Life at �鶹ӰԺ Archives - �鶹ӰԺ University

Student Miles McCue ’27 finds purpose, not perfection

Communications — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:20:48 +0000

For �鶹ӰԺ University student Miles McCue ’27, success isn’t about finding perfection; it’s about finding purpose. As a scholar-athlete, campus leader, and mentor, McCue embodies a mindset rooted in self-discipline and genuine connection.

“I always want to be a positive example for others,” McCue said. “At first, it is easy to get into your own head and think that everything must be perfect since you are considered a leader, but that is far from the truth. Nobody is perfect, and there is only so much you have control over. I have developed the skill of only focusing on the things I can control, for example, my attitude, work ethic, and how I treat my teammates and peers.”

As a dean’s list biochemistry major with a minor in Spanish, McCue devotes himself to his academic studies while taking on several leadership roles across campus. He’s an orientation leader, EPIC mentor, assistant captain of the men’s hockey team, co-president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and an on-campus tutor.

McCue understands the value of being organized. His success doesn’t come by chance; he’s intentional about what he focuses on each day.

“I have become a Microsoft Outlook Calendar professional, or at least I like to think so,” McCue said. “Every activity that I am planning to do goes on my calendar. That way, I can look and see what is going on during the day, so I stay focused and thinking about the right things throughout the day.”

The Monument, Colorado, native came to �鶹ӰԺ because he wanted to be challenged in the classroom and as a hockey player. This pursuit of athletic and academic excellence has given him a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Finding joy in the work

“I have genuine happiness when I am on the ice, when I am an orientation leader, in the classroom, and more,” he said. “It is a blessing to be involved in things that you enjoy doing. It makes it easy to find ways to dedicate time and stay focused on them!”

As a peer mentor, McCue credits his ability to relate to others through his own humanity and experiences as the key to success. Through his openness and authenticity, he’s able to connect with others in a meaningful way.

“I think it is important to be relatable to the people around you. Sometimes when you are in the position of being a mentor, it is easy to try and portray that your life is perfect and you have all this incredible wisdom, but we all know that isn’t the case,” McCue said. “The biggest thing I try to do when working with others is relate to them. I look to share experiences and things that I have gone through to relate and show them that I am not perfect, and we are all living and working through life together.”

McCue credits the extraordinary people, resources, and campus culture at �鶹ӰԺ for helping him develop into the best version of himself and preparing him for the career and life he aspires to have.

“I am hoping to get into medical school,” McCue said. “From there, I want to continue learning and growing as a student and leader on the journey to becoming a practicing physician. �鶹ӰԺ has been instrumental in helping me prepare for my life ahead.”

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�鶹ӰԺ welcomes new incoming class

Communications — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:26:05 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University’s Welcome Week is in full swing as the campus fills with first-year, exchange, and transfer students. The seven-day-long event includes move-in, activities, and gatherings designed to welcome the Class of 2029 and help make them feel at home by connecting with faculty, staff, alumni, and returning students.

The remainder of �鶹ӰԺ students will move into residence halls and other residential spaces over the weekend of Sept. 13-14. Welcome Week leads directly into the start of the fall trimester, with classes beginning on Monday, Sept. 15.

Welcome Week, first-year students (Photo by Danny Damiani)

This year’s incoming students include 309 first-year students and 39 transfer students, who come from across the United States and around the world to study at �鶹ӰԺ University. The top home states are Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and New York. International students are represented by 16 different countries around the globe, with a strong presence from Japan, Canada, and South Korea. �鶹ӰԺ isn’t just a campus in Wisconsin; it’s a community with roots around the globe.

“My move-in experience was really good,” said Kylie Hatch, an incoming freshman and neuroscience and psychology major. “My roommate was actually already here for international move-in, so she helped me. It was super easy and everyone was super helpful.”

Welcome Week marks the beginning of a new chapter for students as they embark on their journey of higher education and find their place in a community of critical thinkers.

“I moved into Colman, and it was really nice because everybody was very friendly,” said first-year student and psychology major, Vivianne Affatato. “Everybody was really excited and supportive. It was like, friends immediately.”

Angela Vanden Elzen, associate professor and reference and learning technology librarian, emphasized the joy of Welcome Week and the energy that incoming freshmen bring to campus.

“Welcome Week is always so fun; seeing all the students excited about starting something new really brings a lot of energy back to campus.”

(Photo by Danny Damiani)

New students to �鶹ӰԺ University lined the sidewalk between the newly opened West Campus building and Main Hall Green for the traditional walk through the Welcome Arch. Faculty, staff, alumni, and students all cheered and welcomed the incoming Class of 2029 to campus. The �鶹ӰԺ school spirit rang loudly and highlighted its tight-knit community.

Natalie Reathaford, a first-year student and neuroscience and biology major, relished taking part in one of �鶹ӰԺ’s favorite traditions of welcoming students to campus through the Welcome Arch.

“Walking through the arch, it was exciting to see our upperclassmen come and cheer us on and support everyone coming to �鶹ӰԺ. It was a great experience.”

Reathaford said she selected �鶹ӰԺ because of its small but vibrant community. She wanted a tight-knit community but didn’t want to be left in the middle of nowhere. The city of Appleton and the surrounding Fox Cities offer students a unique environment because it has a small-town feel with metropolitan-style benefits.

