Students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and supporters are set to celebrate what it means to be a Lawrentian when Lawrence University holds its annual Blue & White Homecoming Weekend Oct. 12-15.
Kicking off the four-day event will be Lawrence’s 10th annual Giving Day, a day of philanthropy to support the Lawrence Fund, set for all day Thursday.
Blue & White Homecoming will follow on that Friday through Sunday. Homecoming returned as a full homecoming celebration a year ago during the university’s 175th anniversary year. It’s back this year—bigger and better.
Reconnect with old friends, make new memories, and show your Viking pride!
“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.
The 2023 Homecoming festivities 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 Lawrence University 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.
Join us in support of all things Lawrence! Giving Day, the LU Community's one-day-only fundraising event, is Thursday, October 12. Your gift, no matter the size, has a HUGE impact on Giving Day!
The weekend is a chance for parents, supporters, and alumni to gather with Lawrence students, faculty, and staff—and the mascot Blu—in celebration of Lawrence’s brilliant past and bright future. That includes getting an up-close look at major construction projects that are expanding Lawrence’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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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. You can learn more about the matching funds, social challenges, and campus events that will be happening on Giving Day here.
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.