Appleton and Fox Cities Archives - ��vlog

A familiar stage, a bold new sound: Evan Williams ’10 returns to Lawrence for world premiere��

Communications — Fri, 13 Nov 2026 18:42:12 +0000

For composer and conductor Evan Williams ’10, returning to ��vlog means more than revisiting familiar places. It’s an opportunity to continue creating, exploring, and giving back to the community that helped shape his musical journey.

On Nov. 18, Williams will return for the world premiere of Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth, an adventurous new composition written specifically for Lawrence’s woodwind faculty. The performance marks another chapter in a relationship that has continued to grow long after his time as a student.

For Williams, that relationship began almost entirely by chance.

Growing up in Chicago, Williams imagined attending a large university. While waiting to speak with representatives from Harvard at a college fair, his mother wandered over to a table representing a small liberal arts college in Wisconsin. She encouraged him to take a closer look.

“I really loved the small campus and just the personable nature of everyone who I met,” Williams recalled.

That unexpected introduction would set the course for a career that has taken his music around the world.

Evan Williams ’10 returns to ��vlog for the world premiere of Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth on Nov. 18.

Finding his voice at Lawrence

Williams arrived at Lawrence intending to become a music educator, pursuing music education and trombone performance while studying composition on the side. Through the encouragement of faculty mentors and opportunities to explore different musical disciplines, he began to recognize his passion for composing.

He credits faculty members including Joanne Metcalf, Asha Srinivasan, and former Director of Bands Andrew Mast with helping him develop his musical voice.

“They supported me every step of the way, even when I had like really crazy ideas,” Williams said.

Williams participated in nearly every ensemble he could, from wind ensemble and symphonic band to jazz, orchestra, and choir. Through the McNair Scholars Program, he also discovered a passion for teaching that helped him envision a future as both a composer and professor.

After Lawrence, Williams pursued graduate studies at Bowling Green State University and earned his doctorate at the University of Cincinnati. His music has since been performed by renowned ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Yet throughout those accomplishments, Lawrence has remained a constant.

A connection that keeps bringing him home

Williams has returned to Lawrence in several capacities, including a faculty appointment and performances of his original compositions. In 2024, he composed a work for wind ensemble and organ celebrating the Conservatory of Music’s 150th anniversary, an experience he considers a career highlight.

His continued connection to Lawrence is rooted as much in its people as its music.

“A lot of the first people who supported my music were people I went to Lawrence with,” Williams said. “And the fact that Lawrence keeps bringing me back is just so, so great because they have really supported my career.”

Now, he welcomes opportunities to extend that same support to current students, offering guidance, sharing connections, and encouraging young musicians to explore their own paths.

A new sound for a familiar stage

His latest collaboration began with a message from Lawrence clarinet professor Andy Hudson, who shared that the woodwind faculty wanted Williams to compose a concerto grosso, a work featuring multiple soloists.

The invitation immediately captured Williams’ imagination. He had never written a concerto for more than two soloists, much less one combining a woodwind quintet with an entire wind ensemble.

Around that same time, a student introduced Williams to progressive metal after recognizing similarities between his compositional style and the genre. Williams began exploring bands including Haken and Animals as Leaders, finding inspiration in their complex rhythms and dramatic sounds.

The result is Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth, a composition that brings the intensity of progressive metal into the concert hall.

The piece calls on musicians to employ unconventional techniques that mimic wailing voices and grinding teeth. Woodwind players will use vocal effects and tongue clicks, while powerful percussion and instrumental textures evoke the sounds of electric guitars.

The world premiere will feature the ��vlog Wind Ensemble, directed by Ceon D. Rumphs, with Conservatory faculty soloists Erin Lesser on flute, Andrea Hixon on oboe, Andy Hudson on clarinet, Joseph Connor on saxophone, and Brigit Pacher on bassoon.

The Nov. 18 program will also feature Williams’ Lux Aeterna, performed by the ��vlog Symphonic Band with Williams serving as guest conductor.

Still finding inspiration at Lawrence

For Williams, the upcoming premiere represents the chance to try something entirely new in the same environment that first encouraged him to push creative boundaries.

“Lawrence was a place that really encouraged me to experiment a lot,” he said. “My teachers were always pushing me to try new things in my music and not to stay stagnant and be comfortable.”

That encouragement extended beyond music. Williams remembers exploring government, science, mathematics, and other liberal arts disciplines, discovering unexpected connections that continue to influence his compositions today.

Nearly 15 years after graduating, he still finds himself inspired by the place where his musical journey took flight.

“Lawrence is still encouraging me to experiment with my music and try new things,” Williams said. “And so to try this new thing and bring it back to the Lawrence stage, that’s actually really special to me.”

