Hugo taught at Knox College and the University of Oklahoma before joining the faculty of ����vlog in 1966. He taught Latin American and Spanish Literature for the next 29 years until his retirement in 1995.����

A first generation Mexican-American raised in South Chicago, Hugo earned his bachelor of arts degree in Spanish from the University of Chicago, and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Northwestern University.����

In addition to teaching, Hugo was passionate about writing. During his tenure at Lawrence, he published “The Last Laugh and Other Stories,” a collection of short stories about life in the Mexican-American community of South Chicago, a selection from which was published in Chicago magazine. In retirement, Hugo continued to write, publishing two novels, “Enamored Dust,” and “The Brothers Duran of Mexican South Chicago.” He published a new edition of his short stories titled “Steeling Chicago: South Side Stories.”����

Throughout his life, Hugo was committed to education and social justice. He adored teaching and though he expected much of his students, he was always encouraging and supportive of them. One of his former students, Barbara Lawton ’87, a current member of the Lawrence Board of Trustees and former Wisconsin Lt. Governor (2003-11), described the impact Hugo made on her academic journey.����

“I was convinced that if Hugo would take the time to publish his brilliant method of teaching the complexities and nuances of the Spanish language, it would become the gold standard,” she said. “But he was leading students to see how language revealed culture, and then to learn how to read and write anew in the study of Latin American literature. And then the conversation continued at regular tertulias (salons) hosted in his home, building a vibrant community of Spanish speakers. I came to Lawrence to test my intellectual mettle, and Hugo pushed me, and all his students, to discover themselves as scholars. The quintessential Lawrence difference. He gave us his all.”����

Another former student, Peter Kelly ’87, echoed Lawton’s sentiments about finding challenge and inspiration in equal measures in Hugo’s classes.����

“Hugo was obsessive in his drive to have students not simply read and follow plot, but also to live within the words on the page,” Peter said. “He never let general observations on characters or narrative go unchallenged, always exhorting the student to justify based on text. He would bring his whole body to bear, patiently quieting his voice while deepening his gaze as he strained to place the student back into the pages of the story or novel while guiding the reader to find the author’s precise word choice or phrasing that substantiated the general observation. It could be a tiring and painful exercise, but it was clear that Hugo gave energy in equal measure to the student. He was indefatigable in the classroom, usually patient, always demanding, and relentlessly supportive.”��

Frances Siekman Romero ’73 was part of a study group travelling with Hugo to Guanajuato, Mexico, for an experience that would end up changing the course of her life.����

“Professor Martinez encouraged me to be open, to adapt, and to fully embrace a new culture—even when it meant stepping far outside my comfort zone and learning to accept whatever was placed before me,” Frances said. “Little did I know, I would embrace the culture a little too well—and never leave. It was in Guanajuato where I met my husband, the father of my children, and where the foundation of my family began. That journey has brought us 10 children and 10 grandchildren, and in 2000, I became First Lady of Guanajuato when my husband, Juan Carlos Romero, became governor. Professor Hugo Martinez did more than teach—he opened doors, broadened perspectives, and created opportunities that continue to ripple across generations. His legacy lives on in my life and my family because of the experiences that began with him. I am forever in his debt.”��

Luis Alberto Villaseñor G. ’79 met Hugo in Guanajuato, Mexico, where the professor served as director of ����vlog’s off-campus program for Spanish students. He learned about Lawrence from students in the program and dreamed of one day attending himself. Thanks to what he described as a combination of providence and generosity, Luis was able to enroll at Lawrence, where he earned his B.A. in Mathematics.����

“Despite my focus on mathematics, I had always intended to take a class with Professor Martínez—or as my mother affectionately called him when she first met him in Guanajuato, Señor Mister Martínez,” Luis said. “His course on the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was among the finest I took in my entire academic career. Professor Martínez was an exceptional lecturer—passionate, deeply knowledgeable in Spanish literature, and uniquely gifted at guiding students to fully appreciate what is often considered the greatest novel ever written, Don Quixote. His lectures transported us to the age of knights and chivalry, making us feel as though we ourselves were setting out to battle windmills or falling in love with the imagined beauty of Dulcinea. In the classroom, he would vividly bring to life the sardonic humor and earthy wisdom of Sancho Panza, while also conveying the timeless reflections of Don Quixote as he instructed his loyal squire in the deeper meanings of life. While deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Martinez, we are profoundly grateful for the privilege of having known him.”����

For Juan Hernandez, a visit by Hugo to his parent’s Instituto Guanajuato for Arts and Languages would shape the course of Juan’s life.����

“A gifted teacher and writer, Dr. Martinez inspired in me a deep appreciation for language and literature,” Juan said. “During that visit, he spoke about an assistantship scholarship for students from the University of Guanajuato to work with the Spanish faculty and their students. I immediately applied, and within a few months, at only age 17, I was on my way to Lawrence. The Martha Siekman family in Appleton welcomed me as one of their own, supporting not only me but many students over the years, as generous donors to Lawrence. Guided by extraordinary mentors, I completed my B.A. at age 19, becoming one of the youngest graduates in the University’s history. I was not an “A” student, but I was a student who understood the value of those mentors, especially Professor Martínez. Years later, I earned my Ph.D. in Spanish and English Letters – a path that began with his encouragement. I will never forget the support I received from Dr. Martínez.”����

Outside the classroom, Hugo worked for social justice in all its forms. He was most proud of his family’s role as resident family for the Appleton chapter of the ABC (A Better Chance) program for two academic years in 1970-71 and 1971-72. In this role, he and his wife, Mary-Alice, provided guardian care, moral support, a positive learning environment, and home-cooked meals for 10 young men who attended Appleton area high schools. A highlight of his time at Lawrence was the great honor of hosting acclaimed poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou at his home when she came to Appleton in 1976 to receive an honorary degree from Lawrence.��

In retirement, Hugo moved to Colorado and then New Mexico before settling in Madison, Wisconsin to be near his children. Fiercely independent to the end, he was an accomplished cook who enjoyed reading, classical music, fine food, good wine, and most of all, the company of those he loved.����

Though he is deeply missed, his spirit lives on through his stories, and through the memories of all those who cherish him. He is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.��

The family requests that gifts in Hugo’s memory be made to the Lawrence Fund. ��

Moya is looking forward to using her experiences with underwater photography to improve accessibility to the research, as well as learning more about marine mammal behavior and the impacts humans have on these creatures.

This is the next step in Moya’s career plans. She aspires to study marine animals as a means to improve conservation, integrate photography into research, and improve education on the important role the ocean and marine animals play in our environment.��

“Sometimes we get caught up in publishing papers,” Moya said. “But it’s also important to articulate to the public what you do and ignite that fire for positive change in the next generation.”

In her college search, Lawrence quickly stood out as a place where Moya could pursue several of her passions as a first-gen student. She did just that. In addition to seeking out opportunities in marine biology, she minored in studio art and competed in two varsity sports—basketball and lacrosse.

Her love for marine biology has grown in the subsequent years, including her desire to make research more accessible to the public through photography and effective communication.

“It is important for me as a scientist to encourage the people around me and to say that you also have the power to make a difference in the world,” Moya said.��

She first became passionate about accessibility while interning at the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, where she grew her communication skills while giving tours and improving programs involving biofacts. She gained experience in grant writing, raising funds to improve the biofact room, and creating a safe, fun public space to learn more about the natural world.

Moya then participated in the ����vlog Marine Program (LUMP) under the guidance and encouragement of her academic advisor, Bart De Stasio. The program has been around for almost half a century and provides students with the opportunity to analyze a coral reef habitat and then develop a group research project. Last year’s program took Moya to Bonaire, an island municipality that lies off Venezuela’s coast in the southern Caribbean. She and her peers studied fish and coral reef environments.

Learn more about the Marine Term program at Lawrence.

“I was excited to incorporate underwater photography as a way to improve communication,” Moya said. “There’s not a lot of visualizations or pictures in research. All we usually have are graphs.”

Underwater photography also proved an ecological benefit, as day and night photography allowed the team to identify early stages of coral bleaching, a phenomenon that occurs in unhealthy coral.��

LUMP was a highlight in Moya’s time at Lawrence, as the experience reinforced her love for marine biology.

“It’s a great opportunity to see if you want to do research and get a sense for the feel of what it’s like, not only as a marine biologist but as an educator and advocate for our oceans,” she said.

Hogan’s research is multifaceted. He needs to take into consideration the weather patterns on Mars. As the frozen formations deteriorate, dust is released from the ancient ice into the thin, carbon dioxide atmosphere.

