Lawrence University will welcome the Class of 2028—along with exchange students and transfer students—on Sept. 9, the kickoff of a seven-day Welcome Week leading to the start of classes on Sept. 16.
The new Lawrentians include 355 first-year students and 55 transfer students. The students come from across the United States and around the world, with 12 countries represented. The leading states are Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, with notable growth in Texas and Colorado, said Robert Nowak, associate vice president for enrollment management.
“Welcome to Lawrence University,” Nowak said in a message to the new students in advance of Welcome Week. “As you begin this exciting chapter, remember that it is the start of an incredible journey. Each challenge is an opportunity, and every achievement is a reason to celebrate. You are now part of a dynamic and supportive community—today, tomorrow, and forever, you are a Lawrentian.”
Welcome Week will once again put a focus on making connections and engaging with the community. Sept. 9 will be highlighted by the annual President’s Welcome. Faculty, staff, and alumni will line the sidewalks of Main Hall Green to cheer as the newest Lawrentians process from the Lawrence Arch beginning at 3:10 p.m., on their way to Memorial Chapel for the 3:30 p.m. President’s Welcome that will feature an address from President Laurie A. Carter.
Kristi Koshuta, the first-year dean who is leading the team planning Welcome Week, said she’s thrilled to welcome the new students to campus.
“We have made so many connections and touchpoints virtually over the summer through connect sessions with faculty, staff, orientation leaders, and community advisors—now it’s time to get them all together and start to build their communities in person,” Koshuta said.
The opening day of Welcome Week includes a family lunch, a campus and community resource fair, campus tours, and a Class of 2028 photo. The remainder of Welcome Week will be focused on engagement activities for students to get to know their classmates and become comfortable with campus and the surrounding community.
At the close of Welcome Week on Sept. 14, a Community Day will feature a choose-your-own-adventure. Options will include the Appleton Farm Market from 10 to 11 a.m. and sporting events at Banta Bowl, including football at 1 p.m., women’s soccer at 5:30 p.m., and men’s soccer at 7 p.m. Blu’s Welcome Bash will be held on Main Hall Green from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Games, silent disco, photo booths, snacks, and more will be on hand. The evening will end with a live performance from the student band NOIR.
Koshuta said 45 EPIC (Explore-Play-Immerse-Connect) Leaders will serve as orientation leaders during the week. Thirty of them will transition into peer mentors who will then support the students with small group and one-to-one meetings throughout the remainder of the year.
“Our 45 leaders are a true representation of all our student body encompasses and they are committed to their roles for all the right reasons,” Koshuta said. “They are excited to help our new Lawrentians acclimate to Lawrence and find their own smaller communities.”
The remainder of Lawrence students will move into residence halls and other residential spaces the weekend of Sept. 14-15.
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.