Fox Cities News

Lawrence University will hold its Commencement at 10 a.m. on June 9 on Main Hall Green, concluding a weekend of festivities honoring the Class of 2024. Here are key details for the event.

A total of 341 graduates will walk the stage, with degrees awarded as follows: 272 Bachelor of Arts, 29 Bachelor of Music, 27 dual degrees in Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Music, and 13 Bachelor of Musical Arts. These graduates join an alumni community exceeding 22,000 members.

Pawo Choyning Dorji ’06, a Bhutanese filmmaker known for his debut film "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom," which received international acclaim and a 2022 Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film, will address attendees. His recent work, "The Monk and the Gun," was shortlisted for a 2024 Oscar and named fifth best film of 2023 by Variety magazine. Dorji will receive an honorary doctorate degree at Commencement.

James Gandre ’81, president of Manhattan School of Music in New York City since 2013 and an accomplished tenor vocalist, will deliver the Baccalaureate Service address on June 8. He previously held leadership roles at Roosevelt University in Chicago and returned to Manhattan School as president after serving there from 1985 to 2000. Gandre will also receive an honorary doctorate degree.

Monique Johnson ’24, a government major from Brooklyn and Posse Scholar who has been active in various campus organizations including LUCC and BSU, will be the senior class speaker. Johnson plans to pursue law school following graduation.

Five retiring faculty members—psychology professor Beth Haines, anthropology professor Peter Peregrine, and music faculty John Daniel, Matthew Michelic, and Steven Jordheim—will be honored during Commencement for their contributions over the years.

The ceremony will include annual faculty awards for Scholarly Achievement and Excellence in Teaching. President Laurie A. Carter will lead the processional along with Board of Trustees Chair Cory Nettles ’92 and faculty marshal Celia Barnes.

Music during Commencement will be provided by the Lawrence University Graduation Band under Andrew Mast’s direction. An American Sign Language interpreter will be present at the ceremony.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream is available on Lawrence’s website. The Senior Art Exhibition at Wriston Art Center Galleries can be viewed throughout Commencement weekend.

The annual Commencement Concert featuring graduating students is scheduled for June 7 at Memorial Chapel. A cookout hosted by President Carter is planned for noon on June 8 on Main Hall Green where attendees can meet Dorji.

The multi-faith Baccalaureate Service featuring James Gandre as guest speaker takes place at Memorial Chapel on June 8 at 2:30 p.m.

Following Commencement, graduates will participate in a recessional through Lawrence Arch along College Avenue before gathering with supporters near Mudd Library patio and green space—a tradition symbolizing their transition from students to alumni.

---