“This ice has a lot of dust trapped in it,” he said. “It’s like a glacier, but it doesn’t flow. It’s been there for millions, potentially billions, of years. There are colored bands on the outside of the ice, and each one of these bands contains different types of dust. That dust is released, and it’s interacting with the surrounding environment and spreading across the surface of the planet.”

Hogan’s interest in this research began in high school when he saw images of the cliffs on Mars. The geosciences faculty at Lawrence gave him the opportunity to dig deeper into this interest. The research idea came together when he was participating in a project with Jeff Clark, professor of geosciences, tracking the progression of cliffs along Lake Michigan. He realized the drone imagery he and other students were taking of the cliffs resembled the images he had seen of the deterioration on Mars.

“I didn’t realize I would have the time or ability to work on something like this, but through different classes in the Geosciences Department, my interest in those questions grew,” Hogan said. “The approach to learning in the Geosciences Department is very commendable. We’re kind of all in it together, and you get to ask really interesting questions.”

Hogan said he’s gaining valuable skills via this research project, and he’ll take those into his next endeavors. After his time at Lawrence, Hogan plans to continue his education in space sciences with a postgraduate program, and then work toward earning a Ph.D.��

“There’s a lot of skills I’ve gained from this in terms of structuring my research questions and planning, and thinking about how I use my funding,” he said.��

Keating decided to attend Lawrence after a trial lesson with Kautsky, drawn to the collaborative and student-led environment of Lawrence, including in the Conservatory.

“In a lot of places, if you’re a piano major, you’re just playing piano, but at Lawrence it’s so much more than that,” Keating said. “You get to collaborate. You get to take what classes you want. It was obvious that this was the place I could go to get the most out of my education.”

Keating also is involved in the Conservatory’s Opera Theatre program and the ����vlog Concert Choir. After graduation, he plans to continue his education in a graduate program where he can express himself as both a pianist and conductor.

Elder has been able to work with musicians and artists from across all genres and disciplines.��

“The community, everyone is just so nice to each other, and there’s so many opportunities to collaborate with all different types of musicians, all different types of instruments,” Elder said, “and everyone’s just so willing and excited to.”��

Elder also took his interests abroad with the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Education. While in Budapest, he was able to learn about the Hungarian pedagogy of mathematics and how it’s applied in middle schools and high schools.����

One of the most prominent things he learned, Elder said, was the spiral curriculum. Instead of taking one subject each year, like most schools in America, Hungarian schools will touch on each subject, then circle back every year with more rigorous lessons.����

Elder also learned about their inquiry-based and discovery-based learning. Instead of teachers lecturing and students taking notes, the class solves problems together, and their results allow them to fully understand the theorems.����

For Elder, the trip was an eye-opening experience.����

“The support that Lawrence gave me in applying, finding the program, getting funding was very, very helpful, and it was a life-changing experience for me,” Elder said.����

Following graduation, Elder plans to pursue his passion for mathematics and education by attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn his master’s in curriculum and instruction for secondary mathematics.����

He has also been equipped by his liberal arts education to bring the arts to the classroom—even the math classroom.��

“Implementing the arts is definitely a great way to further education,” Elder said. “How can we relate these ideas? So, implementing (the arts) both on the student and educator side.”��

A forward on the men’s basketball team, Sarancic believes in the importance of team camaraderie. He loves being a part of a team environment and going through shared successes and struggles with his peers.����

Sarancic earned Academic All-District honors and was inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society. He also was able to study abroad in London for a term, which he describes as the “most influential and enjoyable 10 weeks” of his time as an undergraduate.��

“I think the ability for student-athletes to study abroad is one of the aspects of Lawrence that makes it so appealing due to our trimester system,” Sarancic said. “I had to keep myself accountable, which I think is an incredibly beneficial skill.”��

Sarancic was able to study abroad in London while still enjoying his basketball season. Sarancic’s experiences on the team and abroad have helped him gain perspective he hopes to use in the field of law.����

The past two summers have also been filled with opportunity for Sarancic, as he worked as a legal intern in Chicago for a private criminal law firm, Nishay K. Sanan, Esq. Sarancic spent his time under Sanan taking notes on cases, meeting clients, and sitting in on meetings.����

“It was an incredible opportunity and I’m incredibly grateful for him,” Sarancic said.��

After graduation, Sarancic looks forward to being part of a team again, this time in the legal field rather than on the basketball court. He will begin a two-year paralegal position in New York with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates. The job will expand on his previous experiences, working with about 20 team members.����

“I am super excited for it,” Sarancic said. “I’ll help out where needed, fill out paperwork, and learn the nuts and bolts of law.”��

That fueled a passion for wanting to study abroad, a key objective when she came to Lawrence.