“I was looking for a place that was small but also not just cornfields, so I think having this as a small campus, having a tight-knit, close community of professors and students, as well as a great soccer team that I wanted to be on, it was just perfect. And then the thing that really sealed the deal was the placement of where �鶹ӰԺ was and how close everything was. There’s an airport nearby, there’s tons of food, there’s coffee shops—just everything nearby that I could ever want.”

George Taylor, a first-year tuba major from Hayward, Wisconsin, said he chose �鶹ӰԺ because of its renowned Conservatory of Music. Taylor has been playing tuba for over eight years. In addition to his studies, he looks forward to playing linebacker for the Vikings football team.

“The activities at �鶹ӰԺ really involve you. They make it easy to meet a lot of new people and make friends.”

After hearing President Laurie Carter’s annual address to new students, Taylor said, “It just made me feel like I really belong here.”

Matriculation Convocation is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, at 12:30 p.m. in �鶹ӰԺ’s Memorial Chapel. President Laurie A. Carter will welcome all students and make remarks to start the new academic year.

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Beyond the classroom: 83 �鶹ӰԺ students transform summer into research opportunities

Communications — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 17:56:25 +0000

For many �鶹ӰԺ University students, summers are more than a break from classes; they’re a chance to engage in intensive, hands-on research that bridges classroom learning with real-world application.

This past summer, a diverse group of Lawrentians—83 students from 19 departments across the college and conservatory—immersed themselves in a variety of research projects, pushing their boundaries and gaining invaluable skills. Funded by the generosity of donors, their experiences highlight the incredible opportunities available to undergraduates who choose to spend their summers in pursuit of discovery.

“Working with �鶹ӰԺ faculty on their research over the summer is a truly distinctive opportunity for our students,” said Beth Zinsli, associate provost and adjunct associate professor of art. “In addition to a greater depth of knowledge in a specific discipline, this summer research helps them sharpen key skills needed for successful careers in their fields after graduation.”

This is a glimpse of this year’s summer research opportunities, showcasing the research opportunities at �鶹ӰԺ and the transformative impact it has on student learning and professional growth.

Interested in pursuing a research project next summer? Summer 2026 opportunities will be posted the last Friday of January 2026. Applications will be due by the third Friday of February 2026. Now is the time to start exploring your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Summer Research Coordinator (resesarchcoordinator@lawrence.edu), your advisor, or a professor whose interests align with your own.

Learn about student research

Collaborate with professors here on campus, with alumni who teach in major research universities around the world, or through outside programs you wish to pursue

Art History: Highlighting the Permanent Collection

The permanent collection at the Wriston Art Galleries at �鶹ӰԺ University boasts over 6,000 works of art, a testament to the generosity of the college’s alumni and friends. However, less than two percent of the collection is typically on display in any given year.

To help showcase more of this vast collection, Val Muzzarelli, a junior art history major from Hazel Park, MI, took on a research project to curate a year-long exhibition. Led by Beth Zinsli, associate provost and adjunct associate professor of art, the project began last year with Wren Chlystek ‘25, also an art history major. Muzzarelli picked up the mantle when Chlystek graduated.

“They (Chlystek) left a really good foundation and gave me a really good place to start,” Muzzarelli said. “It’s been more collaborative than just me.”

Junior Val Muzzarelli peruses some of their selected pieces for the exhibit.

Madison Pierson examines the Earl and Aubrey Richmond Collection of Rare Books.

Selected art pieces for the permanent collection exhibit

Val Muzzarelli takes notes on a large piece of art.

Throughout the summer, Muzzarelli has been researching, examining, and drawing connections among the artwork to create a cohesive exhibition of about 90 pieces. The exhibit will be organized around four core themes:

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The Unknown

According to Madison Pierson, the collections and gallery assistant at Wriston, “The Unknown” highlights future research opportunities for pieces whose stories are not yet known.

“Many of the pieces came to us before this building (Wriston) existed,” Pierson said. “The paper trails for some of those early gifts in particular may be less thorough.”

An unofficial fifth theme, “Greatest Hits,” will also be featured, showcasing some of the collection’s most popular pieces, including Louise Bourgeois prints and the dancing bear statues.

The exhibition aims to expose students, faculty, staff, and the community to the full breadth of the �鶹ӰԺ permanent collection. If successful, this type of exhibition will become a regular event. Pierson hopes that continuing the project in future years will allow faculty to incorporate the works into their lesson plans.

“Getting more things in the gallery also helps expose students for research but also our faculty to the wide variety of things we have in our collections,” Pierson said. “There are so many who might not know that these collections exist or the breadth of the collection.”

The exhibition is set to open in the back gallery on Friday, September 26, with a reception planned for October. It will remain on display for the entire academic year. In a related project, Alex Whaley, a junior English literature major, will curate an exhibition in the front gallery featuring works from the Earl and Aubrey Richmond Collection of Rare Books.

Biology: Prairie Restoration

After their freshman year at �鶹ӰԺ, 5th-year senior Laura Friestad got an internship at Lake Forest Open Lands Association in Lake Forest, Illinois, as a restoration ecologist intern. While there, they learned how to identify invasive and native species, collected seeds, and learned all about ecological restoration; in the end, they fell in love with the work.

“I was like, I can’t spend the rest of my life not doing plant stuff,” said Friestad. “So I decided to put that more into what I’m doing at �鶹ӰԺ.”