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Building Connections, Creating Possibilities: Emma Snyder Named to Future 15 of the Fox Valley��

Communications — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 17:24:21 +0000

For Emma Snyder, meaningful leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about bringing people together, creating opportunities, and helping others recognize what they’re capable of accomplishing. It’s an approach that has shaped her career and her work at ��vlog, and one that recently earned her recognition as one of the Future 15 of the Fox Valley.

As managing director of Lawrence’s Business and Entrepreneurship Center, Snyder works to connect students with professionals, alumni, entrepreneurs, and opportunities throughout the Fox Valley. Her goal is to help students see how their interests and experiences can translate into meaningful careers, regardless of their academic background.

“My job is to help bring those worlds together,” Snyder said. “We have incredibly talented students, dedicated faculty, accomplished alumni, and a community full of professionals who have so much knowledge and experience to share.”

Emma Snyder (center), director of ��vlog’s Business & Entrepreneurship Center, celebrates with colleagues and supporters at the Fox Cities Future 15 awards ceremony on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The event recognized emerging young professionals making an impact in the Fox Valley community.

Snyder’s path to Lawrence wasn’t necessarily a straight line. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in public administration from Bowling Green State University before spending several years with gener8tor, where she worked with entrepreneurs, startups, corporate partners, and community organizations through accelerator programming.

Those experiences helped shape her relationship-driven approach to leadership and reinforced the importance of making connections.

“Some of the most valuable things you can offer someone aren’t necessarily financial resources or technical expertise, but rather an introduction, a conversation, encouragement, or simply someone who believes in what they’re trying to accomplish,” she said.

That philosophy carries into her work at Lawrence, where Snyder sees opportunities to connect students’ liberal arts experiences with a wide range of professional fields. Through initiatives such as Music and Entrepreneurship Week and Career Insight Carousel events, she creates opportunities for students to explore industries, meet professionals, and begin building relationships that can extend well beyond their time on campus.

She also hopes students recognize the opportunities available right here in the Fox Valley.

“We have so many incredible businesses, organizations, and opportunities right here in the Fox Valley, and I want Lawrence students to recognize that they don’t necessarily have to leave the area to build an exciting and meaningful career,” Snyder said.

Looking ahead, Snyder hopes to continue expanding the Business and Entrepreneurship Center’s presence both on campus and throughout the region, with an emphasis on alumni engagement, connections with young professionals, and interactive opportunities for students to explore different career paths.

For Snyder, the Future 15 recognition is both a meaningful personal milestone and an opportunity to reflect on the people who have supported her along the way. She credits her family and friends for their encouragement throughout her education and professional journey and feels fortunate to work in a community that values collaboration and connection.

Ultimately, she hopes to help make the Fox Valley a place where people recognize the possibilities around them and feel empowered to pursue them.

“If I can play even a small role in helping someone discover their potential, build a relationship that changes their career, or recognize an opportunity they didn’t know existed, I consider that a success,” she said.

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Remembering Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74: A Life of Leadership, Service, and Purpose

Communications — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:02:51 +0000

Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74, a ��vlog alumnus, longtime business executive, leadership mentor, and co-founder of New North who championed regional growth and leadership development across Northeast Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the age of 74.

To many, Bob was a business leader, mentor, author, community champion, and trusted friend. But beneath the titles and accomplishments was a man who carried forward one of the most enduring lessons of a Lawrence education: that success is not only measured by what is achieved, but by how those achievements are used to serve others.

“Bob believed deeply in the transformative power of education, the importance of community, and our responsibility to invest in the success of others,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His influence can be seen in the strategic progress of the university and in projects such as Fox Commons and Hall Commons, but his greatest legacy is the example he set through a life dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and service. We are profoundly grateful for all he gave to Lawrence, to Northeast Wisconsin, and to the countless people whose lives were enriched by his friendship, guidance, and belief in their potential.”

Born and raised in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Bob arrived at Lawrence to study chemistry, but he found more than an education. At Lawrence, Bob found an intellectual home and a community that would help shape the rest of his life.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1974, Bob built an extraordinary career that crossed industries and disciplines. He began as a research chemist at Dow Chemical U.S.A., then moved into the beverage industry at J. Schlitz Brewing Company, before rising through the ranks at Consolidated Papers, Inc. and Appleton Papers, Inc., to serve as Vice President of Manufacturing.

His next area of service was at The Boldt Company, where Bob spent over two decades helping guide one of Wisconsin’s most respected firms through a period of transformational growth. As president and chief operating officer, he helped expand Boldt’s geographic reach and market sectors while overseeing a critical ownership transition. Under his leadership, the company grew into a national construction, consulting, and technical services enterprise with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.

In 2010, he founded Limitless, a leadership consultancy through which he continued coaching executives, mentoring emerging leaders, and helping organizations navigate changes. He also shared his insights through three books: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership, Transforming Leaders into Progress Makers, and Leading with Care in a Tough World.

