‘HoLUdays’ bring alumni together: ‘We had a fabulous time connecting with Lawrentian friends’

The return of Lawrence University’s “HoLUdays” has been deemed a success.

Lawrentians in seven Alumni Communities across the country hosted festive gatherings during December and January. Dubbed “HoLUdays” celebrations, the regional gatherings were meant to connect Lawrence alumni during the holiday season.

“Getting to host my first event as an Alumni Community Volunteer was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Sam Driver ’22, who organized a bowling party in the Twin Cities. “Everyone who attended expressed how thankful they were at the opportunity to come together and celebrate our time at Lawrence.”

The “HoLUdays” marks the return of an idea first launched by members of the Lawrence University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors during the winter seasons of 2012, 2013, and 2014. The events were opportunities for Lawrentians across the country to enjoy a relaxing moment and reconnect with or meet new alumni.

“It is part of Lawrence’s holistic approach to build and celebrate our regional alumni communities by working collaboratively to grow alumni advocacy, engagement, and philanthropy,” said Matt Baumler, associate vice president of Alumni and Constituency Engagement.

The events, ranging from ice skating and bowling to holiday cookie decorating and festive happy hours, drew nearly 130 Lawrentians.

Christine Seeley ’12 hosted a happy hour in Madison.

"I was so grateful to everyone from the LU community in Madison who braved the cold and bad roads to join us for the first HoLUdays celebration we've had in a while here in town,” she said. “We had a fabulous time connecting with Lawrentian friends, new and old alike, over a drink, and I hope to see everyone again and an even bigger turnout at our next regional event.”

Ryan Sun ’10 gathered with Lawrentians in San Francisco for a happy hour.

“It is amazing to see LU alumni from different years and backgrounds get together to celebrate the HoLUdays,” he said. “We reignited old friendships, made new friends, and had a lot of fun.”

What’s next?

There are plenty of ways for Lawrentians to keep the momentum going.

1. Stay connected with Lawrence and with your classmates—update your profile in the Alumni Directory. https://www.lawrence.edu/alumni/alumni-directory
2. Engage with campus and fellow alumni through all the Lawrence alumni social channels. Learn about upcoming events, read alumni news, and grow your network on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. There also are LU Club Facebook groups to join.

3. Become an Alumni Community Volunteer or share your ideas for future events. Complete an interest form
4. Join Lawrence at one of the upcoming Lawrence In events. Register

Contact Assistant Director of Alumni and Community Engagement Nora Robinson '21 at nora.e.robinson@lawrence.edu with questions.