Fox Cities News

Lawrence University celebrated its 2024 graduates at a Commencement ceremony held on June 9 on Main Hall Green. Pawo Choyning Dorji, a Bhutanese filmmaker and Lawrence alumnus from the class of 2006, delivered the Commencement address. Dorji, who earned an Oscar nomination in 2022, encouraged graduates to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, maintain curiosity, and recognize interdependence.

“Class of 2024, may your curiosity always be insatiable, may you always nurture and cherish your curiosity,” Dorji said. “May your curiosity take you to the most interesting of places, and may it empower you to live colorful lives.”

The ceremony began with faculty members led by faculty marshal Celia Barnes processing across College Avenue onto Main Hall Green. They were joined by President Laurie A. Carter, Board of Trustees Chair Cory Nettles ’92, and honored guests Dorji and James Gandre ’81. The faculty greeted graduates as they took their seats while family and friends captured the moment in photos and videos.

Dorji and Gandre received honorary degrees for their career accomplishments and commitment to Lawrence’s educational mission. Of the 341 graduates who walked the stage, 272 received Bachelor of Arts degrees, 29 Bachelor of Music degrees, 27 dual degrees in Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Music, and 13 Bachelor of Musical Arts degrees.

Senior class speaker Monique Johnson reflected on her classmates' resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Lawrence has given us the blueprint to a successful life,” she said. “Shine your light like the Lawrentian you are.”

President Carter urged graduates to stay connected with Lawrence University for support throughout their future endeavors. “Let the Lawrence family be a source of comfort and care wherever your journey takes you,” she said.

In his address, Dorji shared his experiences since graduating from Lawrence University as a government major in 2006. His journey included studying Buddhism in Himalayan monasteries before becoming an award-winning filmmaker.

“To the Class of 2024... I pray that through this experience... may you truly discover and appreciate the beauty of the light,” he said.

Matt Murphy ’06 welcomed new alumni into the community on behalf of the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA). Johnson emphasized that her time at Lawrence had been transformative both academically and personally.

“Lawrence became the home I never knew I needed,” she said.

As Commencement concluded with confetti bursts and cap tosses, graduates recessed through the Lawrence Arch—a tradition symbolizing their transition from students to alumni—before heading to a reception at Mudd Library's patio area.

Carter concluded by highlighting how well-prepared these graduates are for future challenges: “Your Lawrence education has shown you the path to a lifetime of learning.”