Taylor Lang, associate director of annual giving, led an effort by the Office of Advancement that included outreach to alumni, parents, and friends around the world and on-campus activities that engaged students, faculty, and staff.

On-campus activities included students competing for prizes as they tossed balls with lacrosse sticks—a nod to men’s and women’s lacrosse debuting at �������ý��Ƶ this year—and students, faculty, and staff writing messages of thanks on gratitude walls.

Amy Wilson, vice president of Advancement, called it a fantastic outpouring of support.

“It was my first Giving Day at �������ý��Ƶ, and I was overwhelmed by the energy and generosity of our community,” she said.

Wilson said there was a record response from donors serving as Game Changers—providing matching funds that helped spur more gifts.

“So many people participated in this effort, from students, to staff and faculty, to the LUAA board members and other amazing alumni,” Wilson said. “It was a great day for �������ý��Ƶ, and we are truly grateful.”

Kourtney Mercer, a senior biology major from Mazomanie, Wisconsin, was among the students participating in Giving Day.

“This event brings our community together to support the areas we love most about our college,” she said.

Giving Day again drew attention to the myriad ways financial contributions support �������ý��Ƶ students through the �������ý��Ƶ Fund, from campus improvements and classroom and research innovations to study-abroad opportunities and arts and athletics opportunities.

Nico Manzanera, a junior business & entrepreneurship major and member of the men’s basketball team from Bogotá, Colombia, spent the day getting his fellow students hyped about the gratitude behind Giving Day.

“Giving Day to me, as a student, has always seemed like a great opportunity for me and my peers to thank the people who have been supporting our education and experience at �������ý��Ƶ the most,” he said. “It isn’t something you necessarily think of before coming to college, but during Giving Day you realize how much people’s help has impacted your experience here.”

“W�� hope you’ll enjoy the memories of shared experiences and the excitement of catching up with old friends,” President Laurie A. Carter said in her Reunion Convocation address. “W�� also hope you’ll use this weekend to look forward—to nurture your relationship with �������ý��Ƶ and strengthen and deepen the bonds with a place that has played such a transformational role in your life.”

Class gifts total $6.8 million

The Reunion Convocation included the annual presentation of class gifts. The Class of 1974 led the way, presenting a class gift in honor of their 50-year reunion—$3.1 million, with $475,000 dedicated to a new fund to support �������ý��Ƶ’s exploration of strategies and programs focused on teaching about the uses, possibilities, and ethics of artificial intelligence (AI).

In all, the classes presented $6.8 million in gifts to the university, most of it supporting the �������ý��Ƶ Fund. In addition to the Class of 1974, gifts were presented by the Class of 2014 ($37,000); cluster Classes of 2003, 2004, and 2005 ($104,651), Class of 1999 ($81,000), Class of 1984 ($1 million), and cluster Classes of 1978, 1979, and 1980 ($2.48 million).��

Carter and Matt Murphy ’06, president of the �������ý��Ƶ Alumni Association (LUAA), thanked the classes for their gifts and the many ways they are supporting current and future Lawrentians.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is thanking Lawrentians for their investments in this university,” Carter said. “Your time, talent, and resources truly make a difference. �������ý��Ƶ thrives because of your leadership and support. On behalf of our entire community, thank you for your very generous class gifts.”

Murphy said such gifts make �������ý��Ƶ more affordable for students, enrich the academic experience, and support the university’s world-class faculty.

“Great things are happening at �������ý��Ƶ,” Murphy said, “and our investments are critical to the continued success and vitality of the college and our community.”

Jane McGroaty Schneider ’74 joined other co-chairs for the Class of ’74 in presenting the gift. She noted that 48% of the class contributed. And 95 members of the class were in attendance. The class, she said, is excited to provide seed money to grow academic programming related to AI.

“To all of you, your energy, your leadership, and your focus on artificial intelligence will help �������ý��Ƶ move into the future in a very pivotal way,” McGroaty Schneider said.

Alumni College explores AI, crisis in journalism, more

The growth of AI technology was one topic in a series of Alumni College sessions that had alumni briefly returning to the classroom during Reunion.��A mix of alumni and faculty members led the sessions.

In addition to a session on AI that drew an overflow crowd of more than 110, topics included researching maternal mortality rates, examining the future of remote work, exploring the state of journalism, celebrating the legacy of scientist and former Milwaukee-Downer professor Elda Anderson, understanding the ongoing need for ethnic studies, exploring what it means to be a classical singer in a post-pandemic world, and embracing the art and science of craft beer.

