBC’s The Sing-Off. Her sophomore album, Journey In Black, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album and was praised by DownBeat Magazine as a “masterpiece.” The recording explores themes of freedom, legacy, grief, and joy while drawing from multiple traditions within Black American music.��

Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble��

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.�� �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

The Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend continues with the Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble. Pianist and composer Billy Childs is recognized as one of the foremost American composers of his generation, seamlessly blending jazz traditions with contemporary classical influences. Throughout his career, Childs has received 17 GRAMMY nominations and six GRAMMY Awards, including Best Instrumental Jazz Album honors for Winds of Change and Rebirth. Childs has also received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and honors from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His work as a composer, performer, and arts advocate has established him as one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz.��

Kings Return��

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.�� �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

Acclaimed vocal quartet Kings Return will bring its genre-blending a cappella sound to �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel. The Dallas-based ensemble first gained widespread attention through viral stairwell performance videos showcasing their lush harmonies and effortless blend. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Take 6 and Boyz II Men, Kings Return incorporates elements of R&B, jazz, gospel, pop, and classical music into its performances. Comprised of Vaughn Faison, Gabe Kunda, JE McKissic, and Jamall Williams, the quartet has built an international following through both live performances and online audiences captivated by the group’s rich vocal textures and musical versatility.��

Dreamers’ Circus��

Monday, April 5, 2027 | 8 p.m.�� Stansbury Theatre��

Dreamers’ Circus, one of the Nordic region’s most acclaimed contemporary folk ensembles, will perform at Stansbury Theatre. Blending Nordic folk traditions with classical lyricism, jazz improvisation, and pop influences, the Copenhagen-based trio has earned international recognition for its adventurous and genre-defying sound. The ensemble features Nikolaj Busk on piano and accordion, Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen on violin, and Ale Carr on cittern. Since its formation, Dreamers’ Circus has released seven albums, toured internationally, and received major honors from the Danish Arts Foundation. Their latest album, Handed On, reflects on musical heritage while showcasing the trio’s inventive and dynamic approach to acoustic music.��

The Westerlies��

Friday, April 30, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.�� �鶹ӰԺ Memorial Chapel��

The season concludes with a performance by The Westerlies, the GRAMMY-nominated brass quartet praised for blending jazz, classical, and folk traditions. Described by The New York Times as “an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk,” The Westerlies have performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Coachella while redefining expectations for brass chamber music. The ensemble, Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands on trumpet and Andy Clausen and Addison Maye-Saxon on trombone, has released 10 critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with artists including Caroline Shaw, Bill Frisell, and Nico Muhly. This performance is also part of �鶹ӰԺ University’s New Music Series.��

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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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New partnership explores community livability through student-led research

Communications — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:47:48 +0000

A new partnership between �鶹ӰԺ University and Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI), gives �鶹ӰԺ students the opportunity to apply concepts they are learning in class to real‑world community challenges.��

Facilitated by �鶹ӰԺ’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), the collaboration connects students and faculty with community partners to co‑develop projects that address local priorities while enhancing academic learning. In partnership with ADI, students will contribute research-based insights and creative problem-solving on issues such as safe walkability, downtown experience, and quality-of-life concerns.

“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that illustrates �鶹ӰԺ University’s commitment to community-engaged learning and local collaboration,” said Michelle Buchinger, Coordinator for Experimental Learning & Community Engagement at �鶹ӰԺ University.�� “We’re excited about this partnership and looking forward to creating many more like it.”

The interdisciplinary course brings together students from the Business and Entrepreneurship and Psychology programs,��bringing together their unique skill sets to explore a common challenge. The partnership highlights thevalue of �鶹ӰԺ’s liberal arts model in addressing complex, real‑world challenges. Students provide time, capacity, and fresh perspectives, while ADI gains thoughtful analysis and research support to inform long‑term planning.

“This is a great way to garner information, gain new perspectives, and work side-by-side with residents to gather the data,” said Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director at ADI.��

The partnership strengthens students’ connection to the Fox Cities. Because many students live downtown, they can provide firsthand perspectives on community dynamics. The experience can help create a bridge from the student to the community, deepening their local connections and increasing the likelihood they will remain engaged in the region after graduation.

Invitation to Community Partners The Center for Community Engagement encourages other Fox Cities organizations to explore similar partnerships. Projects are developed collaboratively and tailored to organizational needs and course goals, with CCE providing facilitation and support to ensure projects are manageable and impactful.

“Experiential learning projects are a valuable way to integrate real-world impact into our courses,” said Carrie Picardi,J. Thomas Hurvis, professor of organizational psychology and collaboration, and associate professor of psychology at �鶹ӰԺ University. “With creative collaboration, we can design projects that allow students to apply concepts they are currently learning. This course, Organizational Development, is interdisciplinary and weaves together business and psychology topics such as behavioral change, research methods, strategic planning, and innovation. I am thrilled to partner with ADI and provide my students with this opportunity.”

By linking academic learning with community priorities, partnerships of this nature illustrate how universities and local organizations can work together to strengthen the region through sustained, mutually beneficial collaboration.

For more information about partnership opportunities, contact the �鶹ӰԺ University Center for Community Engagement at community.engagement@lawrence.edu.

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�鶹ӰԺ University to launch Data Science & Statistics major

Communications — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:41:59 +0000

Program responds to soaring industry demand for data-literate employees

�鶹ӰԺ University announced it will launch a new Data Science & Statistics major beginning with the Fall 2026 academic term. The program builds upon the success of the minor, which has seen consistently high interest and enrollment since it was established in 2020.

“Data has become a common currency across industries,” said Andrew Sage, associate professor of statistics. “It empowers business leaders and healthcare professionals to identify trends, make informed decisions, strengthen competitive advantage, and improve people’s lives. Employees with the ability to manage and draw insights from increasingly large and complex datasets are indispensable to employers.”

Career prospects are very promising for graduates of this in-demand degree program. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, much faster than the average for all occupations. As a result, data scientists can anticipate high earning potential and abundant employment opportunities across multiple industries.

A unique intersection of technical and interpersonal skills

The Data Science & Statistics major at �鶹ӰԺ University is an interdisciplinary program that creates a formal structure for leveraging the strengths of multiple areas of study. Drawing on core courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and related disciplines, such as biology and economics, students develop the computational skills, mathematical foundations, and advanced statistical techniques that comprise the data science discipline.

“The interdisciplinary structure of our Data Science & Statistics major allows students to customize their degree program around their academic and future career interests,” said Peter Blitstein, provost and dean of the faculty. “In this program grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, students learn core technical skills for data analysis while also strengthening professional skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.”

The Data Science & Statistics major is a natural fit for �鶹ӰԺ students because its interdisciplinary structure allows students to customize the major around their academic interests and career goals. For example, a student interested in health sciences might take electives in bioinformatics and experimental design. A student interested in economics and finance might take econometrics and a data visualization course. That flexibility allows students to hone their skills to their specific area of interest.

�鶹ӰԺ’s local and regional partnerships also open pathways for students to apply their knowledge in actual practice. The major culminates in a capstone experience in which they conduct hands-on analysis of real data, often in collaboration with a community organization. Through internships, guest lecturers, field studies and other applied learning opportunities, students build a professional portfolio while they are in school that prepares them for rewarding careers after graduation or acceptance into the nation’s top graduate schools.

For more information about Data Science & Statistics or other degree programs at �鶹ӰԺ University, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@lawrence.edu or 920.832.6652.

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