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In the 43 years since he walked across Lawrence University’s Commencement stage, James Gandre ’81 has lived and breathed the transformative power of education.

“When I was a student here, I was unaware of the numerous turns my life would ultimately take, and I had no idea my life would be what it is today, more full and more fulfilling than I ever imagined,” said Gandre, whose passion for education has led him to the presidency of the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.

He addressed Lawrence’s Class of 2024 at the annual Baccalaureate service in Memorial Chapel, one of the signature events of Commencement weekend. At Commencement, he will receive an honorary Doctor of Music degree.

“He has forged a career as both a renowned leader in music education and a brilliant tenor vocalist,” Lawrence President Laurie A. Carter said in introducing Gandre at the Saturday service. “It is fitting that he is addressing you here in Memorial Chapel, from the stage that was such an important part of his Lawrence experience, in a performance venue as revered today as it was when President Gandre was an undergraduate.”

Gandre told the graduates that a decision to attend Lawrence is life-changing. He has felt that every step of his journey. He came to Lawrence from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with a dream to study music. After majoring in performance (voice) at Lawrence, he would go on to earn a master’s degree (performance) from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, supporting a career that has taken him to the highest levels of music education.

“Students, your time at Lawrence has forever changed you,” Gandre said. “Because you chose to come here, your education and your experiences have been different; your friends are different; and your perspective on the world is different. Your Lawrence education and experiences have also given you a foundation to allow for myriad possibilities that life may present.”

He implored students to “take thoughtful yet daring risks,” pursuing life’s work—professional and personal—with passion.

“Find the things that fuel you and give you purpose and fulfillment,” Gandre said. “If you can do this, you will indeed be satisfied, content, and joyous in a multitude of ways throughout your life.”

Gandre said he found his passion in higher education. He has been president of Manhattan School of Music since 2013. He held various positions at the school from 1985 to 2000 before taking on leadership roles at Roosevelt University in Chicago and the Chicago College of Performing Arts.Since returning to Manhattan School of Music as its president 11 years ago, Gandre has overseen $30 million in campus improvements including renovating its main performance hall and launching an undergraduate degree in musical theatre. He also oversaw creating an online learning environment known as Global Conservatoire with London’s Royal College of Music among other institutions. Recently appointed to The Misty Copeland Foundation's Advisory Council aiming for greater diversity equity inclusion especially ballet.

A tenor vocalist himself Gandre performed with Cleveland Orchestra London Classical Players soloist completed over 175 choral performances with organizations like New York Philharmonic featured more than 20 commercial recordings

"You will carry this great institution your experiences here—the wonderful ones tough ones everything between—you'll carry these experiences throughout life," Gandre told graduates "Like other Lawrence alumni life's journeys extraordinarily interesting tremendously varied Don't limit options what's right front someone else always wanted Choose makes happy stimulates motivates nurtures spirit enlivens passion soul"

The Baccalaureate service multi-faith celebration featured members Class '24 handful Lawrentians throughout

Music performances included jazz trio Reese Pike ’25 piano Jackson B Peters ’24 bass Tyler H Donnelly ’27 drums performing Oscar Peterson Hymn Freedom Chamber ensemble Darren Lam ’24 flute Wren Whalen ’25 clarinet Evan Ney saxophone Connor M Parr horn Iris M Hakes bassoon performing Valerie Coleman Umoja Daniel R Boyd organist

Senior dance ensemble Lorcan M Baxter Bryce Griggs Ella Rose Schaefer Tori A Schneider Eliana Florence Stern Madeleine E Tevonian Call prayer Nafis A Munim Islam Eli A Elder Eliana Florence Stern Judaism Nayla J Brunnbauer Emma R Nolte Christianity Diego A Leon Buddhism Terra Winston-Sage Julie Esch Hurvis Dean Spiritual Religious Life provided closing reflection

“Go out from this place serve world around” she told graduates “Do joy heart wisdom community love gained throughout”