BRIGHTER TOGETHER

COMMUNITY REUNITES AS ACADEMIC YEAR 2021 BEGINS

“Brighter Together” was a message heard and seen repeatedly as Lawrence University launched a new academic year, one marked by the arrival of a new president, Laurie A. Carter, and the muchanticipated return to campus of students, faculty, and staff after 18 months of mostly remote learning.

Those two words—Brighter Together—are displayed on banners and signs throughout campus, on T-shirts and face masks being made available to the Lawrence community, and is being repeated in conversations, in convocations, and in campus celebrations. We are together again.

Lawrence is still navigating the pandemic, but the community has shown its ability and willingness to

work together. With a campus vaccine mandate in place, once again wearing masks in indoor public spaces, and continuing to Honor the Pledge by following health and safety protocols, the Lawrence community is facing the challenges.

Togetherness remains the guiding light of this academic year. Classes are again in person. Athletic competitions have resumed. Conservatory ensembles are practicing together. Students are sharing living spaces in the residence halls. Andrew Commons is open for meals.

“Brighter Together is an anthem for this moment in Lawrence’s history and a reminder of our strength as a community,” said Carter.

Student Community Advisor Marzuka Akber ’24 helps prepare the campus to welcome the newest Lawrentians before the official Move-In Day begins.

The Class of 2025 gathers for their official class photo as proud and emotional friends and family members capture the moment.

Nothing says the personal touch of a small college experience like receiving birthday balloons during your first day on campus. Students with birthdays were greeted with balloon bouquets during the President’s Welcome.

Edythmae Frodl ’25 (front) and Althea Foster ’23 (back) dance on Drew Street bridge during Move-In Day.

Pride, excitement, emotions, smiles, and yes, a few tears. Parents say goodbye to students beginning their Lawrence journey after the President’s Welcome.

What’s the start of the Lawrence experience without First-Year Studies? Amanda Draheim, assistant professor of clinical psychology, proves that class outside is a reality as she teaches Natasha Tretheway’s Native Guard. Classes are once again in-person

this academic year. Photos: Danny Damiani

Students take advantage of a gorgeous fall day to hang out on Main Hall Green.

Photo: Liz Boutelle

Members of the LU Rowing Club practice on the Fox River just after dawn.

The LU Dance and Cheer Teams perform during halftime at the Vikings football game.

Matthew Dalgleish, a firstyear, gets ready to jump on a bungee trampoline during the Blue & White Weekend Carnival.

Photo: Danny Damiani Student organizers put together a wide range of events including a carnival, tailgate, and glow party to mark Blue & White Weekend. Reese Pike, Eli Elder, Owen Brady, and Mitchell VonEschen, all sophomores, play glow mini golf in the Warch Campus Center.

Photo: Danny Damiani

The annual Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend, a staple of the jazz program in the Lawrence Conservatory of Music for four decades, was held with a bit of a twist to adhere to pandemic protocols while still providing a powerful weekend of celebration. The full campus community was offered an assortment of live workshops ranging from songwriting to dance to jazz singing. Students participate in Improv for All with Patty Darling, director of the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble, and Lawrence jazz students.

Photo: Valeria Mast ’25

Seniors Courtney Wilmington and Chenyu Yao give a presentation during Cognitive Neuroscience, the first class taught at Lawrence by inaugural Singleton Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience Brittany Alperin.

Photo: Danny Damiani