Fox Cities News

Lawrence University in Wisconsin is honoring two teachers with the annual Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin Award. The recipients are Chris Rundquist, a social studies teacher at Neenah High School, and Eric Schroeter ’85, a chemistry teacher at LakeView Technology Academy in the Kenosha Unified School District. Both are being recognized for their dedication to students.

The Lawrence Awards for Outstanding Teaching in Wisconsin acknowledge two secondary school teachers each year with a monetary award for the educator and a donation to their school’s library. The honorees are nominated by Lawrence seniors who attended school in Wisconsin. A committee of education faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Conservatory of Music selects the recipients. The award celebrates teachers who foster excitement and enthusiasm about learning, actively engage students, contribute to their school's well-being and community, and commit to their students' personal growth.

Rundquist was nominated by Lawrence senior Spencer Millay, who will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in history at the June 9 Commencement. He plans to pursue a career in social studies teaching. In his nomination, Millay wrote: “Chris is passionate about what he teaches, he cares about the school culture, and he wants to see his students succeed.” Millay also praised Rundquist's personal attention to every student and his role as the school’s wrestling coach.

Schroeter was nominated by Nicolas Magnuson, who will be receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in physics. In his nomination, Magnuson wrote: “Dr. Schroeter, a Lawrence alum, embodies the heart and spirit of impactful science education daily” and that “Dr. Schroeter consistently stands out among the already spectacular teaching staff” by “harnessing his sincere adoration for science to inspire and bring out the best of students in his class.” Magnuson also noted Schroeter's commitment to helping students improve their skills and deepen their understanding of the subject matter.

Lawrence has been bestowing these awards to exceptional Wisconsin teachers since 1985, with the support of a generous donor.