‘We are on the right track’: Convocation opens academic year

President Laurie A. Carter marked the start of Lawrence University's 178th academic year with the Matriculation Convocation address, welcoming faculty, students, and staff back to campus. This year, Lawrence welcomed 355 first-year students, 59 transfer students, and 14 new faculty members.

"Today, we celebrate the incredible community of Lawrentians," Carter said from the stage of Memorial Chapel.

Carter's address emphasized the university's commitment to innovation amid the evolving challenges in higher education. She affirmed that while the journey may be complex, "we are on the right track. … Lawrence is the light."

First-year students sing in the Welcome Week Choir during Matriculation Convocation.

This track began in 2022, when Lawrence established a comprehensive five-year strategic plan focused on academic excellence, student outcomes, and financial sustainability.

"Our priorities help us adapt to a changing world while staying true to our liberal arts roots," Carter explained. She highlighted ongoing investments in academic programs and facilities to support enrollment growth over the next decade.

Notable projects include the opening of the Business & Entrepreneurship Center in Fox Commons in late October and the Pre-Health Commons in mid-2025. Carter underscored these developments as vital for building partnerships, advancing career discernment, and enhancing academic offerings. The new Humanities Center, set to open in summer 2025 as part of West Campus, will integrate disciplines like math and data science with traditional humanities.

"West Campus is the first building on campus intentionally designed to integrate disciplines across the divisions," Carter noted. "A sound-proofed classroom and teaching studios and a state-of-the-art production studio will bring our Conservatory faculty into a space also populated with faculty from the College."

Carter also highlighted the Center for Teaching Excellence's interactive classroom and upcoming renovations to Harper Hall's performance space as further investments in academic excellence.

"These investments reflect a commitment to providing a transformative educational experience," she added.

She emphasized faculty-led initiatives in First-Year Studies, enhancements to Welcome Week, and the integration of career discernment into the humanities curriculum. Carter announced an upcoming "creator-in-residence" program, aimed at enriching the student experience while blending liberal arts education with career readiness.

Lawrence faculty and leadership process to Friday's Matriculation Convocation.

Reflecting on the words of former President Richard Warch, Carter stated, "A liberal arts education is both a privilege and a challenge. It offers transformative opportunities through open inquiry, dedication to excellence, and character development."

To support these initiatives, Lawrence is implementing a dynamic financial plan that includes alternative revenue streams and community partnerships. Carter referenced potential rental opportunities at Björklunden, expanded summer programs, market-rate apartments on the upper floors of West Campus, and the upcoming "Lawrence at Night" program for working professionals.

"By broadening our financial base, we can invest more fully in our students, programs, and campus infrastructure," she concluded.

As part of the event, Carter announced a year-long celebration of the Conservatory of Music and the Lawrence Community Music School, both celebrating their 150th anniversaries. Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford '13 presented a proclamation honoring this milestone.

See more on the Conservatory of Music and LCMS celebrations here

The Matriculation Convocation is the first of three convocations during the academic year and features the president's address welcoming faculty and students back to the classroom. Faculty in full academic regalia processed into Memorial Chapel, led by Faculty Marshal Celia Barnes. The Welcome Week Choir, featuring first-year students and directed by music professors Shannon Gravelle and Phillip Swan, performed "Belong" by Jocelyn Hagen.