Schedule of Events

Reunion Headquarters and Residence Halls Open at 4 p.m. CT. Please check in there first to receive your name badge and schedule of events, as well as your residence hall key, if staying on campus.

By Invitation Only / Free to Attend / Registration Required

Alumni awards honor individuals for their service to Lawrence, their service to society, and their professional achievements. Lawrence University is pleased to kick off Reunion 2026 with this celebration dinner honoring some of our most distinguished alumni. Remarks will be made by LUAA Board of Directors President and Lawrence University President Laurie Carter.

Hosted Beer, Wine & Seltzer Bar

$45 per person/Registration Required

 Cashless Beer/Wine Bar

All are welcome to attend.

Breakfast is $7.51 per person for an all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet. No registration is required. Cashless - Credit & Debit Card Only accepted at the door.

 Lit Majors with Live Mics

What happens when two English majors attend a university known for an amazing conservatory of music, but because of circumstances, spend little time in the Music-Drama Center? While surrounded by conservatory-level talent and formal music training, they focused on language and lyrical craft. Through storytelling, humor, and honest reflection, this session examines creativity without permission, the power of self-teaching, and how a foundation in literature can shape authentic music. Attendees will gain insight into artistic identity, resilience, collaboration, and the idea that sometimes not fitting the system is the very thing that makes your voice distinct.

 ILL GENESI: ILL GENESI was founded by two longtime friends who met at Lawrence University in Appleton. Built on a shared passion for underground Hip Hop and R&B, the group focuses on original music and lyric-driven artistry. Co-creators Anthony R. Arrington and Rex the Natural (Korey Krueger) have spent decades writing, recording, and performing together. With nine major album projects released—and another currently on the way—ILL GENESI pairs its catalog with a dynamic stage presence amplified by an impressive rotation of talented regional DJs. Their live shows feature sharp lyricism, unexpected creative moments, and commanding vocals. The name ILL GENESI is a play on words. Originally suggested by Lawrence Professor Dan Taylor, Genesi comes from the Italian word meaning “beginning” or “origin.” Combined with the Hip Hop–infused “ILL,” the name reflects the group’s meaning: “sick from the beginning.” Arrington and Krueger both live and work in the Fox Cities, continuing to create and evolve their sound.

"...And Everyone Hates the Jews”: Why Anti-Semitism Persists Historically and Spans the Political Spectrum

Why Anti-Semitism Persists Historically and Spans the Political Spectrum Why has anti-Semitism persisted, waxing and waning across centuries, and spanned the political spectrum? Using a social psychological analysis, I explain why Jews have — for more than two millennia — been targets of “competent but cold” stereotypes that breed conspiracy theories fueling anti-Semitism across the political spectrum.

Peter Glick, PhD: is the Henry Merritt Wriston Professor at Lawrence University. Co-author of groundbreaking theories of prejudice and sexism, Dr. Glick’s research has more than 70,000 scholarly citations. His stereotype content model (co-developed with Susan Fiske and Amy Cuddy) won the Society of Experimental Social Psychology’s 2022 Scientific Impact Award. In 2025, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology honored him with a senior career award. In addition to more than 80 articles, he has co-edited or co-authored three books, including the Sage Handbook of Prejudice. He has testified multiple time in federal and state courts as an expert witness on sex discrimination. Media outlets that have covered his work include the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and PBS NewsHour.

Leadership- a daily exercise in humility (and humor)

As a third child, Susie Medak learned at an early age to lead when it's necessary and step back when it's not. She quickly learned the difference between leading and managing. And throughout a long career she came to understand that she could choose what kind of a leader she wanted to be. She is eager to share some take-aways she has come to value about the responsibility that comes with being entrusted to lead.

Susie Medak ’50 is an Executive Coach with a particular passion for leadership, partnership, and governance. She works with individual clients, boards and teams, often leading board retreats and organizational assessments. Susie is currently serving as a coach for UC Berkeley’s Executive Leadership Institute and Executive Coaching Institute, while serving as a lecturer for UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. She has also become a sought after interim executive leader, working for cultural organizations across the country. In the past few years, she has worked in that capacity for SJAZZ, McCarter Theatre Center, and Shakespeare Theatre Company.

 Building and Using a Pantry: One-Pot Meals?

Beth will describe how we are using the Demonstration Kitchen in Fox Commons to anchor programming centered on health and well-being for our pre-health students in particular. Together, we will recapitulate the first cooking lesson of our curriculum based on using one’s pantry items to build a one-pot meal.

Beth De Stasio : has been teaching in the biology department on the tenure track at Lawrence since Sept., 1992. She was honored with the Freshman Studies teaching award in 1994 and in 1996 the Excellent Young Teacher award from Lawrence. In 2025, she earned the Janet Anthony teaching award from the Midstates Consortium. More than 100 students have worked in her lab over the past 34 years. In recent years, she has devoted more time to facilitating students’ career discernment process. Beth has enjoyed every minute of her time working with Lawrence students and alumni as they grow and create their own career and life paths.

Learning and living in the age of AI

What happens when the tools we built start rebuilding us? In just a few years, Generative AI has evolved from a tech curiosity to something that’s now firmly scaffolded into our modern world—changing the very nature of how we process information and make sense of the world. Join me for an overview into the state of AI in 2026 from an educator’s perspective. We’ll take some time to understand what’s happening in AI, addressing the fears, hopes and even some of the truly bizarre realities of this new era. And we'll go beyond the hype to discuss practical ways that lifelong learners can harness this technology to maintain personal agency in an era of corporate-led algorithms.

Brian Bartel: (BA Biology, ‘97 with a Masters in Life Science from the University of Maryland, ‘07) is a technology integration specialist for the Appleton Area School District, where he works with elementary teachers, 4K, and the Assistive Technology team. In addition to supporting instruction and learning with the intentional use of technology, Brian has a focus on helping students use technology to create content that demonstrates their learning instead of being passive consumers. Still a science teacher at heart, Brian is also a co-host of Lab Out Loud (www.laboutloud.com), a podcast for science education that’s been running for almost 20 years. Brian enjoys a little amateur photography, especially with pinhole cameras designed to take time-lapse pictures of the sun.

The Future of Conservatory Education

New technologies advancing at a dizzying pace; a rapidly diversifying population; economic uncertainty. This is the context for the evolution of the arts in the 21st century. What is the role of American music conservatories in preparing students for career success today? This class summarizes the history of conservatory education, illuminates potential pathways for future development, and discusses steps being taken at Lawrence’s conservatory to strengthen our educational foundation for future generations.

Dr. Christopher Jenkins is Dean of Lawrence Conservatory and an Associate Professor of Musicology. His doctorates include a DMA in viola performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a PhD in musicology from Case Western Reserve. His book on equity and diversity in music education was published by the College Music Society and Routledge Press in 2023. Before arriving at Lawrence, he was an Associate Dean at Oberlin Conservatory, and Deputy Director of the Barenboim-Said Foundation in Ramallah, Palestine.

Lunch is $11.13 per person for an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. No registration required. Cashless - Credit & Debit Card Only accepted at the door.

Medical Issues I Missed at Lawrence and Rush Medical School Ever wonder how medicine can surprise even the experts?

In this seminar, we’ll follow three unusual cases: a student knocked out by a severe gastrointestinal illness in St. Petersburg, a man who cured his asthma with a hookworm infection, and patients whose antibiotic-caused diarrhea was healed by restoring their gut bacteria. Along the way, we’ll see how real-life cases can challenge what we think we know about medicine.

David Hines practices Infectious Diseases (ID) in Chicago. He started medical school in Guadalajara, Mexico, because of more B’s than A’s while at Lawrence. While in Mexico he diagnosed a case of leprosy which likely kindled his interest in Infectious Diseases. He then did well enough on boards to transfer into the third-year class at Rush Medical College in Chicago. He remained at Rush for his Internal Medicine Internship, Residency, Chief Medical Residency and Fellowship in ID. He managed to raise three pretty outstanding children in Oak Park, IL with fellow ‘76 Lawrence grad, Nancy Gazzola.

Coffee, Liquid Modernity

Based on a popular Lawrence course, this talk invites the audience to engage with global history through the medium of a single commodity: coffee. We will touch on multiple fields beyond history: from biology and neuroscience, to economics, literature, and the arts. Join us for this truly multidisciplinary adventure!

Greg Milano: is an award-winning world historian with a research focus on Fascism in Italy in the interwar period. In his Lawrence course, Coffee, Liquid Modernity, he has combined his professional training with his personal search for the best cup of espresso to provide a stimulating global history.

 Nevertheless, species persisted: Charting conservation priorities to sustain biodiversity during decades of changeTitle: Nevertheless, species persisted: Charting conservation priorities to sustain biodiversity during decades of change

 We are in the midst of unprecedented global change that continues to impact the well being of Earth's abundant biodiversity, humans included. To sustain the rich biodiversity in Wisconsin and beyond, we must focus our conservation efforts towards landscapes that offer diverse habitats. The Nature Conservancy has worked with partners, near and far, to develop science-based initiatives to ensure species not only survive, but thrive, into the future.

Peter Levi is the Director of Conservation Science for The Nature Conservancy’s Wisconsin Chapter. He is a freshwater ecologist and environmental chemist interested in the ebbs and flows of elements through ecosystems. Peter works with colleagues and partners across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and North America to embed sound science into TNC’s conservation and management actions. At TNC – Wisconsin, Peter leads the renewable energy team in the state and provides science support to the land and water management teams. Prior to joining TNC, Peter worked in higher education for 20 years. He conducted research on stream, river, and lake dynamics in human-dominated landscapes, including urban and agricultural watersheds across the Midwest and abroad. He held faculty and research positions at several institutions, including as Associate Director of the Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation at Northland College (Ashland, WI), Associate Professor at Drake University (Des Moines, IA).

Alumni College Beer and Brewing Class
Learn some fascinating science behind the beer flavors in your glass! We’ll talk about the history of McFleshman’s Brewing Co. and its link to Lawrence while you get a behind the scenes brewery tour. We’ll end with sampling four delicious beers in our beautiful beer garden while I teach about the history and science of each of the beer styles.

