Lawrence University’s 2023 Commencement is set for 10 a.m. June 11 on Main Hall Green. Here are 23 things to know as you prepare for Lawrence’s biggest weekend of the academic calendar.
1: A brand-new look: While Commencement will once again be on Main Hall Green, it will have a whole new look. The stage will be set up immediately in front of Main Hall, featuring Lawrence’s oldest and most iconic building as a gorgeous backdrop.
2: Graduates, take a bow: 310 graduates are set to walk the stage—255 with a bachelor of arts degree; 30 with a bachelor of music degree; 18 with dual bachelor of arts and bachelor of music degrees; and seven with a bachelor of musical arts degree.
3: Commencement speaker: Harold Jordan ’72, a successful business leader who has supported Lawrence and advocated for its students for more than five decades, will deliver the Commencement address.
4: Words of wisdom: Tapashwi (Tee) Karki, a government major from Nepal, will serve as the senior class speaker. She was selected from a group of more than a dozen seniors who applied for the honor. Karki has been active on campus throughout her four years. She had an internship last summer with Bread for the World, collaborating with international and domestic policy groups to better advocate and understand food policy. On campus, she served as chair of SAASHA (Student Alliance Against Sexual Harassment and Assault) and hosted Survivor Safety events through the Title IX office.
5: Farewell, retirees: Two long-serving faculty in the Conservatory of Music will be honored during Commencement as they step into retirement. Dane Richeson, a professor of percussion for 39 years, and David Bell, a professor of clarinet for 14 years, will receive citations honoring their contributions to Lawrence.
6: Leading the way: President Laurie Carter will lead the processional, joined by Board of Trustees Chair Cory Nettles ’92 and Faculty Marshal Julie McQuinn, associate professor of music.
7: Celebrating our faculty: The annual faculty awards have long been a part of Commencement. Honorees will be announced for the Faculty Award for Scholarly Achievement, Excellence in Teaching, and Excellence in Teaching by Early-Career Faculty.
Details available for Commencement weekend, including an FAQ, a countdown clock, and a link to stories on some members of the Class of 2023
8: Honorary degrees: Harold Jordan ’72 and John Bergstrom, executive chairman of Bergstrom Corporation and a civic leader in the Fox Valley, will receive honorary doctorate degrees at Commencement.
9: Music in the moment: The Lawrence University Graduation Band, led by Andy Mast, will provide music for the processional and recessional.
10: Plan for plenty of green: That is the class color of the Class of 2023. The tradition of assigning each class a color—red, green, yellow, or purple—has its roots in Milwaukee-Downer history.
11: Conferring of degrees: Carter and Peter Blitstein, provost and dean of faculty, will handle those duties for bachelor of arts recipients. Carter and Brian Pertl, dean of the Conservatory, will do so for the bachelor of music and bachelor of musical arts recipients.
12: Sign language available: There will be an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter at the ceremony.
13: A new tradition: As Commencement concludes, the recessional will take graduates through the Lawrence Arch, built last summer near the intersection of College Avenue and Drew Street. The arch is now part of the welcoming of first-year students and the send-off for graduating seniors.
14: A post-event gathering: Graduates and their families are invited to gather on the patio near Mudd Library immediately following Commencement.
15: Show your skills: The Senior Art Exhibition in the Wriston Art Center Galleries is a tradition of Commencement Weekend. It’ll be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
16: Music to our ears: Speaking of talent showcases, the annual Commencement Concert, featuring Lawrence seniors, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Memorial Chapel. A reception follows in Shattuck Hall.
17: Class photo, one more time: The Class of 2023 gathered for a class photo during Welcome Week four years ago. They’ll do it again following Friday’s rehearsal in Memorial Chapel.
18: Cookout on Main Hall Green: On the Saturday of Commencement Weekend, a cookout will be held for seniors, their families, faculty, and staff. It runs from noon to 1:30 p.m.
19: Baccalaureate tradition: The Baccalaureate Service, a staple of Commencement Weekend, is a multi-faith celebration in Memorial Chapel that will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. It is open to seniors and their guests.
20: Presidential meet-and-greet: Seniors and their families are invited to Hamar House to talk with President Carter. It runs 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday.
21: Celebrate on social media: Want to help celebrate the Class of 2023 on social media? Get your social media grad celebration kit here.
22: Watch it anywhere: Yes, it will be wonderful to be in attendance on Main Hall Green. But if that isn’t doable, you can watch the Commencement ceremony via a livestream. A link to the stream will be available at go.lawrence.edu/commencement.
23: See more on Commencement weekend: Find additional details about Commencement 2023, including an FAQ, here.
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.