Led by a panel of alumni from the Class of 1974 and joined by Constance Kassor, associate professor of religious studies and special assistant to the president, the AI session explored how AI has quickly changed the landscape in everything from academia to music to law.

“This is an amazing, shape-shifting topic,” said Mark T. Nelson ’74, CEO and president of Microscopy Innovations in Marshfield.

He said he and the other panelists from the class—Thomas M. Baer ’74, executive director of the Stanford University Photonics Research Center (retired) and adjunct professor in the Department of Applied Physics at Stanford; Gail J. Sonnemann ’74, a career librarian who served as an information systems specialist (retired) with the U.S. Copyright Office; and Joseph J. Bruce ’74, a retired Illinois 17th Circuit Court judge—started talking about AI over Zoom calls during the pandemic.

“The more we talked the more we realized this was a big thing that wasn’t going away,” Nelson said. “It will affect all of us, our beloved alma mater, and all the students who graduate from here. So, we set out trying to learn more.”

The desire to raise money for a gift focused on AI technologies grew from those initial conversations.

“W�� are eager to see �������ý��Ƶ maintain its reputation as an innovator in undergraduate liberal arts education, to be a place where students will learn to use AI tools with skill and discernment and to graduate fully equipped to navigate an AI-enabled world with proclivity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibilities,” Nelson said.

In another Alumni College session, veteran journalist Jill Manuel ’84 detailed the shifting landscape in news consumption, noting that a growing percentage of Gen Z—ages 18 to 29—now consider TikTok their primary platform for news. More and more, it is celebrities and social media influencers delivering the news while the influence of mainstream legacy media continues to wane.

It’s imperative, Manuel said, for those traditional news organizations to find innovative ways to connect with young consumers.

Over the past four decades, Manuel has been a newsroom leader in markets from Cleveland to Chicago to Sacramento. A year ago, she launched her own TikTok channel called Jill the News Lady. With an assist from her 22-year-old daughter, Manuel set out to build trust with young news consumers through credible, engaging content.

“This is about how we engage the next generation, because this, I think, is a critical, critical piece of the puzzle for the future of democracy,” she said. “At the end of the day, there’s a lot of work to do for people who work in legacy media organizations in crafting their products and their presentations to really engage this younger demographic.”

Back on campus 75 years after graduating

Amid the various dinners, receptions, beer gardens, and other gatherings, Reunion weekend featured numerous traditions, including the Vikings Athletics’ annual golf outing, an alumni music recital, the Coach Gene Davis Memorial Fun Run/Walk, the Parade of Classes leading into the Reunion Convocation, an all-reunion cookout, and a day trip to Björklunden.

The Parade of Classes—held outside of Shattuck Hall—showcased the enthusiasm from generations of Lawrentians. That included Mary Hartzell ’49 leading the parade as she marked her 75th year since graduating from �������ý��Ƶ, and Chuck Merry ’57, celebrating his 67th.

Hartzell returned to campus from her home in Belleville, Wisconsin. She has made periodic returns for Reunion and said she did not want to miss her 75th.

“I graduated this month 75 years ago, and I got married two weeks later,” she said.

Hartzell went on to earn a Master of Arts degree from Northwestern University and a doctorate from the University of Illinois.

“I think here at �������ý��Ƶ I learned to love learning,” she said. “It’s been with me all my life.”

Nine alumni receive 2024 Alumni Awards

Nine alumni were presented Alumni Awards at Reunion Convocation courtesy of LUAA: Lucia Russell Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award to Cynthia Estlund ’78; Marshall B. Hulbert ’26 Outstanding Service Award to Adam Locke ’03; Gertrude Breithaupt Jupp M‐D’18 Outstanding Service Award to Rick Davis ’80, Jill Manuel ’84, Bonnie Maas McClellan M-D’62, and Eileen Paulson Johnson M-D’66; Nathan M. Pusey Distinguished Achievement Award to Jacob George Allen ’03; and George B. Walter ’36 Service to Society Award to Christina Balch ’03 and the late Donald Brunnquell ’74.

Carter called the presentation of the Alumni Awards one of the true joys of Reunion weekend.

“The career accomplishments of these brilliant alumni are worthy of celebration,” she said.

Brunnquell’s wife, Sally Scoggin ’74, received a standing ovation as she accepted the award in honor of her husband, who passed away in late December.

“This posthumous honor celebrates a brilliant career and a life well lived,” Carter said in presenting the award, highlighting Brunnquell’s professional contributions to pediatric psychology and bioethics at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota and in classrooms at the University of Minnesota.