“I had about 10 different countries I wanted to go visit,” Tevonian said.��

Eventually, Tevonian narrowed down plans for her first trip abroad. She went to India, where she participated in a Buddhist Studies program through Carleton Global Engagement. She lived in a rural pilgrimage town with 25 classmates, studying how art is used in the religious practices of a northern India ethnic group.����

This experience inspired Tevonian to study abroad again, this time in Nepal in a language summer intensive program, studying Tibetan. The trip would contribute to her capstone project, which she is now working to turn into an honors thesis with a slightly different focus.��

“The capstone had more of an art history focus,” she said. “Now I’m focusing in on the religious studies to present before the Honors Committee.”��

While at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Nepal, Tevonian studied at the school founded by Tibetan leader Chökyi��Nyima Rinpoche. The trip was funded by the Helen Barr Rudin Language grant, the Harrison Award via the , and the Chandler Senior Experience Fund, allowing her to immerse herself in the Tibetan language.����

Her project was focused on the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, a Buddhist monument. She studied the monument and how people interacted with it, relating to the broader theme of how religious monuments and artwork intertwine in the everyday lives of people.����

Tevonian’s passion for connecting to community is evident at Lawrence through her involvement with numerous clubs and student organizations. She serves as the co-captain of the frisbee team at Lawrence and the vice president of the Recess Club, both student-led organizations. She also is in the LU Rock Climbers Club and the Outdoor Recreation Club and is always finding ways to be outdoors. She appreciates interacting with nature and encouraging others to do so as well.��

After Lawrence, Tevonian will take a gap year and apply to grad school programs for religious studies. She will continue her work and research in Buddhist studies, showing how religion manifests itself in everyday life.����

“I love talking to people and experiencing religion in daily life,” she said.��

Guest leads a team of 12 trivia masters (TMs) who build and run the contest, deliver it as a stream on Twitch, and operate on very little sleep.

“My message to trivia masters throughout this planning process has been to emphasize what a great tradition we are a part of,” said Guest, a theater arts and music education double major. “We are part of an almost 60-year tradition that is so unique and, honestly, so cool. Additionally, it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be stressful, but at the end of the day we are creating something that is meant to be entertainment, so it is really important to remember to have fun.”

The theme for this year’s contest is “Fairy Tale: Once Upon a Trivia.” The contest will again be streamed on Twitch, with calls coming in via a phone server on Discord. Some traditional phones will be in the mix as well, with a rotating cast of volunteers answering calls on the fourth floor of Briggs Hall.

Trivia weekend annually draws between 500 and 800 players spread across roughly 80 off-campus teams and another 15 or so on-campus teams. Teams will need to register at 8 p.m. on the first night of the contest. .

As is tradition, the asking of last year’s Super Garuda—the final question of the previous year’s contest—will open the trivia marathon, with this year’s Super Garuda then closing the contest 50 hours later at midnight Sunday.

In all, there will be more than 300 questions. Look for an uptick in the number of campus-specific action questions, something that Guest said players have been asking for.

A trivia community

For Guest, the role of head master is the culmination of a trivia rush that began her first year on campus.

“The adrenaline of trivia is something else entirely,” she said. “I never expected I could spend so many hours talking to people, filling out forms, choosing questions, hosting hours, solving problems, and doing that all with a smile on my face. And then, at the end of it, when you are sure you’re going to go home and pass out, you end up in your room, still buzzing with energy, coming down from the high that is trivia.”

Guest was a first-year student when she joined a team that set up shop in the lobby of Plantz Hall.

“We had people covering every hour except for 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday, and I had a blast,” she said.

A year later, she and a group of friends camped out in Warch Campus Center. And then she was invited to audition to be a trivia master her junior year.

“I discovered how incredible the trivia community is, both within the TMs and with the off-campus participants,” Guest said.

The connection between current students and alumni is what keeps the contest going.

“I think trivia’s uniqueness has given it a cult-like following, and that sustained attention, appreciation, and enthusiasm has given way to a really kind and supportive community,” Guest said. “There are teams who have been playing since long before I was born, who care so much about this tradition and who have stuck with trivia throughout its evolution as an event. Since Covid and our transition to Discord and Twitch, interaction between players and TMs and between differing teams has really increased, and with it our sense of community has only grown.”