Fox Cities News

Nearly 800 Lawrence University alumni gathered on campus for Reunion 2024, held from June 13-16. The event featured a variety of activities including dinners, receptions, beer gardens, a 5K run, a golf outing, Alumni College presentations, a cookout, the annual Parade of Classes, and a convocation in Memorial Chapel.

President Laurie A. Carter addressed the attendees during the Reunion Convocation: “We hope you’ll enjoy the memories of shared experiences and the excitement of catching up with old friends. We also hope you’ll use this weekend to look forward—to nurture your relationship with Lawrence and strengthen and deepen the bonds with a place that has played such a transformational role in your life.”

The Class of 1974 marked their 50th reunion with 95 classmates returning to campus. They led the way in presenting class gifts totaling $3.1 million, part of an overall $6.8 million raised by various classes for Lawrence University.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is thanking Lawrentians for their investments in this university,” Carter said. Matt Murphy ’06, president of the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA), emphasized that these gifts make Lawrence more affordable for students and support its academic programs.

Jane McGroaty Schneider ’74 highlighted that nearly half of her class contributed to their gift focused on artificial intelligence (AI). “Your energy, your leadership, and your focus on artificial intelligence will help Lawrence move into the future in a very pivotal way,” she said.

Alumni College sessions included discussions on AI technology led by alumni from the Class of 1974 along with Constance Kassor from religious studies. Mark T. Nelson ’74 noted that AI would significantly impact academia and other fields: “This is an amazing, shape-shifting topic.”

Veteran journalist Jill Manuel ’84 discussed changes in news consumption among younger generations at another session: “It’s imperative for traditional news organizations to find innovative ways to connect with young consumers.”

Mary Hartzell '49 returned for her 75th reunion and led the Parade of Classes. She reflected on her time at Lawrence: “I think here at Lawrence I learned to love learning.”

Nine alumni received awards during Reunion Convocation courtesy of LUAA including Cynthia Estlund ’78 and Adam Locke ’03 among others. President Carter acknowledged their achievements: “The career accomplishments of these brilliant alumni are worthy of celebration.”

Two recipients were former students from Milwaukee-Downer College which merged with Lawrence College in 1964. Bonnie Maas McClellan M-D’62 and Eileen Paulson Johnson M-D’66 were honored for their continued commitment to both institutions.

“We are celebrating the 60-year anniversary of the merger and the myriad ways that the Downer legacy remains embedded in all we do,” Carter concluded.