President Laurie A. Carter | Official website
President Laurie A. Carter | Official website
Lawrence University is set to honor five retiring faculty members at the 2024 Commencement on June 9. The retirees include psychology professor Beth Haines, anthropology professor Peter Peregrine, and three music faculty in the Conservatory—John Daniel, Matthew Michelic, and Steven Jordheim. These distinguished educators will conclude their tenure at the close of the 2023-24 academic year.
John Daniel has been a member of the Conservatory faculty since 2002. Over his career, he has shared his trumpet talents with hundreds of Lawrence students and countless audiences across the country. Beyond teaching, Daniel has been a sought-after trumpet player, performing with numerous orchestras and recitals in major halls such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He also wrote and self-published a book on trumpet technique, Special Studies for Trumpet.
Beth Haines joined the Lawrence faculty in 1992 as a professor of psychology. Her teaching and research have primarily focused on developmental psychology and gender studies. She has taught generations of Lawrentians who have gone on to make significant contributions in fields ranging from education to clinical psychology to cognitive development.
Matthew Michelic has been part of the Conservatory faculty since 1987. As a violist, he has taught courses in musicology, music theory, and music pedagogy during his tenure at Lawrence. In addition to his teaching career, Michelic has performed with multiple symphony orchestras and participated in several international chamber music festivals.
Steven Jordheim joined the Conservatory faculty in 1981. A saxophonist by profession, Jordheim debuted at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1985 after winning two major international performance competitions—the International Competition for Musical Performers (CIEM) in Geneva, Switzerland in 1983 and the Concert Artists Guild International Competition in New York in 1984.
Peter Peregrine has been a member of the Lawrence faculty since 1995. As a professor of anthropology, his focus has been on the evolution of complex societies. He has taught courses on world prehistory, historic preservation, and museum studies, among others. Peregrine also curates Lawrence’s sizable collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts housed in Briggs Hall.
These five educators have left an indelible mark on Lawrence University and its students. Their contributions to their respective fields and their commitment to education will be remembered as they embark on their retirement.