Milwaukee-Downer celebrated on 60-year anniversary of merger

Two of the Alumni Award recipients were former students of Milwaukee-Downer College, which merged with �������ý��Ƶ College in 1964.

Recipients Bonnie Maas McClellan M-D ’62 and Eileen Paulson Johnson M-D ’66 were among the Downer alums in attendance for a luncheon that celebrated Downer’s lasting influence on �������ý��Ƶ over the past 60 years. They also joined other Alumni Award recipients at an awards dinner.

Carter praised both McClellan and Johnson for their years of commitment to Milwaukee-Downer and �������ý��Ƶ.

“Your love and support for Milwaukee-Downer has remained resolute,” she said.

The influences of Milwaukee-Downer continue to be seen and felt at �������ý��Ƶ. Downer traditions such as class colors are embraced, and items of historical and sentimental value such as the Teakwood Room in Chapman Hall and the sundial from Merrill Hall that is now on the south side of Main Hall remain important pieces of the �������ý��Ƶ campus.

“We are celebrating the 60-year anniversary of the merger and the myriad ways that the Downer legacy remains embedded in all we do,” Carter said.

“Giving Day this year was an amazing celebration of all things �������ý��Ƶ,” Nelson said. “W�� raised an incredible amount of money from more than 2,500 donors, and we had fun engaging with more than 200 students at campus events and more than 300 LU community members on social media.��Thank you so much to everyone who participated to make the 10th annual Giving Day such a success.”

. It brings together all Lawrentians on a united mission to build and sustain student opportunities. The �������ý��Ƶ Fund is used to support internships, athletics, arts, academic innovations, study abroad, daily campus maintenance, and much more.

Alumni who signed up as “Game Changers” matched donated funds as part of various “Game Changer Challenges” on campus and on social media throughout the day. All gifts were matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact. Also, every donation from the Classes of 2007 to 2027 was matched with $500.��

The generosity of the day wasn’t lost on students, who benefit directly and indirectly in academic and athletic opportunities and in a wide range of enhanced student experiences.

“Giving Day is one of the �������ý��Ƶ traditions that reminds us how much of a tight-knit community we are,” said Kenneth Peñaherrera Quiroz, a senior from Quito, Ecuador, majoring in neuroscience. “Fostering a generosity culture that creates opportunities for all students regardless of their background is amazing.”

Peñaherrera Quiroz was helping staff some of the on-campus fun during Giving Day, including the Spin the Wheel and Philanthropy Pong games, all built around a feeling of togetherness. It’s an overwhelming experience, he said, a reminder of the bonds that connect today’s students with those of previous generations.

“All of the previous and current student body get together to make our �������ý��Ƶ better for those who are here now and those who will be here after us,” he said. “Giving Day is one of the, if not the biggest, event that captures the essence of what being a Forever Lawrentian looks like.”

Kayla Jarppi, a sophomore from Hudson, Wisconsin, majoring in gender studies and psychology, spent parts of Giving Day working the Spin the Wheel game and giving free rides on a golf cart to build excitement on campus. Knowing the funds raised will go to such things as research opportunities, study abroad possibilities, and daily life on campus brings a sense of community.

“It gives me a chance to be directly involved in connecting my fellow students to philanthropy on campus,” Jarppi said of taking part in Giving Day. “It’s an exciting time of the year where we get to see all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, alumni, and students—coming together to support �������ý��Ƶ.”

These are the days Lawrentians should never take for granted, Jarppi said. There should always be an appreciation for the bonds that keep Lawrentians connected.

“It’s meaningful to see this kind of generosity in support of students on Giving Day because it reminds me of the caring, compassionate community here at �������ý��Ƶ—it’s a time where faculty, staff, alumni, and students all come together to both celebrate �������ý��Ƶ but also contribute to its future progress,” Jarppi said. “I’m personally grateful for this community generosity as donor funds have helped fund scholarships that help me attend �������ý��Ƶ and provide me the opportunity to study abroad without financial stress.”

While Giving Day is over, .

This year’s Giving Day also provided a jump-start to .

“With so many reasons for Lawrentians to celebrate, it’s time to don the blue and white and join us on campus,” said Matt Baumler, associate vice president of Alumni and Constituency Engagement.

will be anchored on Saturday by a Vikings Tailgate (11 a.m.) and football game (1 p.m. vs. Beloit College) at Banta Bowl, and the Boston Brass will perform with the �������ý��Ƶ Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band in Memorial Chapel (7:30 p.m.). Wrapped into the weekend will be a kickoff celebration, classroom visits, campus tours, the Viking Hall of Fame dinner, a talent show, and a party in the Viking Room on Friday; and on Saturday, in addition to the tailgate party, football game, and concert, look for a breakfast with Cabinet, a first-gen meet-up, alumni competitions in softball and swim and dive, and a homecoming dance, among other activities.