The impact of Bob’s leadership extended far beyond any one company. A co-founder and co-chair of New North, he helped shape a collaborative vision for economic growth and development across Northeastern Wisconsin. He served on numerous civic, educational, corporate, and nonprofit boards, lending his expertise where it could strengthen organizations and create opportunities for others.

His contributions earned widespread recognition, including ��vlog’s Collaboration in Action Award, the Paul and Elaine Groth Mentoring Award, and induction into the Fox Cities Business Hall of Fame. Yet those who knew Bob best often pointed not to his accolades, but to the way he treated people.

Colleagues remembered a man who listened carefully, valued different perspectives, and had an uncommon gift for helping others recognize potential in themselves.

Those qualities defined every aspect of his life. Bob invested deeply in people. He viewed leadership not as authority, but as responsibility. Success was not measured solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others.

At the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Bob’s impact was especially profound. His leadership helped secure the organization’s future, ensuring that generations of children and families would continue to have opportunities to learn, explore, and discover. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he became only the second person named a board member for life.

Over the years, Bob’s commitment to Lawrence was deep and enduring. He served as a class agent, reunion volunteer, Giving Day supporter, member of the President’s Advisory Council, and participant in the university’s Corporate Partnership Program. He also served on the Trustee Committee for Life After Lawrence as a non-trustee member-at-large and helped create opportunities for Lawrence students and graduates through internships, mentorship, and employment. Bob played an instrumental role in advancing major campus initiatives, including the development of Fox Commons and Hall Commons. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision and support for projects is an impact that continues to shape Lawrence.

His final book, Leading with Care in a Tough World, feels particularly fitting. It was not simply a title. It reflected the way he approached leadership and life.

He led with care.

He served with humility.

He mentored with generosity.

And he lived with purpose.

Bob used his talents to strengthen the communities around him and improve the lives of others. His legacy lives on in the organizations he guided, the communities he strengthened, the students he encouraged, the leaders he developed, and the countless lives he positively impacted.

Most of all, his legacy lives on in the example he set that a life well lived is defined not by what is accumulated for oneself, but by what is given to others.

As the Lawrence community reflects on Bob’s remarkable life, the university’s thoughts remain with Debbie and all those mourning his loss. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the values he embodied, curiosity, humility, service, generosity, and care for others, will continue to inspire future generations.

For generations to come, Lawrence students and alumni can look to Bob’s life and see what is possible when intellect is matched with character, achievement with humility, and leadership with service.

Memorial services will be held privately. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the or the , in keeping with Bob’s lifelong commitment to building up the people and places he loved.

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��vlog expands direct admission partnerships across Wisconsin

Communications — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:20:37 +0000

New partnerships build on Lawrence’s longstanding Wisconsin connections and recognize the achievements of college-ready students

��vlog is deepening its investment in Wisconsin communities by expanding its Direct Admission Partnership program to more schools across the state.

The effort builds on the university’s Direct Admission Partnership with Appleton Area School District, announced in 2025, which created a direct pathway to Lawrence for qualifying college-ready students. Since then, Lawrence has established partnerships with Winneconne High School, Kaukauna High School, Wayland Academy and Hmong American Peace Academy, with additional partnerships under development.

“We know Wisconsin schools are preparing talented students everyday for their next step in education,” said Robert Nowak, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Lawrence. “We want to build on that work by recognizing students who have demonstrated academic achievement and college-readiness and give them a direct path to a nationally recognized liberal arts university.”

Through the partnership, schools identify qualifying students, support them to opt-in, and coordinate opportunities for students to visit Lawrence during their junior year. For students, the partnership offers an opportunity to begin exploring Lawrence earlier in their college search. They can visit campus, meet faculty and learn more about student life.��

In return, Lawrence offers qualifying students a streamlined admission process, individualized support, and a generous annual scholarship commitment, with additional merit- and need-based aid available.

The expansion is part of broader efforts by Lawrence to strengthen its relationships with the communities it has served for generations. Lawrence has deep roots in the Fox Cities and throughout Wisconsin, where over 10,000 Lawrentians have gone on to live, work, and contribute to the communities around them.

“We have a deep connection to this region and to Wisconsin,” said Emma Kane ’13, Director of School and University Partnerships at Lawrence. “Expanding Direct Admission Partnerships is a really intentional way for us to deepen those relationships and work alongside schools to recognize what their students have accomplished and invest in the next generation of Lawrentians.”

Lawrence will continue building Direct Admission Partnerships with high schools throughout the Fox Valley, across Wisconsin, and nationally.

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��vlog: The highest-ranked National Liberal Arts College in Wisconsin

Communications — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

��vlog once again retained the top spot among Wisconsin Liberal Arts Colleges in the 2027 Best Colleges rankings published Sept. 22 by U.S. News & World Report.