The experience led Friestad, a clarinet performance and environmental science major, to consider ways they could help improve the ecological landscaping on campus. While brainstorming ideas for their junior year capstone class, they decided they wanted to make a prairie on campus.

Laura Friestad shows Rylee Polanka how to collect jewelweed seeds.

Rylee Polanka searches for jewelweed in the woods behind Trever Hall.

Friestad and Polanka search through the woods behind Trever Hall.

The view from behind Hiett Hall

The hill behind Hiett Hall presented a natural place to start, being covered in invasive species. They went to work removing invasive species from the plot and collecting seeds from native species around the city of Appleton. They visited Bubolz Nature Preserve and also searched older areas of the city; less development means it was easier to find existing populations of native species.

From there, they would make a seed mix, weigh it out, and spread it over the hill. A year later, Friestad is continuing their work through a summer research project with Alyssa Hakes, associate professor of biology, along with Rylee Polanka, a junior environmental science major. The project allows them to study prairie restoration methods, visit restored prairie sites, identify invasive and native plant species, and develop a plan on monitoring and restoring prairies and other Wisconsin ecosystems

“We are trying to overpower the invasive seed bank with our seed bank, and that means a lot of digging up the invasive seed species, cutting the seed heads, removing the seeds, and trying to get as few of those seeds staying and more of our seeds going in,” Friestad said, “and hopefully, eventually, create a self-sustaining ecosystem.”

A seed bank can refer to the seeds already in the soil, some of which can persist for years. Prairie plants flower, produce seeds, and appear to die at the end of the season. However, their roots are still alive under the soil and can return season after season.

“That’s one of my absolute favorite things about the prairie —how they put so much into the roots,” Friestad said.

The Conservatory: Brass Pedagogy

Joey O’Connor, a senior trumpet performance and music education major, had the opportunity to collaborate with assistant professor Nadje Noordhuis in editing interview transcripts for Noordhuis’s PhD dissertation, “The Teaching Philosophy of Laurie Frink.”

O’Connor was able to explore the teaching philosophy of brass legend Laurie Frink and uncover best practices for future educators. The dataset comprised over two dozen interviews with Frink’s former students and colleagues and the students of her renowned teacher, Carmine Caruso.

Joey O’Connor and Nadje Noordhuis work together to edit interview transcripts.

The Conservatory: LGBTuben, The Lodge, & Meditations

Ann Ellsworth, associate professor of music, led several summer research opportunities tied to her involvement with the �鶹ӰԺ Graduate Bayreuth Tuben Quintet (LGBTuben), an ensemble with roots at �鶹ӰԺ. Ellsworth brought together �鶹ӰԺ musicians and talented tuben players from across the country to create music rooted in inclusivity, visibility, and diversity.

LGBTuben was recently was recently gifted a lodge on 20 acres in New York’s Adirondack State Park, which the group plans to transform into an artist retreat. This space will serve as both a meeting place and an income generator to support the ensemble’s scholarship and outreach programs.

Aimee Patch, a senior music education major from Greenville, WI, collaborated with Ellsworth on managing the lodge. Patch traveled to the lodge this summer with LGBTuben to research similar nonprofits and study how a musical nonprofit can operate.

“My research looked at similar nonprofit organizations such as this to see what models we might adopt, and then also checking out a lot of the zoning laws and building laws for the Adirondack Park,” Patch said. “It’s such a beautiful space.”

Ann Ellsworth and Leo Rodda take notes on their meditation arrangements.

Aimee Patch and Ann Ellsworth discuss their work.

The exterior of the Lodge

The Adirondack Park in New York provides a beautiful backdrop for musical work.

Patch appreciated the opportunity to see a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making music happen.

“Being able to sit in on group meetings and see what happens behind closed doors and official decisions being made wasn’t something you usually see,” Patch said. “To sit there as a student, as an intern, was really incredible. To see how these decisions were made and debated and decided as a group was really powerful.”

Junior Leo Rodda, a music major from Appleton, WI, also visited the lodge this summer to continue his research with Ellsworth. Last year, he arranged music by Arvo Pärt and John Cage for horn and some clarinet to create 10-30 minute ‘meditations’ that can be used for bilateral music.

Bilateral music can be used in different therapies by providing auditory stimulation where sounds alternate between the left and right ears. The music keeps the brain activated with continuous sound.

“We’ve been using a lot of minimalist music, so the point is to listen for the small things that change,” Rodda said. “It’s to get you to mindfully pay attention.”

This summer, he collaborated with Ellsworth to finalize the digital scores and record, edit, and master the new album. Although the original plan was to record in New York, audio issues led them to re-record in-house with Brent Hauer, director of conservatory productions.

Rodda is currently selecting the best takes for the album, which will be released this fall. Additionally, a performance by the horn and clarinet studios is in the works for November 2025.

“The people there (at the lodge) and the environment that was created there were so awesome,” Rodda said. “Everyone was so accepting and passionate about what they did; to me, that was the best part. That is something that I see at �鶹ӰԺ as well; you don’t see many other places.”

