Â鶹ӰԺ University / Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:24:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 /wp-content/uploads/2026/07/cropped-lawrence-favicon-32x32.jpg Â鶹ӰԺ University / 32 32 Building Connections, Creating Possibilities: Emma Snyder Named to Future 15 of the Fox ValleyÌý /articles/building-connections-creating-possibilities-emma-snyder-named-to-future-15-of-the-fox-valley/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:24:21 +0000 /?p=28177 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 […]

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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 Â鶹ӰԺ University, and one that recently earned her recognition as one of the Future 15 of the Fox Valley. 

As managing director of Â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 Â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 Â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 Â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 Â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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Â鶹ӰԺ University to host “Light! More Light! For Menasha” to Support Fox Cities Tornado Relief /articles/lawrence-university-to-host-light-more-light-for-menasha-to-support-fox-cities-tornado-relief/ Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:56:00 +0000 /?p=28031 Â鶹ӰԺ University will bring together campus and community members for Light! More Light! For Menasha, a community fundraising event supporting local tornado recovery efforts, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, […]

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Â鶹ӰԺ University will bring together campus and community members for Light! More Light! For Menasha, a community fundraising event supporting local tornado recovery efforts, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, on the Â鶹ӰԺ campus. A rain date is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13.

Hosted by Â鶹ӰԺ University’s Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL) office, the event will feature hundreds of illuminated paper lanterns displayed along campus pathways, each representing a donation to support communities affected by recent tornadoes across the Fox Cities.

All proceeds will benefit the United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Community Response Fund, which supports immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Menasha, Neenah, Fox Crossing, Appleton, and other impacted communities.

Video length: 2 minutes, 13 seconds

Community members can sponsor a paper lantern through the event’s online fundraising page. As part of the sponsorship, donors may request a personalized message to be written on their lantern. Messages can honor loved ones, offer encouragement, share words of hope, commemorate special memories, or recognize those affected by the tornadoes.

“One small light can represent hope, remembrance, encouragement, or support,” Dakota McKee, director of student engagement, activities, and leadership, said. “Together, those lights create a powerful symbol of a community coming together to help its neighbors.”

On the evening of the event, attendees will be invited to walk Â鶹ӰԺ’s illuminated pathways, view the lantern displays, read messages left by community members, and search for their own sponsored lanterns. Complimentary hot cider and cocoa will be available throughout the evening.

McKee emphasized that community members do not need to sponsor a lantern to attend the event.

The initiative was created in response to the widespread impact of recent tornadoes across the Fox Cities. Beyond fundraising, the event is intended to provide an opportunity for connection, reflection, and community support during the recovery process.  

How to Participate
Paper lantern sponsorships can be made online at:

Donors will have the opportunity to submit a personalized message on the donation confirmation page. All messages must be appropriate for public display and may be reviewed before placement on lanterns.

Those wishing to make a cash donation may do so through Nov. 6 at the Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership Office on the fourth floor of the Warch Campus Center, 711 E. Boldt Way, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Event Details

  • What: Light! More Light! For Menasha
  • When: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
  • Rain Date: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
  • Where: Â鶹ӰԺ University campus, Appleton
  • Cost: Free and open to the public
  • Beneficiary: United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Community Response Fund

About the Event
Each sponsored paper lantern represents an individual act of generosity, remembrance, encouragement, or hope. Together, the lanterns will illuminate the Â鶹ӰԺ campus while helping fund recovery and rebuilding efforts for Fox Cities communities affected by the recent tornadoes.

Light a path. Share a message. Support our neighbors.

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Remembering Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74: A Life of Leadership, Service, and Purpose /articles/remembering-robert-bob-dekoch-74-a-life-of-leadership-service-and-purpose/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:02:51 +0000 /?p=27552 Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74, a Â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 […]

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Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74, a Â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 Â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 Â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 Â鶹ӰԺ to study chemistry, but he found more than an education. At Â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 Â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 Â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 Â鶹ӰԺ as a non-trustee member-at-large and helped create opportunities for Â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 Â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 Â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, Â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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Lawrentians Show Up in a Big Way for Giving Day /articles/lawrentians-show-up-in-a-big-way-for-giving-day/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:44:00 +0000 /?p=27487 Each year, Giving Day showcases the generosity of the Lawrentian community, and this year’s effort was no exception. Supporters once again demonstrated their commitment to Â鶹ӰԺ University and its students, […]

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Each year, Giving Day showcases the generosity of the Lawrentian community, and this year’s effort was no exception. Supporters once again demonstrated their commitment to Â鶹ӰԺ University and its students, helping ensure that future generations can benefit from a Â鶹ӰԺ educations.

As the physical campus has evolved and grown over the years, Â鶹ӰԺ’s mission has remained steadfast: to provide students with a liberal arts education that prepares them not only to face challenges but to conquer them and light more light in the world. Giving Day served as a powerful reminder that support for that mission extends far beyond campus and continues to be championed by Lawrentians across the globe—as Lawrentians everywhere help carry its mission forward.

A Little Â鶹ӰԺ Love Goes a Long Way

Giving Day donations arrived from 45 states, demonstrating the broad reach and enduring strength of the Â鶹ӰԺ community and showing that meaningful support extends far beyond campus. The Lawrentian community stretched well beyond U.S. borders, with gifts arriving from Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Ghana.

Whether located in Appleton or halfway around the world, Lawrentians continued to demonstrate their connection to Â鶹ӰԺ, its mission, and one another. Each gift reflected a shared commitment to supporting students and strengthening the community. Every contribution highlighting that the Â鶹ӰԺ experience extends beyond campus and unites generations of Lawrentians through a shared sense of purpose.

Class Spirit on Full Display

Giving Day also provided an opportunity for Lawrentians to celebrate their class pride, and several class years answered the call in impressive fashion.

The Class of 1978 led the way with 40 donors, followed by the Class of 1972 with 38 and the Class of 1973 with 36 donors, a testament to the lasting bond many alumni maintain with Â鶹ӰԺ.

Generosity took many forms throughout the day. The Class of 1970 delivered one of the most notable efforts, with 33 donors contributing a combined $44,225. The results underscored the impact a dedicated group of Lawrentians can have when rallying behind a common cause.

Together, alumni from across generations demonstrated the enduring spirit and commitment that continues to define the Â鶹ӰԺ community.

Students Brought the Energy

Giving Day was not limited to online giving. Throughout the day, students participated in activities and challenges designed to unlock additional support while celebrating the Â鶹ӰԺ experience.

The festivities began with Plinko Trivia, which drew enthusiastic participation and helped set an energetic tone for the day.

Candy Grams outside Andrew Commons proved especially popular as students wrote messages of encouragement and appreciation to fellow students as well as faculty and staff members. The activity served as a reminder that generosity can be expressed in many ways, including simple acts of kindness.

Students also embraced the opportunity to record video thank-you messages, sharing reflections on the campus resources, programs, and experiences made possible in part through donor generosity. Their voices provide a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact philanthropy has on the student experience.

Video length: 1 minute, 30 seconds

Together, the activities brought Giving Day to life on campus, connecting donor support with the everyday experiences that make Â鶹ӰԺ distinctive.

Spreading the Word, Sharing the Spirit

Giving Day advocates played an important role in extending the celebration, generating 181 clicks and 28 gifts through their outreach efforts. every shared post, conversation, and personal invitation helped expand awareness and encourage participation.

The success of Giving Day also reflected the efforts of numerous volunteers and supporters who dedicated their time and energy throughout the day. From assisting with campus activities to encouraging participation and sharing enthusiasm for Â鶹ӰԺ, their contributions helped create a memorable experience for the entire community.

Thank You, Lawrentians

Lawrentians came together in remarkable fashion for the university’s 13th annual Giving Day. Together, 1,719 donors raised $2,037,556 for the Â鶹ӰԺ Fund, surpassing our $2 million goal.

From students energizing campus activities to alumni sharing Â鶹ӰԺ memories and vintage memorabilia, Giving Day highlighted the many ways the Â鶹ӰԺ community remains connected through a shared commitment to the university and its students.

While Giving Day lasts just 24 hours, its impact extends far beyond a single day. Every gift, every shared memory, every kind message, and every act of volunteerism strengthens the people, programs, and experiences that define Â鶹ӰԺ University and make it incredibly special.

The generosity of alumni, parents, students, friends, faculty, staff, advocates, and volunteers made this year’s Giving Day success possible. Their support helps ensure that future generations of Lawrentians can discover new passions, tackle significant challenges, and go on to light more light in the world.

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Â鶹ӰԺ University expands direct admission partnerships across Wisconsin /articles/lawrence-university-expands-direct-admission-partnerships-across-wisconsin/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:20:37 +0000 /?p=27220 New partnerships build on Â鶹ӰԺ’s longstanding Wisconsin connections and recognize the achievements of college-ready students Â鶹ӰԺ University is deepening its investment in Wisconsin communities by expanding its Direct Admission Partnership […]

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

Â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 Â鶹ӰԺ for qualifying college-ready students. Since then, Â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 Â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 Â鶹ӰԺ during their junior year. For students, the partnership offers an opportunity to begin exploring Â鶹ӰԺ earlier in their college search. They can visit campus, meet faculty and learn more about student life.Ìý

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

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

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Â鶹ӰԺ Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day /articles/lawrence-celebrates-indigenous-peoples-day/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:13:32 +0000 /?p=27061 The 11th annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together in Â鶹ӰԺ University’s Warch Campus Center on Oct. 12 to honor Indigenous cultures, histories, and […]

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The 11th annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration brought students, faculty, staff, and community members together in Â鶹ӰԺ University’s Warch Campus Center on Oct. 12 to honor Indigenous cultures, histories, and contributions.

