Fox Cities News

Nearly 800 Lawrence University alumni gathered for Reunion 2024, held from June 13-16. The event featured various activities including dinners, receptions, a 5K run, a golf outing, Alumni College presentations, and the annual Parade of Classes. Alumni traveled from at least 43 states and 13 countries to attend.

The Class of 1974 had a significant presence with 95 classmates returning for their 50th Reunion. Many participated in the Parade of Classes leading into the Reunion Convocation in Memorial Chapel.

President Laurie A. Carter addressed attendees during the convocation: “We hope you’ll enjoy the memories of shared experiences and the excitement of catching up with old friends,” she said. “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 convocation included the presentation of class gifts totaling $6.8 million. The Class of 1974 led with a $3.1 million gift, including $475,000 dedicated to exploring artificial intelligence (AI) strategies at Lawrence. Other notable contributions came from the Class of 1984 ($1 million) and cluster Classes of 1978-1980 ($2.48 million).

Carter expressed gratitude for these donations: “Your time, talent, and resources truly make a difference,” she said. Matt Murphy ’06, president of the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA), echoed this sentiment: “Great things are happening at Lawrence,” he said.

Alumni College sessions covered topics like AI technology's growth, maternal mortality rates research, remote work's future, journalism's state, ethnic studies' importance, classical singing post-pandemic challenges, and craft beer's art and science.

Mark T. Nelson ’74 led an AI session alongside Thomas M. Baer '74, Gail J. Sonnemann '74, Joseph J. Bruce '74, and Constance Kassor from Lawrence’s faculty: “This is an amazing shape-shifting topic,” Nelson remarked.

Veteran journalist Jill Manuel ’84 discussed news consumption changes among Gen Z during another session: “It’s imperative for traditional news organizations to find innovative ways to connect with young consumers,” she stated.

Mary Hartzell '49 marked her return for her 75th Reunion by leading the Parade of Classes: "I think here at Lawrence I learned to love learning," she reflected.

Nine alumni received awards during Reunion Convocation courtesy of LUAA:

- Lucia Russell Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award: Cynthia Estlund ’78

- Marshall B. Hulbert ’26 Outstanding Service Award: Adam Locke ’03

- Gertrude Breithaupt Jupp M‐D’18 Outstanding Service Award: Rick Davis ’80; Jill Manuel ’84; Bonnie Maas McClellan M-D’62; Eileen Paulson Johnson M-D’66

- Nathan M. Pusey Distinguished Achievement Award: Jacob George Allen ’03

- George B Walter ‘36 Service to Society Award: Christina Balch ‘03; Donald Brunnquell ‘74 (posthumously)

Carter emphasized the importance of these recognitions: “The career accomplishments of these brilliant alumni are worthy of celebration.”

Milwaukee-Downer College was celebrated on its merger's 60-year anniversary with two former students receiving awards—Bonnie Maas McClellan M-D '62 and Eileen Paulson Johnson M-D '66—and attending related events.

“Your love and support for Milwaukee-Downer has remained resolute,” Carter acknowledged.

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