Ethnic Studies: Sibling Bonds

Seniors Gabby DeBoer (psychology), Owen Bakker (psychology and double bass performance), and Faith Onukaogu (business & entrepreneurship and global studies) worked with Estéfani Marín, assistant professor of ethnic studies, in studying sibling bonds. The three research fellows dove into interviews, coding and analyzing data to understand how siblings generate and transmit resources in the educational context. A particular focus was placed on Latin American and Asian American families.

Although Onukaogu is not an anthropology student, she said participating in research outside of her area of study gave her a unique experience.

“Being at a liberal arts school gives you the opportunity to try things you usually wouldn’t,” Onukaogu said. “The research helped me learn some soft skills, like time management and professionalism, and also cultivate my leadership skills and communication skills. It also helped me connect with professors who are really good resources.”

Owen Bakker, Faith Onukaogu, and professor Estéfani Marín listen to Gabby DeBoer as she presents her work.

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West Campus opens as interdisciplinary hub for creative learning, collaboration, and community engagement

Communications — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:25:26 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University today marked the opening of its new West Campus building at a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its new interdisciplinary hub. The building is designed to foster interdisciplinary creative learning, collaboration, and community engagement.

�鶹ӰԺ University President Laurie A. Carter

A Bold New Chapter

The $38 million development, located at the corner of East College Avenue and South Drew Street, features more than 100,000 square feet of academic and public space. The building features the Trout Museum of Art on the first floor, state-of-the-art academic spaces on the second floor, and beautiful one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on the third and fourth floors that are available to the general public.

The project is a response to a growing need for new and innovative ways of preparing students for the changing world and the evolving careers ahead of them as they move into the workplace after graduation.

The interdisciplinary hub encompasses the Humanities, Math, Statistics, Computer Science, and the Conservatory of Music to cultivate cross-disciplinary collaboration and spark innovation.

The project was made possible through partnerships with the Trout Museum of Art, community leaders, and �鶹ӰԺ alumni. Fredrick Fisher and Partners of Los Angeles led the architectural design. Locally owned Boldt Construction served as the general contractor for the project, and the 40 upper-level, LUX apartments are now managed by NAI Pfefferle, a commercial real estate firm headquartered in Appleton.

Susan Hall, a 1976 �鶹ӰԺ alumna and current member of the �鶹ӰԺ Board of Trustees, said �鶹ӰԺ held a special place in her heart because it was where she learned to think deeply, listen generously, and believe in the power of community.

“When I first heard the vision for West Campus, I was struck by its boldness, A space that brings together the humanities, mathematics, computer science, and the conservatory. That’s not just interdisciplinary—it’s transformational.”

Hall and other key supporters included local business leader John Bergstrom, Curt Detjen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, and the Van Asten family.

Van Asten Family Overlook

“Partnerships like this ensure that our students’ education is not confined to classrooms but is enriched by direct engagement with the cultural fabric of our region,” President Carter said. “We are building bridges between theory and practice, past and future, campus and community.”

�鶹ӰԺ University Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Professor of History Peter Blitstein

A Creative and Collaborative Environment

The West Campus academic spaces include:

Eight state-of-the-art classrooms
Digital Humanities laboratory
Music production studio
Mathematics Commons for collaboration and study
30+ offices, including soundproof offices for Conservatory faculty for private music instruction with students.

Brooklyn Schara, �鶹ӰԺ University’s Community Council President, said West Campus represented a promise of transformative learning opportunities.

“Here, students are able to collaborate and innovate, not just with one another but also with our incredible faculty and staff and our community partners who share our passion for discovery, creativity, and lifelong learning,” said Schara, a junior from North Freedom, WI, and a double major in international relations and Spanish.

Learn more about �鶹ӰԺ University.

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�鶹ӰԺ University welcomes Liv Johnson as second-year dean

Communications — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:34:46 +0000

When students return to �鶹ӰԺ this fall, they’ll have a new and dedicated resource to help them navigate their educational journey. Liv Johnson, a seasoned higher education professional and proud Army veteran, stepped into her role as Second Year Dean in the Office of Student Life at �鶹ӰԺ University on August 15, 2025.

In her new role, Johnson will support sophomore and transfer students, a group sometimes struggling to chart their course and find meaningful connections on campus. She’ll help support them with tailored programming, academic guidance, and strategic campus partnerships to help students succeed.

Liv Johnson, Second-Year Dean in the Office of Student Life

“In my first year, I aim to strengthen the sense of community among transfer students, become a trusted resource for our international students, and help sophomores identify and pursue meaningful, intentional internship opportunities that align with their academic and career goals,” Johnson said.

In addition to becoming a trusted resource for students, she’ll work to enhance their overall experience by co-leading Summer Institute and contributing to broader retention and engagement initiatives.

Dean Johnson brings to �鶹ӰԺ an abundance of experience in higher education, including Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Maryland. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple areas of student affairs and international education, supporting students through academic advising, residential life, and global engagement programs. Her passion for intercultural learning is reflected in the courses she teaches on intercultural competency and in her presentations at regional and national conferences on international higher education.

“Dean Johnson brings a dynamic blend of experience and leadership to our team, said Dean of Students Dr. Brittany Bell. “Her commitment to transformative leadership and student-centered service will strengthen our support for second-year and transfer students, and her global perspective and experience across student affairs will help us build programs that truly empower students at �鶹ӰԺ.”

Johnson’s military background informs her disciplined, mission-driven approach to education and student support, making her a trusted leader and advocate in the academic community. Currently, Johnson is working on her Ph.D. in Global Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education to deepen her expertise and commitment to transformative leadership in academia.