Lawrence was ranked on the following lists:

National Liberal Arts Colleges (#68 – tied)��
Top Private Colleges (#64– tied)
Best Value Schools (#33)��
Social Mobility (#66 – tied)��
Undergraduate Teaching Programs (#57 – tied)��

Earning the No. 68 position in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category, Lawrence continues to hold a strong position in national rankings. In 2026, Lawrence was ranked No. 65, moving up four places from No. 69 in 2025 and 10 places from No. 75 in 2024.

“Our students come from all over the world and from all walks of life to pursue a high impact, immersive and collaborative education that encourages them to dream bigger and to confidently pursue their personal vision of success,” said President Carter. “That’s what we do at ��vlog – what we always have done; it is gratifying for Lawrence to be recognized for its nearly two centuries of shaping the futures of students.”

The university also continues to rank prominently in other categories.

In a new category this year, Top Private Colleges, Lawrence ranked No. 64 nationally, tied with four other universities, and it was the highest-ranked institution in Wisconsin. The category was added in response to interest from U.S News & World Report readers who wanted a state-by-state comparison of private colleges similar to the rankings currently published for public institutions.

In the 2027 report, Lawrence ranked No. 33 among the Best Value Schools, and it has appeared in this category 10 times since the 2016 edition. In 2026, Lawrence surged ahead six positions to No. 32 among Best Value Schools, up from the 38th position in 2025.

“Students and families recognize that a college education is an investment in lifelong success,” said Vice President and Chief of Staff Christyn Abaray. “A Lawrence education provides deep disciplinary knowledge while cultivating the critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills graduates need to thrive confidently in a rapidly changing world.”

��vlog ranked No. 66 in Social Mobility this year, tied with five other schools after moving up 46 places from No. 112 two years ago.

“Our focus on developing new academic and experiential opportunities for students through innovative campus-community partnerships and keeping students first in all of our decision-making is reflected in Lawrence’s national and statewide rankings,” said ��vlog president Laurie A. Carter.

For the eighth time since the 2016 edition, Lawrence has appeared on the rankings for Undergraduate Teaching Programs, this year taking the 57th position (a tie with six other schools) up two positions from last year.

“I am pleased that ��vlog continues to be recognized for its commitment to providing a transformational education that prepares students to make a difference in the world as they follow their unique paths,” said President Carter.

About the Rankings��
U.S. News & World Report ranks colleges by key measures, including Outcomes, Peer Assessment, Faculty Resources, Financial Resources, and Standardized Tests. Learn more at .��

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Lawrence summer music programs bring nearly 80 young musicians to Appleton

Communications — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:22:27 +0000

Lawrence and the Appleton community welcome nearly 80 young classical musicians from across the United States and abroad this July as ��vlog expands its summer music programming and brings a series of public performances to campus and downtown venues.��

The summer lineup includes the Lawrence Summer Music Institute, a weeklong program for high school musicians, and the return of the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival, now in its third year on the Lawrence campus, running July 18–Aug. 2.��

Lawrence Summer Music Institute students perform at Memorial Chapel.��

Together, the programs bring high school, college-aged, and early-career musicians to Appleton for intensive training with Lawrence faculty and guest artists while offering the community opportunities to hear rising young performers in concert.��

New this summer is a Classical Voice track within the Lawrence Summer Music Institute, joining the Piano & Strings program, now in its fourth year. The institute will bring 37 high school musicians from 12 states to campus for chamber rehearsals, private lessons, coaching, workshops, and performance preparation.��

The Lawrence Chamber Music Festival will bring 40 pre-professional musicians from 19 states and three countries to Appleton for two weeks of advanced chamber music study, collaboration, and public performances. Five current Lawrence students and five Lawrence alumni are among this year’s festival participants.��

“We are continuing to expand summer music programming here at Lawrence, and we are particularly excited to be creating unique opportunities for high schoolers, current Lawrence students, and recent alumni,” said Michael Mizrahi, the Frank C. Shattuck Professor of Piano and faculty member for the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival. “These programs allow us to deepen the ties between Lawrence and Appleton while offering a unique, high-quality musical experience for the young artists participating. These programs are another way in which Lawrence augments its national profile as a leader in music performance and education.”��

The summer programming also connects directly with Appleton’s broader arts community. Lawrence Chamber Music Festival participants will collaborate with visiting musicians during Mile of Music, the all-original music festival held in downtown Appleton July 30–Aug. 2. The young musicians will create original arrangements and compositions and perform 50-minute sets at Lawrence and downtown venues.��

Lawrence will also host multiple Mile of Music venues on campus and support Music Education Team programming led by Lawrence faculty, students, and alumni.��

