Fox Cities News

Lawrence University is set to celebrate its Class of 2024 with a series of events culminating in the Commencement ceremony on June 9 at Main Hall Green. A total of 341 graduates will receive their degrees, joining an alumni network exceeding 22,000 members.

The Commencement speaker for this year is Pawo Choyning Dorji, a Lawrence alumnus and Bhutanese filmmaker. His debut film, "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom," received international recognition and an Oscar nomination. His subsequent film, "The Monk and the Gun," was shortlisted for a 2024 Oscar and praised by Variety magazine as one of the top films of 2023. Dorji will be awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.

James Gandre, president of Manhattan School of Music, will address attendees at the Baccalaureate Service on June 8. Gandre has held leadership roles at several institutions and is also known for his work as a tenor vocalist. He will receive an honorary doctorate degree at Commencement.

Monique Johnson, a government major from Brooklyn, New York, has been selected as the senior class speaker. Johnson arrived at Lawrence University as a Posse Scholar at age 16 and has actively participated in various student organizations. She plans to pursue law school after graduation.

Five retiring faculty members will be honored during the event: psychology professor Beth Haines; anthropology professor Peter Peregrine; and music faculty John Daniel, Matthew Michelic, and Steven Jordheim from the Conservatory.

The weekend's events include performances by graduating students in concerts scheduled throughout Memorial Chapel. The Senior Art Exhibition will be displayed in Wriston Art Center Galleries over Commencement weekend.

President Laurie A. Carter will lead the processional alongside Board Chair Cory Nettles and faculty marshal Celia Barnes. Music during the ceremony will be provided by Lawrence University Graduation Band under Andrew Mast's direction.

For those unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream available on Lawrence University's website.

Graduates are invited to participate in various activities including a cookout hosted by President Carter on June 8 where they can meet speaker Pawo Choyning Dorji.

After Commencement concludes with graduates walking through Lawrence Arch along College Avenue to Mudd Library’s patio area—a symbolic tradition marking both entry into university life as freshmen and departure upon graduation—students are encouraged to celebrate with family members present on campus grounds.