Lawrence University announced on Apr. 17 a new partnership with Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) that will allow students to engage in community-based research projects addressing local priorities such as walkability and quality of life.
The collaboration is facilitated by Lawrence’s Center for Community Engagement and aims to connect academic learning with real-world challenges faced by the Fox Cities area. Students from the Business and Entrepreneurship and Psychology programs will work alongside ADI to provide research-driven insights that can inform downtown planning efforts.
“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that illustrates Lawrence University’s commitment to community-engaged learning and local collaboration,” said Michelle Buchinger, Coordinator for Experimental Learning & Community Engagement at Lawrence University. “We’re excited about this partnership and looking forward to creating many more like it.”
Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director at ADI, said, “This is a great way to garner information, gain new perspectives, and work side-by-side with residents to gather the data.” Carrie Picardi, J. Thomas Hurvis professor of organizational psychology and collaboration at Lawrence University added: “Experiential learning projects are a valuable way to integrate real-world impact into our courses… I am thrilled to partner with ADI and provide my students with this opportunity.”
The initiative strengthens ties between students—many of whom live downtown—and the wider Fox Cities community. The university encourages other organizations in the region to explore similar partnerships through its Center for Community Engagement.
Lawrence University enrolls approximately 1,500 students with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio according to the official website. The university has been recognized as Wisconsin’s top small private university by U.S. News according to its official website.
Notable alumni include performer Audra McDonald, author Harry MacLean, and Packers insider Mike Spofford according to the official website. The campus supports 24 NCAA Division III varsity teams in various sports including baseball, basketball, fencing, soccer, and volleyball according to the official website. Facilities like Ormsby Lake are used for recreational activities such as ice skating and broomball according to the official website. In addition,the university promotes diversity, sustainability and community engagement through student-led initiatives.