“I’m excited to walk alongside students during a transformative stage in their college experience,” said Johnson. “With a background in academic advising, student advocacy, development workshops, and residential education, I bring a holistic perspective to student support—one that recognizes the importance of both personal and academic development,” Johnson said. “I’m especially passionate about helping transfer, sophomore, and international students feel connected, confident, and equipped to thrive.”

Johnson is appreciative of the attention and focus the university has directed toward ensuring students have the support they need to successfully take the next step in their academic journey.

“What I love most about �鶹ӰԺ is the unwavering dedication of its faculty and staff,” Johnson said. “Their commitment to providing individualized attention creates a nurturing environment where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

Johnson is poised to make a difference.

For more information about the transfer process to �鶹ӰԺ University

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Greek connections: Fraternity, sorority life at �鶹ӰԺ celebrated for its lifelong bonds

Communications — Thu, 08 May 2025 19:33:14 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ University junior Allie Obringer Illera found something wonderfully unexpected when she looked into joining a sorority after arriving on campus from San Jose, California, three years ago.

She was initially wary, as she had heard the well-documented tales of fraternity and sorority recruitment blitzes at other campuses. What she found at �鶹ӰԺ was something altogether different. By Winter Term of her first year, Obringer Illera, an English/literature and philosophy double major, had joined Kappa Alpha Theta, one of five active sororities at �鶹ӰԺ.

“Sorority life at �鶹ӰԺ is made up of Lawrentians—the obsessive nerds, passionate student-athletes, and kind, funny people,” she said. “We aren’t in sororities because it’s the only way to have a social life or because it puts us in high esteem on campus—it really doesn’t—or because we’re ‘legacies.’ Most of my sorority sisters, including me, are the first in their families to be in a sorority. We chose it, wholeheartedly, after seeing the community as it exists at �鶹ӰԺ.”

That sentiment rings true across campus as marks 165 years at �鶹ӰԺ. The five sororities—Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Beta Psi Nu, and Sigma Alpha Iota—and three fraternities—Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, and Sigma Phi Epsilon—will celebrate that history during Greek Week, set for May 11-18. The week includes games, a lip sync contest, animal yoga, and community outreach.

Greek Week 2025 begins May 11. (Photo by Juan Marin ’20)

For alumni who built strong bonds through their fraternity or sorority experiences, that history is filled with fond memories and enduring relationships.

Jeffrey Riester ’70 said he was 17 and “very unworldly” when he arrived on campus in the mid-1960s. �鶹ӰԺ provided a home that helped him grow academically and in a supportive environment, and he credits his brothers at Beta Theta Pi for being a big part of that.

“Part way through freshman year a bunch of us from Plantz Hall began to gravitate toward the Beta house,” Riester said. “We recognized the upperclassmen there as guys we admired and could imagine as our ‘big brothers.’ They were active, fun-loving, and successful Lawrentians.”

Riester remembers bonding over watching the Packers on TV on Sunday afternoons and washing pots and pans—his assigned chore—in the big kitchen at the E. John Street house.

“Over time, I became a ‘big brother,’ too,” he said.

Riester went on to be a successful attorney and community leader in the Fox Cities and served on �鶹ӰԺ’s Board of Trustees. The relationships built in that fraternity house carry on today.

“Even as we have scattered afar, and almost 60 years later, the Betas are some of my closest allies in life,” he said.

165 years and counting

Greek-lettered organizations at �鶹ӰԺ began in 1859 with the founding of the Wisconsin Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta. Since that historic moment, 38 chapters, both national and local, have contributed to the vibrancy of the �鶹ӰԺ community. There have been highs and lows along the way. Involvement in fraternities and sororities at �鶹ӰԺ has grown and then waned at multiple times through the years. Chapters have come and gone. National controversies surrounding fraternities and sororities have impacted participation.

The five-year period between 1924 and 1929 saw the most chapters on campus, maxing out at 18, according to Dakota McKee, director of Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL), which works with �鶹ӰԺ’s fraternity and sorority chapters.

It was in 1925 that Henry Wriston arrived as Lawence’s new president, bringing with him a commitment to fraternities. He set in motion efforts to build five fraternity houses on campus. It took more than a decade and a half to come to fruition, but in 1941—four years after Wriston left to assume the presidency of Brown University—chapters of five national fraternities moved into newly built fraternity houses that make up the part of campus now known as The Quad.

Still thriving

Five sororities and three fraternities are currently active at �鶹ӰԺ. (Photo by Juan Marin ’20)

Numbers at �鶹ӰԺ are far lower now than they once were, but they have been trending upwards in recent years. Membership was at 143 entering Spring Term 2025, up from 113 a year ago and 94 two years ago, McKee said.

Through the years, McKee said, Fraternity and Sorority Life has been a cornerstone of student engagement at �鶹ӰԺ. The chapters on campus have fostered personal growth and lifelong connections, often focused on philanthropic work.

“While the faces and structures of these organizations have evolved to reflect the times, the core values of leadership, scholarship, service, and brotherhood and sisterhood remain steadfast,” McKee said.

The current Greek-letter organizations include three Interfraternity chapters (Beta Theta Pi, Delta Tau Delta, and Sigma Phi Epsilon), three Panhellenic chapters (Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Kappa Kappa Gamma), one multicultural chapter (Beta Psi Nu), and one music chapter (Sigma Alpha Iota).