Allison Fleshman is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and co-owner of McFleshman’s Brewing Co. She holds PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma, teaches classes in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and the chemistry of art, and is very interested in sharing the science of beer!

A campus shuttle will be available for those who would like a ride downtown for this event.

This is a 21-and-over event.

Join other LGBTQIA+ identified alums and current faculty and staff for a casual meet & greet; see old friends and meet new ones! Some information will be provided by Helen Boyd Kramer, the gender and sexual diversity coordinator for campus.

Academic departments and programs will host open houses in their buildings. Reconnect with your favorite faculty members and staff and meet new ones.

• Biology and Retirement Celebration of Bart DeStasio '82, Steitz Atrium
• Business & Entrepreneurship, Fox Commons, BUEN Center 2nd Floor
• Chemistry, Steitz Hall, Chemistry 1st Floor Office Suite
• Geosciences, Youngchild Hall, Room 231
• Library, Seeley G. Mudd Library
  
• Math/Stats/Computer Science, Briggs Hall, Room 419, 3-5 pm

2

$45 per person/ Registration Required

Beer, Wine & Seltzer Bar: drink tickets will be $5 each and can be purchased in person at the Warch Campus Center using credit or debit card

Breakfast is $7.51 per person for an all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet. No registration required. Cashless - Credit & Debit Card Only accepted at the door.

Join the traditional 5k fun run/walk for all ages, named in memorial for Coach Gene Davis.

Free to attend/Registration is required

Departing from the Warch Campus Center; finishing at the Banta Bowl

Join Director of Athletics Jason Imperati and his coaching staff for a celebration of Vikings Athletics.

Join your classmates in the march to the Memorial Chapel for Reunion Convocation.

Free to attend/No Registration Required

Celebrate Reunion with President Laurie Carter at this annual all-Reunion event that recognizes the special contributions made by Lawrentians and Downerites. The program features the presentation of alumni awards and Reunion class gifts, music by the Alumni Choir, and President Carter's Convocation address.

Free to Attend/ No Registration Required

$18 per person / Registration Required

Beer, Wine & Seltzer Bar: drink tickets will be $5 each and can be purchased in person at the Warch Campus Center using credit or debit card

$30 per person / Registration Required

Hosted Beer, Wine & Seltzer Bar

Depart from Alice G. Chapman Hall. The tour is about an hour long and will be led by an Admissions student tour guide.

• 25th Reunion/Class of 2000
• 50th Reunion/Class of 1975
  

1:30-3:30 p.m. CT Various Campus Locations

• 15th Reunion/Classes of 2009, 2010, 2011: Beer Garden, Trever Hall East Green
• 35th Reunion/Classes of 1989, 1990, 1991: Beer Garden, Ormsby Green
• 40th Reunion/Class of 1985: Business & Entrepreneurship and First-Year Studies Presentation with Tim Troy ’85, Fox Commons, Business & Entrepreneurship Center, Level Two

Sponsored by the Lawrence University Black Alumni Network (LUBAN) and LUAA Alumni of Color.

Free to Attend for all Founders Club & Legacy Circle Members / Registration Required

President Carter invites all current Founders Club and Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle members to a reception honoring those who generously support the university.

• 55th Reunion/ Class of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974: Wriston Amphitheatre
  
• 50th Reunion/ Class of 1976: Main Hall North Steps
• 40th Reunion/ Class of 1975: Main Hall South Steps

• 10th Reunion/Class of 2016: Main Hall South  Steps
• 25th Reunion/Class of 2001: Main Hall North Steps
  
• 30th Reunion/Classes of 1995, 1996, 1997: Wriston Amphitheatre

$45 per person / Registration Required

Cashless Beer/Wine Bar

$45 per person / Registration Required

 Cashless Beer/Wine Bar

$45  per person / Registration Required

Cashless Beer/Wine Bar

$45 per person / Registration Required

Cashless Beer/Wine Bar

$50 Registration Required 

Hosted Beer/ Wine 

$45 per person / Registration Required

Cashless Beer/Wine Bar

Breakfast is $7.51 per person for an all-you-can-eat hot breakfast buffet. No registration required. Cashless - Credit & Debit Card Only accepted at the door.

Discover or revisit Lawrence's beautiful northern campus located on Lake Michigan in picturesque Door County. Spend the day touring the historical chapel, hiking the many nature trails, or relaxing on the lakeside decks.

Motorcoach bus transportation and lunch will be provided. Luggage may be stored in the motorcoach. If you prefer to drive yourself, you may select the $20 no-transportation-needed rate when registering for this event.

Meet at the Wriston turnaround on Lawe Street at 7:45 a.m. Advance registration is required for this event, which has an additional fee. We are unable to accept walk-up registration.

Free to Attend/No Registration Required

We have so very much to be grateful for and the lives of those who have died to celebrate. Join Shola Adegbite, Assistant Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life, along with other alumni, to celebrate the deep connections we share with each other and with our world through a multifaith offering of prayers, wisdom and music.