One featured community event is Music in Motion, an interactive concert for adults and children ages 5 and older presented by Play Out, the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival, and Mile of Music. Hosted by Caitlin Sullivan, the program celebrates music inspired by movement—from grooves, dances, strolls, and swings to a musical interpretation of Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion. The performance will include video art by Jorge Carvajal and live drawing projections by Caroline Chu.��

The programs also provide professional experience for current Lawrence students. Lawrence Summer Music Programs offer three internships in arts administration, giving students hands-on experience in marketing, artist relations, event production, and audience engagement. The internships complement Lawrence’s new Business and Entrepreneurship major—including its arts entrepreneurship track—by connecting classroom learning with professional practice.��

Lawrence Chamber Music Festival performances include:��

● 7 p.m. Monday, July 20��— Gibson Community Music Hall��

● 7 p.m. Friday, July 24��— Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

● 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25��— Lawrence Chamber Music Festival Young Artists Concert No. 1, Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

● 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26��— Lawrence Chamber Music Festival Young Artists Concert No. 2, Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

During Mile of Music, Lawrence Chamber Music Festival participants will collaborate with visiting musicians to create original arrangements and compositions. Performances include:��

● 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30��— Mile of Music kickoff featuring the Lawrence Chamber Music Festival, Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

● 9 a.m. Friday, July 31��— Music in Motion: An Interactive Concert for Adults and Children Ages 5 and Up��

● 11 a.m. Friday, July 31��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 1, Hilton Paper Valley Ballroom, featuring Ruby Mac��

● 2 p.m. Friday, July 31��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 2, Riverview Gardens, featuring Buddy Red��

● 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 3, Copper Rock Coffee Co., featuring Ron Artis II��

● 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1��— Mile of Music LCMF Young Artist Showcase No. 4, Appleton Public Library, featuring Kate Stenson ’24 & Gold Standard��

Faculty for the Lawrence Summer Music Institute includes Samantha George, violin; Wen-Lei Gu, violin; Jenny Kozoroz, viola; Kivie Cahn-Lipman, cello; Mark Urness, double bass; Anthony Padilla, piano; and Michael Mizrahi, piano.��

Lawrence Chamber Music Festival faculty includes Tim Albright, trombone; Michael Clayville, trombone; Andy Hudson, clarinet; Erin Lesser, flute; Brigit Pacher, bassoon; Joe Connor, saxophone; and Jean Carlo Ureña González, percussion. Guest faculty include Brandon Ridenour, trumpet; Caitlin Sullivan, cello; Teagan Faran, violin/viola; Ben Russell, violin; and Leo Sussman ’15, flute.��

About ��vlog�� ��vlog is a liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Its world-renowned Conservatory of Music offers rigorous training in performance, composition, music education, and related fields while connecting students with a broad liberal arts education.��

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��vlog Announces 2026-27 Performing Arts Series Season

Communications — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:11:18 +0000

��vlog announced its 2026-2027 Performing Arts Series lineup that will bring an internationally acclaimed orchestra, GRAMMY-winning jazz artists, innovative folk ensembles, and a celebrated vocal group to the Lawrence stage for a season of inspiring performances.��

“We are excited to unveil a new season that brings nationally recognized, award-winning performers to our campus,” said Dr. Chris Jenkins, Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. “This season offers an amazing opportunity for Lawrentians and the broader Fox Cities community to experience musical artistry representing a wide array of genres.”��

The Lawrence Conservatory of Music offers numerous opportunities to see outstanding student performances in orchestra, band, choir and jazz ensembles, chamber groups, award-winning opera productions, musical theatre, improvisation shows, and much more.��

The Lawrence Community Music School offers opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities, including bands, string ensembles, choirs, and unique offerings such as the Balinese Gamelan and Community Sambistas, as well as master classes and private instruction.��

Ticket Sales��

Available online at Lawrence.edu/Tickets or in-person during Box Office hours.��

Events in Lawrence Memorial Chapel:�� $42 Adults, $30 Seniors��

Events in Stansbury Theatre:�� $20 Adults, $15 Seniors��

Individual tickets sales begin July 1, 2026. Group discounts available for 10 or more people. Contact Jillian Johnson at 920-832-6749 or email boxoffice@lawrence.edu for group sales information.��

Box Office Hours & Location����

Box Office is located in the Music-Drama Center at 420 E. College Avenue.��

Closed now – September 20: Tickets available online only.��

Reopens September 21: Monday – Friday, 2 – 6 p.m., and one hour prior to event.��

Questions? Contact boxoffice@lawrence.edu or 920.832.6749.��

More about Lawrence events at: Lawrence.edu/Conservatory.��

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra��

Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 | 2:30 p.m.�� Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra opens the season with a performance showcasing one of the nation’s premier orchestras and Wisconsin’s largest cultural institution.��

Since its founding in 1959, the MSO has built a national reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement. The orchestra’s 72 full-time professional musicians perform more than 125 concerts each season throughout Wisconsin, spanning classical, pops, family, education, and community performances.��

The MSO has presented world and American premieres by leading contemporary composers including John Adams, Philip Glass, and Roberto Sierra, while also becoming the first American orchestra to offer live recordings on iTunes. Beyond the concert hall, the orchestra reaches thousands of young people and families annually through its education and outreach initiatives.��

Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend��

November 6 – 7, 2026��

Christie Dashiell��

Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.�� Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

Kicking off the Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend, GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, composer, and educator Christie Dashiell brings her distinctive blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, and soul to Lawrence Memorial Chapel as part of the Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in North Carolina, Dashiell is known for her improvisational artistry and rich vocal tone. A graduate of Howard University and the Manhattan School of Music, she first gained national attention performing with Howard University’s acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble Afro-Blue, which appeared on NBC’s The Sing-Off. Her sophomore album, Journey In Black, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album and was praised by DownBeat Magazine as a “masterpiece.” The recording explores themes of freedom, legacy, grief, and joy while drawing from multiple traditions within Black American music.��

Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble��

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.�� Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

The Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend continues with the Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble. Pianist and composer Billy Childs is recognized as one of the foremost American composers of his generation, seamlessly blending jazz traditions with contemporary classical influences. Throughout his career, Childs has received 17 GRAMMY nominations and six GRAMMY Awards, including Best Instrumental Jazz Album honors for Winds of Change and Rebirth. Childs has also received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and honors from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His work as a composer, performer, and arts advocate has established him as one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz.��

Kings Return��

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.�� Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

Acclaimed vocal quartet Kings Return will bring its genre-blending a cappella sound to Lawrence Memorial Chapel. The Dallas-based ensemble first gained widespread attention through viral stairwell performance videos showcasing their lush harmonies and effortless blend. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Take 6 and Boyz II Men, Kings Return incorporates elements of R&B, jazz, gospel, pop, and classical music into its performances. Comprised of Vaughn Faison, Gabe Kunda, JE McKissic, and Jamall Williams, the quartet has built an international following through both live performances and online audiences captivated by the group’s rich vocal textures and musical versatility.��

Dreamers’ Circus��

Monday, April 5, 2027 | 8 p.m.�� Stansbury Theatre��

Dreamers’ Circus, one of the Nordic region’s most acclaimed contemporary folk ensembles, will perform at Stansbury Theatre. Blending Nordic folk traditions with classical lyricism, jazz improvisation, and pop influences, the Copenhagen-based trio has earned international recognition for its adventurous and genre-defying sound. The ensemble features Nikolaj Busk on piano and accordion, Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen on violin, and Ale Carr on cittern. Since its formation, Dreamers’ Circus has released seven albums, toured internationally, and received major honors from the Danish Arts Foundation. Their latest album, Handed On, reflects on musical heritage while showcasing the trio’s inventive and dynamic approach to acoustic music.��

The Westerlies��

Friday, April 30, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.�� Lawrence Memorial Chapel��

The season concludes with a performance by The Westerlies, the GRAMMY-nominated brass quartet praised for blending jazz, classical, and folk traditions. Described by The New York Times as “an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk,” The Westerlies have performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Coachella while redefining expectations for brass chamber music. The ensemble, Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands on trumpet and Andy Clausen and Addison Maye-Saxon on trombone, has released 10 critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with artists including Caroline Shaw, Bill Frisell, and Nico Muhly. This performance is also part of ��vlog’s New Music Series.��

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Lawrence kicks off Level Up project

Communications — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:02:01 +0000

��vlog today announced the launch of Level Up, a bold new project to support student health, wellness, and performance.��

The Level Up project features the construction of two new facilities: The Loop, an indoor training center, and The Hub, a fitness, recreation, and practice facility. Today’s Level Up Kickoff Celebration revealed that phase one of Level Up will soon be underway with construction of The Hub set to begin later this month. A construction timeframe for The Loop has not yet been established.��

The Hub is a major renovation project that will transform the lower level of the City Center East building in downtown Appleton into a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation center serving the entire campus community, complete with practice facilities for athletics and the music Conservatory.��

“The Hub greatly expands our ability to offer the variety of fitness and recreation options our students want, while providing much-need practice space for athletics and the music Conservatory,” said Chris Clarke, Vice President for Student Life. “More importantly, The Hub will bring students together outside of class with people they might not otherwise encounter any other way, which strengthens the sense of connection and belonging that contributes to students’ overall well-being.”��

Strengthening body, mind, and spirit��

The Hub features 56,000 square feet of fitness, recreation, and practice space that serves a variety of needs for the campus community:��

FITNESS & RECREATION��

9,000 square foot strength training and cardio center��

Three simulator bays with more than 50 games to give students a variety of virtual experiences��

MUSIC CONSERVATORY��

2,000 square foot conservatory practice suite with student lounge and recording studio��

State-of-the-art Wenger practice modules that allow student musicians to simulate a variety of performance environments, with record/playback features that allow musicians to hear their performance objectively and adjust in real-time��

VIKINGS ATHLETICS��

Dedicated fencing training room to rival top-tier competitors��

Cutting-edge batting cages that can track biometrics to provide data-driven feedback to adjust mechanics, timing, and power��

Hockey practice area with synthetic ice where players can focus on skills training, such as stick-handling, puck control, and shooting accuracy��

Supporting the vision��

The space for The Hub in the lower level of the City Center East building in the heart of downtown Appleton was entrusted to ��vlog by local business leaders John Pfefferle, Paul Hoffman, and Thomas Janssen, whose transformational gift of property brought the University’s vision for enriching campus health and wellness into focus.��

“The Hub intentionally brings together wellness, athletics, and music, creating an environment that mirrors the way Lawrence students live, learn, and grow,” said ��vlog President Laurie A. Carter. “This kind of creative, integrative thinking is exactly what today’s world – and job market – demands. The Hub reflects the adaptability, collaboration, and innovation our graduates will need to thrive and to lead in their lives after Lawrence.”��

During her remarks at the Kickoff Celebrations, longtime Appleton resident, business leader and Lawrence Trustee Kathi Seifert reflected on Lawrence’s long history of campus/community collaboration over the decades.��

“The Hub is the latest extension of that shared vision and collective effort,” Seifert said. “Local business leaders placed their trust in Lawrence to steward forward their gift of this space to create something exception. The Hub is a bold new step forward for ��vlog and our community as well.”��

A space for creativity and connection��

During his remarks at the Kickoff Celebration, head softball coach Korey Krueger ’95 reflected on Virginia Woolfe’s “A Room of One’s Own,” a required text during his student days at Lawrence that stuck with him for decades. The book examined the need for an individual to have space and freedom to be truly creative.��

“The Hub will be a shared space for the entire Lawrence community to find that creativity, to have a space to create, grow, and thrive,” Krueger said. “The Hub is not just a project that will create a space: it is a project that will create energy, connection, and community – a room of one’s own – for everyone.”��

Practice is a crucial part of developing excellence in any endeavor, said Chris Jenkins, Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory, with four to six hours of daily rehearsal being the norm for Conservatory students.��

“With The Hub, we’re leveling up to a new rehearsal space that befits a world-class conservatory,” Jenkins said. “And our students are thrilled at the prospect of having the new practice suite available to help them level up their rehearsals and performances.”��

Joey O’Connor, who is graduating in June with degrees in Trumpet Performance and Music Education, remarked that finding available rehearsal space for the hours of daily practice required by musicians can be a challenge for Conservatory students.��

“The new practice suite at The Hub will be a game-changer for any musician who wants to be able to put in the hard work we know – and embrace – as the fuel to make us the musicians we aspire to be,” O’Connor said.��

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��vlog to launch NCAA Women’s Flag Football

Communications — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:34:54 +0000

��vlog will launch Women’s Flag Football for the 2027-28 academic year, making it the 12th women’s varsity sport offered at Wisconsin’s #1 small private college.��

Flag Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which added it to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in January. Flag Football also makes its official debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, fielding both men’s and women’s teams.��

“We believe deeply in expanding access to meaningful opportunities that support the whole student experience,” said ��vlog President Laurie A. Carter. “As an emerging sport, Women’s Flag Football allows us to respond thoughtfully to the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics while creating new opportunities for women student‑athletes to compete, lead, and thrive. This program will enrich our campus community and strengthen Lawrence’s commitment to opportunity, leadership, and student success.”��

A national search for a head coach to lead the newest Vikings team will begin immediately with the intent to have the new coach in place by this fall to lead recruitment and planning for the inaugural season in the 2027-28 academic year. Competition will begin in Spring 2028.��

“The addition of Women’s Flag Football at ��vlog reflects our continued commitment to innovation, access, and a holistic student-athlete experience,” said James Downer, Assistant Vice President of Athletics. “This emerging sport creates new pathways for women to compete at the collegiate level while strengthening our athletics profile and supporting institutional goals. We are excited about the opportunity to position Lawrence as a leader in one of the fastest-growing sports on the NCAA landscape.”��

Alice A. Gorinshteyn, a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Russian Studies, and Inaya Rivera Rodriguez, a sophomore majoring in Government and Philosophy, were instrumental in establishing Flag Football as a club team at Lawrence and look forward to its introduction as the newest Vikings sports program.��

“Flag football becoming a varsity sport at Lawrence fills me with excitement, thinking about others getting to experience the energy that comes with it, empowering women to feel strong, confident, and unstoppable,” Gorinshteyn��said.��

Reflecting on her participation in sports growing up, Gorinshteyn said football did not feel like an option for her as a woman athlete.��

“It is so important to make football something that anyone can enjoy and be a part of,” she said. “Flag football, to me, is more than a sport; it is a community. Adding Flag Football to Lawrence is not just adding another sport; it is creating another family on campus. It will bring a type of energy on campus that is indescribable.”��

Rodriguez, co-founder of Lawrence’s Flag Football Club, looks forward to more women experiencing the empowerment and strength she has felt while playing the sport.��

“For me, flag football has always meant more than just a game,” Rodriguez said. “Back in high school, I was the only girl on my team, and stepping on to that field taught me what it means to be fearless. It showed me that strength does not have to fit one image, and that passion can create space where there once was none. Bringing Flag Football to Lawrence means creating that same opportunity for other women. It means giving students a place to challenge themselves, build confidence, and find community through a sport that has the power to make people feel seen. Adding the sport is not just about starting a new team, it is about creating a legacy that shows future generations they belong here too.”��

The new Flag Football team will utilize existing facilities and infrastructure already in place by Men’s Football and other outdoor sports, making it a cost-effective addition to the varsity sports offered at Lawrence. It also will help attract a new population of students to campus that can meaningfully impact overall enrollment and retention.��

The addition of a sport that is rapidly growing in both popularly and interest, demonstrates Lawrence’s responsiveness to emerging trends in intercollegiate athletics while underscoring its commitment to the Division III philosophy of broad-based participation and student experience.��

“Lawrence plays a vital role in the growth and vitality of the Fox Valley, and this program is a wonderful example of that impact,” said Lawrence Board of Trustees member Kathi Seifert, whose financial gift to Lawrence Athletics made it possible to introduce the new program within months of the NCAA’s adoption of Flag Football as an emerging sport for women. “Supporting Women’s Flag Football at Lawrence is about more than adding a sport; it is about creating an environment that builds self‑confidence, teamwork, and resilience, and affirms that women belong in every arena. I’m grateful to play a small role in helping the university expand access for women student‑athletes and build an even stronger future.”��

With the addition of Flag Football, ��vlog now offers 12 varsity sports for women: Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, and Volleyball. The University offers 11 varsity sports for men: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, and Track & Field.��

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New partnership explores community livability through student-led research

Communications — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:47:48 +0000

A new partnership between ��vlog and Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI), gives Lawrence students the opportunity to apply concepts they are learning in class to real‑world community challenges.��

Facilitated by Lawrence’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE), the collaboration connects students and faculty with community partners to co‑develop projects that address local priorities while enhancing academic learning. In partnership with ADI, students will contribute research-based insights and creative problem-solving on issues such as safe walkability, downtown experience, and quality-of-life concerns.

“This is a mutually beneficial partnership that illustrates ��vlog’s commitment to community-engaged learning and local collaboration,” said Michelle Buchinger, Coordinator for Experimental Learning & Community Engagement at ��vlog.�� “We’re excited about this partnership and looking forward to creating many more like it.”

The interdisciplinary course brings together students from the Business and Entrepreneurship and Psychology programs,��bringing together their unique skill sets to explore a common challenge. The partnership highlights thevalue of Lawrence’s liberal arts model in addressing complex, real‑world challenges. Students provide time, capacity, and fresh perspectives, while ADI gains thoughtful analysis and research support to inform long‑term planning.

“This is a great way to garner information, gain new perspectives, and work side-by-side with residents to gather the data,” said Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director at ADI.��

The partnership strengthens students’ connection to the Fox Cities. Because many students live downtown, they can provide firsthand perspectives on community dynamics. The experience can help create a bridge from the student to the community, deepening their local connections and increasing the likelihood they will remain engaged in the region after graduation.

Invitation to Community Partners The Center for Community Engagement encourages other Fox Cities organizations to explore similar partnerships. Projects are developed collaboratively and tailored to organizational needs and course goals, with CCE providing facilitation and support to ensure projects are manageable and impactful.

“Experiential learning projects are a valuable way to integrate real-world impact into our courses,” said Carrie Picardi,J. Thomas Hurvis, professor of organizational psychology and collaboration, and associate professor of psychology at ��vlog. “With creative collaboration, we can design projects that allow students to apply concepts they are currently learning. This course, Organizational Development, is interdisciplinary and weaves together business and psychology topics such as behavioral change, research methods, strategic planning, and innovation. I am thrilled to partner with ADI and provide my students with this opportunity.”

By linking academic learning with community priorities, partnerships of this nature illustrate how universities and local organizations can work together to strengthen the region through sustained, mutually beneficial collaboration.

For more information about partnership opportunities, contact the ��vlog Center for Community Engagement at community.engagement@lawrence.edu.

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