Throughout Greek Week, chapters will host a variety of events highlighting their philanthropic efforts and social initiatives. The efforts will speak to the value the organizations bring to campus and the wider community.

“Every club meets with a shared purpose, and usually it’s a shared hobby,” Obringer Illera said.

Connor Myatt, a junior from Royal Oak, Michigan, studying business analytics, joined Sigma Phi Epsilon because he was drawn to its approach to leadership, scholarship, and service.

“I wanted to be part of a group that emphasized values-based leadership and personal development,” he said.

Fanta Jatta is a senior from Madison, Wisconsin, studying neuroscience with a pre-med track. She is a leader within Beta Psi Nu.

“Greek Life has given me a strong sense of belonging and helped me grow as a leader,” she said.

Bailey Griffis, a junior from Frankfort, Illinois, is double majoring in government and business and entrepreneurship, plays on the women’s basketball team, and is a leader of Delta Gamma.

“As a first-year student, I had difficulty navigating a new environment and finding an atmosphere that would allow me to grow separate from the athletic community,” she said. “When I met the women of Delta Gamma, I knew that the environment that the chapter created would be one that supported me no matter what challenges I faced throughout my collegiate experience.”

Minnie Keene, a junior from Brooklyn, New York, is a dual degree student studying flute performance and psychology. She hadn’t expected to join a sorority but is now president of the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

“Joining Kappa was the best decision I have made at college,” Keene said. “By joining Kappa, I have met so many beautiful personalities. We have student athletes, STEM majors, humanities disciplines, as well as other Conservatory students. Not only have I met my best friends and found an incredible community of supportive women, I also have gained so much leadership experience.”

Alumni stay connected

Flashback to 1977: Phi Taus (from left) Joe McLean ’78, John Jolly ’77, John Kwasny ’79, and Dean Kwasny ’77 take part in an annual chapter retreat. (Photo courtesy of Bill Edminster ’77)

�鶹ӰԺ alumni who took part in fraternities and sororities during their time as students say the relationships they built have stayed with them, as have the lessons in philanthropy.

Sarah Schott ’97 joined Kappa Alpha Theta her first year on campus, along with a couple of her soccer teammates. While it wasn’t her primary focus as a student, it added to her �鶹ӰԺ experience in positive ways, she said.

“Probably the best thing it did for me was give me the opportunity to really deepen those relationships with friends I already knew and then expand to a broader range of women who were having lots of different experiences across campus,” said Schott, now a member of �鶹ӰԺ’s Board of Trustees.

Riester called his fraternity experience life changing.

“If I could choose one word to describe what being a Beta meant for me, it would be ‘growth,’” he said. “Without it, I would not have left �鶹ӰԺ carrying so many gifts.”

Jeffrey Fox ’72, who was awarded �鶹ӰԺ’s 2022 Gertrude Breithaupt Jupp M-D’18 Outstanding Service Alumni Award, recalls fraternities and sororities being the “social lifeblood” during his time on campus. He joined Delta Tau Delta part way through his first year.

“I remained a member all four years, living in the house for two of those years,” he said. “Each house seemed to have its own personality and differing operating methods. I felt at home with the Delts.”

The bonds, Fox said, have endured: “My circle of closest friends began with the fraternity, but in the true LU tradition, that circle has expanded well beyond that group over time.”

R. William (Bill) Edminster ’77, a member of Phi Kappa Tau, said he lost touch with the chapter until reconnecting at a 2010 reunion.

“I felt like I’d come home,” he said.

He went on to become an alumni advisor and has developed relationships with Phi Tau alums from across the generations. He now actively connects those alumni at �鶹ӰԺ’s Reunion weekends.

Janet (Aronberg) Hersh ’78 joined Delta Gamma her first year on campus. She points to the sorority experience as helping to harness her leadership skills and development of a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.

“The Delta Gamma Foundation’s Service for Sight led us to learn about vision impairment and opportunities to help raise money for and do service projects to benefit the visually impaired,” she said. “And my favorite annual DG event was the Apple Polisher’s Dinner—we hosted our favorite faculty member and honored their importance to us as students.”

Jerry Kerkman ’79 joined Delta Tau Delta his freshman year. He said he quickly learned the Delts and the fraternity system at �鶹ӰԺ were much more than a good time.

“I came from rural Wisconsin and was raised in a lower middle-income family and the first one on either side of the family to attend college,” Kerkman said. “The fraternity experience developed my leadership and people skills.”

He was eventually voted president of the chapter and went on to be a chapter consultant for the national fraternity. While in law school in Madison, Kerkman served as resident advisor for the local Delt chapter. He said he has continued to feel the Delt influence throughout his life, from success as an attorney to a commitment to give back to his community. He became a board member of the Delt National Educational Foundation and received the Distinguished Service Chapter citation.

“I still receive more than I give,” he said.