The weekend is a chance for parents, supporters, and alumni to gather with �������ý��Ƶ students, faculty, and staff—and the mascot Blu—in celebration of �������ý��Ƶ’s brilliant past and bright future. That includes getting an up-close look at major construction projects that are expanding �������ý��Ƶ’s footprint in Appleton’s downtown while pushing the university’s academic mission forward. In addition, those returning to campus will get a look at the nearly completed track and field facilities at Whiting Field and the new locker room complex being built at Banta Bowl.

“It’s a celebration of our future as a community,” Baumler said.

The festivities will be launched with Giving Day, a 10-year tradition that is vital to the health of the �������ý��Ƶ Fund—the fund that supports students, faculty, and facilities in the day-to-day operation of campus. Last year’s Giving Day brought in nearly $1.84 million from 2,694 donors, helping to fund critical needs in everything from student scholarships to Athletics to facilities upkeep.

“On this day we celebrate all things �������ý��Ƶ and raise funds to support current and future generations of Lawrentians,” said Amber Nelson, director of Alumni-Development communications.

All gifts on Giving Day will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact. Also, for every donation from the Classes of 2007 to 2027, there will be a match of $500. .��

Giving Day is one of the university’s biggest community events that celebrates �������ý��Ƶ, bringing together all Lawrentians on a united mission to bolster opportunities for current and future students. The �������ý��Ƶ Fund is used to support everything from internships, athletics, arts, academic innovations, and study abroad assistance to daily campus maintenance.

Senior Ashley Tang was among the Philanthropy Engagement Center students and Alumni-Development interns who worked to raise awareness during Giving Day.��

“During the Spin the Wheel Giving Day event, I found that many of my peers were surprised by both the number of alumni who donate and exactly how the donations impact them,” she said. “The trivia question about the percentage of students who receive scholarships surprised them. I really appreciated how the Spin the Wheel activity made it fun and engaging for us to learn about the importance and impact of philanthropy on our lives as �������ý��Ƶ students and beyond.”

First-year student Den Boakye said he was thrilled to see the excitement for the day across campus.

“Giving day, so far, has been the most exciting and wonderful day of my life,” he said. “Not only because I drove a golf cart for the first time, but I also got the chance to interact with almost half of the students on campus in a day, which has never happened since I came to �������ý��Ƶ. Through this fabulous event, I have gotten closer to students and staff I never knew before.”

Alumni who signed up as “Game Changers” matched donated funds as part of various “Game Changer Challenges” on campus and on social media throughout the day.

Nelson said all the social challenges were met, unlocking $50,000 of Game Changer funds.��

“It was our first year doing the Faculty and Staff Giving Day Ambassadors and there was definitely some additional engagement due to this,” Nelson said.��

The Board of Trustees, meanwhile, took time from their fall meetings to don Giving Day T-shirts and provide support from Bjorklunden.

The day is all about supporting students—current and future—and nurturing day-to-day life at �������ý��Ƶ, mostly through the �������ý��Ƶ Fund, which provides for campus improvements, sustainability efforts, academic innovations, and student opportunities in arts and athletics.

Nelson and her team have provided five great reasons to take part in Giving Day.

1. Your gifts get matched! All gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar, increasing your impact on current students. Gifts of any amount from the Classes of 2006-2026 will be matched with $500 each. So, if you plan on giving to �������ý��Ƶ this year, Giving Day is the day to do it! Our generous Game Changer donors make these matching funds possible.
2. Show your LU spirit with the social media challenges. Keep your eye on �������ý��Ƶ’s �����Ի��� pages to see how you can participate in Giving Day challenges that help unlock significant amounts of Game Changer money.
3. Events on campus. We are so excited to be bringing the celebration on campus with different engagement events for our students, faculty, and staff.��Participate to win prizes like T-shirts, sunglasses, tote bag and LU gear! Join our Giving Day Student Giveaway for a chance to win three different raffle prizes. .  
4. Get your class to the top of the leaderboard! Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Band together with your classmates to get your class on the top of the Giving Day Class Leaderboard.��You will have bragging rights for the next year! 
5. Your support of Giving Day changes lives every day at LU.��Your generosity makes the �������ý��Ƶ experience more affordable for students, enriches their academic experience inside and outside the classroom, supports our world-class faculty and so much more.

You can learn more about the matching funds, social challenges, and campus events that will be happening this Giving Day at: