LAWRENCE ARCH BRINGS WELCOMING ENTRYWAY TO CAMPUS, KICKS OFF NEW TRADITIONS

By Ed Berthiaume

The newly built Lawrence Arch is now serving as a visible entryway to the Lawrence campus.

The arch and patio, transforming the southeast corner of College Avenue and Drew Street, was celebrated as part of Welcome Week festivities in September, with members of the Class of 2026 kicking off a new tradition that’s expected to be part of the welcoming of first-year students— and the celebrating of graduates at Commencement—every year.

“This has been talked about for a long, long time,” President Laurie Carter said as the arch was unveiled. “Since arriving at Lawrence, I have envisioned a more visible and welcoming entryway to our campus, one that could be incorporated into our traditional welcome to campus for new students and a farewell to our graduates at Commencement.”

The Lawrence Arch provides that visible entryway on the eastern edge of Appleton's downtown, strengthening the connection between Lawrence and the wider community.

Financial support from Trustee Susan Long Hall ’76 and her husband, David Hall, and Roger Thompson ’67 helped “turn this vision into a reality,” Carter said.

Susan Long Hall said it was after hearing Carter articulate a vision for the arch in May that she and her husband decided to financially support the project. They remembered taking photos with their daughter, Lauren Hall Caponigro ’12, by the

Lawrence signage near the College-Drew intersection in 2008. And Hall remembers taking photos with her parents in the same location when she was a first-year student 50 years ago.

“In the years to come, we hope many families will take a similar photograph in front of the arch,” Hall said.

Whether for photos or events or new traditions, the Lawrence Arch is now one of the university’s most visible landmarks.

“Building the arch during our 175th anniversary year seems appropriate, doesn’t it?” Carter said. “It is not only a beautiful entryway to the Lawrence campus, but also a visible connection to the Appleton community. It welcomes newcomers and old friends alike.”

Susan Long Hall ’76 and her husband, David Hall, joined President Laurie Carter and Appleton Mayor Jacob Woodford ’13 for a ribbon-cutting at the Lawrence Arch (corner of College Avenue and Drew Street) during Welcome Week. The Lawrence community and invited guests then welcomed incoming students as they walked through the arch on the way to the President’s Welcome in front of Main Hall.