Timeline: Fraternities and Sororities at �鶹ӰԺ

1859: Phi Delta Theta chapter officially recognized as part of the �鶹ӰԺ community.
1861: Phi Delta Theta’s presence on campus comes to an end as the Civil War begins.
1897: Sophomore Robert Boyd, son of an original member of the Phi Delta Theta chapter, begins work to restore the old chapter. It would be active from 1899 to 2010, first as Theta Phi and then again as Phi Delta Theta.
1902: Beta Theta Pi fraternity (started as Beta Sigma Phi) welcomed to �鶹ӰԺ. Still active today.
1903: Delta Tau Delta fraternity (started as Delta Iota) welcomed to �鶹ӰԺ. Still active today.
1903: �鶹ӰԺ welcomes its first three sororities. Delta Gamma (started as Theta Gamma Delta) and Kappa Alpha Theta (started as Kappa Upsilon) are both still active today. Alpha Chi Omega (formerly Alpha Gamma Phi) disbanded in 1980.
1904: Zeta Alpha Phi sorority (formerly Zeta Omega Phi and Alpha Delta Pi) welcomed. Chapter closes in 1973.
1909: Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity (started as Sigma Tau Nu) welcomed to �鶹ӰԺ. Still active today.
1912: Mu Phi Epsilon sorority welcomed. Chapter closed in 1937.
1914: Phi Mu sorority welcomed. Chapter closed in 1935.
1916: Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity welcomed. Chapter closed in 1929.
1916: Kappa Delta sorority (started as Delta Delta Sigma) welcomed. Chapter closed in 1968.
1917: Sigma Alpha Iota sorority welcomed. Still active today.
1919: Phi Kappa Tau fraternity (started as Tau Alpha Sigma) welcomed. Chapter closed in 2019. Also, Beta Phi Alpha sorority (started as Epsilon Alpha Phi) is welcomed. Chapter closed in 1933.
1921: Delta Sigma Tau fraternity and Zeta Omega/Zeta Tau Alpha sorority welcomed. Both chapters closed in 1939.
1924: Psi Chi Omega fraternity welcomed. Chapter closed in 1935.
1938: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity welcomed. Chapter closed in 2022.
1939: Pi Beta Phi sorority (started as Pi Phi Gamma) welcomed. Chapter closed in 1983.
1941: Five fraternities move into five newly built fraternity houses, marking the first time the fraternities are housed on campus.
1958: Phi Gamma Delta fraternity welcomed. Chapter closed in 2009.
1969: Gamma Psi sorority welcomed. Chapter closed in 1971.
1981: Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority welcomed. Still active today.
2009: Beta Psi Nu sorority welcomed. Still active today.
2025: Three fraternities and five sororities remain active on campus.

Timeline information courtesy of Office of Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL) and �鶹ӰԺ Archives.

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8 local restaurants every �鶹ӰԺ student should try

Communications — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:28:02 +0000

Appleton’s restaurants have provided Lawrentians with fond memories, from evenings out with friends to indulge in a huge dinner after a rough week, to the blissful satisfaction of burger cravings after a couple of hours at Alex gym. These local restaurants are here for you; they’re the moments when you say to yourself, “I deserve this.” So, may this list serve as a guide for your future best memories in Appleton.

Whether you’re craving ramen, coffee, or a hearty sandwich, here are eight restaurants worth checking out, ordered from closest to campus to furthest away:

1. Emery & Perl Provisions () – 222 E. College Ave.

This urban market and deli offers artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, and gourmet sandwiches. It’s perfect for grabbing a quick but high-quality meal between classes.

2. Antojitos Mexicanos () – 204 E. College Ave.

This vibrant Mexican restaurant is known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes. You’ll get free warm chips and three types of salsa while you wait, and their fish tacos are a standout choice.

3. Bowl 91 () – 100 E. College Ave.

Just steps from campus, Bowl 91 offers a fusion of Asian flavors with dishes like ramen, pho, and innovative signature bowls. Their Hmong-style egg rolls and Bulgogi Kimchi Fries are local favorites.

4. Home Burger Bar () – 205 W. College Ave.

If you’re in the mood for a classic burger with a twist, Home Burger Bar is the place to go. Their menu features creative burger combinations, including the PB&J Bacon Burger, and their truffle fries are a must-try.

5. Copper Rock Coffee () – 210 W. College Ave. Ste. B

A cozy coffee shop with a rustic charm, Copper Rock serves up excellent coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. It’s a great spot for studying or catching up with friends over a latte.

6. Katsu-Ya () – 338 W College Ave.

Sushi lovers will appreciate Katsu-Ya’s fresh rolls and Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a sit-down dinner, this spot is a go-to for sushi cravings.

7. Mai’s Deli () – 104 S. Memorial Dr.

A family-owned gem serving authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, Mai’s Deli is known for its stuffed chicken wings, flavorful curries, and fresh spring rolls.

8. Spats Food and Spirits () – 733 W. College Ave.

A staple in Appleton, Spats serves up hearty comfort food with a welcoming atmosphere. Their Friday fish fry is a local favorite, and their menu features a mix of American classics.

Bonus Specialty Shops

If you’re looking to level-up from Andy Commons soft serve and desserts or the Café coffee, be sure to check out (323 E. Washington St.), (233 E College Ave.), (201 W College Ave), (101 E. College Ave.), and (514 W. College Ave.).

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between classes or a sit-down meal with friends, these College Avenue restaurants offer something for every taste. Which one are you excited to try first?

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Trivia is in the air: Steeped in tradition, �鶹ӰԺ’s student-run contest rolls into its 60th year

Communications — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:49:57 +0000

The Great Midwest Trivia Contest, one of �鶹ӰԺ University’s most endearing and enduring traditions, returns during the final weekend of January.