The celebration reflected a collaborative effort across campus. Carter Robinson, Â鶹ӰԺ’s director of community values, engagement and sustainability, helped organize the event alongside students involved in Earth Fest as part of a collaborative effort to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

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

Video length: 20 seconds

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

“The history of the region here is so tied into Menominee culture and Oneida and Stockbridge, Ho-Chunk, and all the other nations that are around,” Gauthier said.

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

In recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Â鶹ӰԺ also reaffirmed its land acknowledgment:

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

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Blue & White Homecoming Weekend brought Lawrentians back home to Â鶹ӰԺ /articles/blue-white-homecoming-brought-lawrentians-back-home-to-lawrence/ Sun, 11 Oct 2026 19:24:20 +0000 /?p=27025 Lawrentians returned to campus Oct. 9-10 for Blue & White Homecoming Weekend, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate shared memories, create new ones, and reflect on […]

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Lawrentians returned to campus Oct. 9-10 for Blue & White Homecoming Weekend, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate shared memories, create new ones, and reflect on the many ways Â鶹ӰԺ continues to shape lives and communities.

Video length: 58 seconds

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

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

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

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

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

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America 250 concert to celebrate the many voices of the American experience /articles/america-250-concert-to-celebrate-the-many-voices-of-the-american-experience/ Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:34:24 +0000 /?p=26860 Â鶹ӰԺ University’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band come together for a special America 250 concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in Memorial Chapel, celebrating the nation’s rich musical heritage […]

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Â鶹ӰԺ University’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band come together for a special America 250 concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in Memorial Chapel, celebrating the nation’s rich musical heritage through American composers, themes, and styles. The performance is free and open to the public.

Video length: 1 minute, 28 seconds

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

The concert brings together both Â鶹ӰԺ bands for a unified musical journey spanning American hymns, jazz, ragtime, spirituals, Indigenous influences, marches and other traditions that have shaped the nation’s musical identity.

“This concert is different than other conservatory concerts because there’s one universal theme that was responsible for the construction of the entire program from beginning to end,” said Ceon Rumphs, visiting assistant professor of music and Wind Ensemble conductor at Â鶹ӰԺ University. “You get to hear distinctly American music, distinctly American sounds, and distinctly American composers all the way from the beginning to the end.”

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

“America has a rich musical heritage, and this concert is an opportunity to celebrate that heritage,” said Matthew Arau, associate professor of music education and Symphonic Band conductor. “Within all of the American music we’re celebrating, there’s this richness of identity, of what it means to be an American.”

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

“Dr. Kevin Sedatole is one of those figures who has been really influential and important in the development of the wind ensemble as a serious medium of performance,” Rumphs said. “It’s a wonderful chance for students to experience somebody who’s been so influential over his career.”

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

“He is a leader in the profession,” Arau said. “I’m excited for both bands to learn from someone who has dedicated his life to uplifting the wind band globally.”

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

“It’s our hope that this America 250 concert makes the audience think about community and how you are more similar to your neighbor than how you are different,” Rumphs said.

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

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Â鶹ӰԺ University Welcomes Dennis J. Perkins Jr. as Dean of Students /articles/lawrence-university-welcomes-dennis-j-perkins-jr-as-dean-of-students/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:04:00 +0000 /?p=26534 Student-centered leader will help students learn, lead, and thrive at Â鶹ӰԺ  Â鶹ӰԺ University is proud to announce the appointment of Dennis J. Perkins Jr. as its new Dean of Students, […]

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Student-centered leader will help students learn, lead, and thrive at Â鶹ӰԺ 

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

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

“Dennis brings a deep understanding of student development and a genuine commitment to helping students succeed,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His experience building inclusive communities, developing strong student support systems, and fostering meaningful engagement will strengthen the Â鶹ӰԺ experience and help our students learn, lead, and reach their full potential.” 

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

“I am honored to serve as the next dean of students at Â鶹ӰԺ University, Perkins said. “I look forward to partnering across the Â鶹ӰԺ community to create an engaging environment where students feel supported, equipped, and can realize their potential.” 

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

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

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

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Â鶹ӰԺ University: The highest-ranked National Liberal Arts College in Wisconsin /articles/lawrence-university-the-highest-ranked-national-liberal-arts-college-in-wisconsin/ Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000 /?p=26080 Â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.   Â鶹ӰԺ was […]

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Â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.  

Â鶹ӰԺ was ranked on the following lists:  

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

Earning the No. 68 position in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, Â鶹ӰԺ continues to hold a strong position in national rankings. In 2026, Â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 Â鶹ӰԺ University – what we always have done; it is gratifying for Â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, Â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, Â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, Â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 Â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.”

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

For the eighth time since the 2016 edition, Â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 Â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 RankingsÌý
U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges by key measures, including Outcomes, Peer Assessment, Faculty Resources, Financial Resources, and Standardized Tests. Learn more at .ÌýÌý

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