The student-run contest is marking its 60th edition, led by trivia head master �鶹ӰԺ Schreiner, a senior music education and music performance (tuba) major from Rib Lake, Wisconsin, and his team of trivia masters (TMs). They will guide the adrenaline-fueled trivia blitz Jan. 24-26—a 50-hour scavenger hunt of obscure information that has been a thing on campus every year since 1966. Open to teams on and off campus, it will again begin at 37 seconds past 10 p.m. Friday, the oddly specific starting time being among the contest’s many traditions.

“I had a new professor tell me last year that he knew nothing about the trivia contest here, but there came a point early in Winter Term where trivia was just in the air,” Schreiner said. “It’s become such an intergenerational unifier for Lawrentians. One of the easiest ways to start up a conversation with a Lawrentian who’s graduated since 1966 is to swap trivia stories, and I’m really happy to have a hand in continuing this tradition.”

Trivia weekend annually draws between 500 and 800 players spread across roughly 80 off-campus teams and another 15 or so on-campus teams. Teams will need to register at 8 p.m. on the first night of the contest. .

As is tradition, the asking of last year’s Super Garuda—the final question of the previous year’s contest—will open the trivia marathon, with this year’s Super Garuda then closing the contest 50 hours later at midnight Sunday. In all, there will be more than 300 questions.

Head master �鶹ӰԺ Schreiner is joined by his team of trivia masters, all �鶹ӰԺ students..

The contest in recent years has moved to Twitch as technology has retooled the weekend. While the students who run the show have held tight to many traditions, each new team of trivia masters has moved the contest forward. This year, that includes adding some visual elements on Twitch—most notably, photo questions that will pair an image displayed on the Twitch stream with a question.

“The hope is to have a greater variety of questions that allow the TMs to use even more unique paths to and through obscure internet wackiness while mixing things up for players,” Schreiner said

Like many of the trivia head masters who came before him, Schreiner was drawn into the world of trivia masters by previous TMs. The bonds forged between students, alumni, and longtime community players are embraced and nurtured by every new group of trivia masters.

“Some of the things I find myself thinking about most commonly in the trivia off-season are the hilarious team names, the super creative action question submissions, and the genuine kindness of the trivia community,” Schreiner said. “I feel like our contest is deeply infused with community, support, empathy, and understanding that isn’t so evident in a lot of other places. Seeing teams reaching out to support the TMs themselves and not just the contest as an event is so beautiful. There is just such a personal nature to it. It’s incredible what can spring up out of a desire for communal fun and silliness.”

Players from generations past have embraced the changes through the years, including the move from a radio station format to streaming via Twitch, first introduced in the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re really on the cutting edge of what a trivia contest can look like,” Schreiner said. “The TMs are always on the lookout for new ways to innovate, and our trivia community is so supportive in giving us space to try out everything we could imagine. Being part of a living tradition that is constantly growing and morphing like this is really an honor, and I’m excited to see what future TMs and HMs do with it after my time as head master.”

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Photo gallery: �鶹ӰԺ community joins in celebration of Blue & White Homecoming

Communications — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 15:27:49 +0000

From athletic events to music performances to a festive tailgate party, �鶹ӰԺ University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered over the Nov. 1-2 weekend for the annual Blue & White Homecoming.

The weekend included two Vikings teams winning conference championships— and . At Reid Golf Course in Appleton, �鶹ӰԺ cross country star Cristyn Oliver made history as the Vikings took the team title at the Midwest Conference Championships. Oliver became the first female runner in conference history to win three individual titles. At the Banta Bowl, the women’s soccer team claimed its first regular-season championship in program history with a 6-0 rout of Grinnell College. �鶹ӰԺ finished the conference season with a 7-0-1 record and tied for the title with Lake Forest College. The two teams tied during the regular season, and Lake Forest earned the right to host the conference tournament on Nov. 7-8 based on goal differential.

Homecoming weekend also saw men’s soccer and football in play at Banta Bowl. And the swimming and diving teams hosted an intrasquad and alumni meet.

�ճ��. They represent the most successful stretch of basketball in �鶹ӰԺ history—NCAA DIII tournament appearances, a run to the Elite 8, and a No. 1 national ranking. The teams also were saluted at halftime of Saturday’s football game at Banta Bowl.

Among other highlights of Homecoming weekend: Working, the Fall Term musical, was presented in Stansbury Theater; 150th Crescendo: Convergence – New Music Concert, featuring �鶹ӰԺ flute and trombone ensembles, was performed in Memorial Chapel; a homecoming dance was held in Warch Campus Center; and a Vikings Tailgate preceded the football game at Banta Bowl.

. Look for more photos to be added.

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Photo gallery: A festive welcome as campus comes alive for the start of Fall Term

Communications — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:33:45 +0000

We’re back.

�鶹ӰԺ University students returned to class on Monday, Sept. 16, kicking off Fall Term. It follows a busy Welcome Week as incoming students connected with campus resources, the wider community, and each other. From move-in, to the President’s Welcome, to Casino Night, to a series of EPIC events that gave first-year and transfer students experiences on and off campus in everything from kayaking to art making to climbing walls, the week of orientation set the tone for an exciting year ahead.

Our photographers captured the excitement.

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