Lawrence University

Established in 1987 by colleagues and friends to honor the retirement of Professor E. Graham Waring, a longtime member of the religious studies faculty, this prize is awarded to the student who authors the best paper in a religious studies course during the academic year. Hayden Young examined the philosophical positions of Soren Kierkegaard's pseudonymous authors. Kierkegaard's work is notably difficult to interpret because of the interplay of competing voices, and this paper is a model of careful reading and subtle interpretation.

Established in 1961 and named for Charlotte Wood, Lawrence University Class of 1901. It is awarded to the student with the best essay entered in an annual competition. Colonialism, Decolonization, and Freedom. In content, the essay deals with tricky concepts-colonialism, decolonization, and independence-skillfully and creatively. In style, the essay is written with a nuanced perspective and a lively voice.

The Alexander Wiley Prize honors the legacy of Alexander Wiley, who served Wisconsin as a United States Senator for 24 years. This award is given to an undergraduate, ideally a senior, who has most exemplified principled independence of thought, moral courage, and a creative commitment to a significant cause throughout their college career. Camara White - She has served as an Orientation Leader Coordinator who oversaw other Orientation Leaders. She has demonstrated responsibility, dependability, and a sense of inclusivity to make all that she encounters feel welcome and like they belong. Also during her time as a group leader, she stepped up to share herself and shared stories of her first year on campus. After the Orientation of the first years, she could be seen on campus engaging with the students she had met during welcome week. Camara is always smiling, supportive and approachable. She has also stood out as a member of the conservatory, an on campus tutor, and a student staff member in the Career Center.

Donated in 1921 by Mrs. Mary White in memory of her son, Ralph (Class of 1899), The Ralph White Prize in Mathematics recognizes a sophomore student who excels in the study of mathematics. Delia has distinguished herself among our incoming mathematics majors in multiple ways. She displays excellent conceptual understanding on both exams and challenging homework projects, but is also able to focus on detailed calculations and precise formulas. Delia is also very interested in neuroscience and we look forward to seeing her apply her mathematical knowledge in the sciences.

The Edwin N. and Ruth Z. West Scholarship is a competitive, merit-based award granted to continuing students with exceptional promise, beginning in their sophomore year.

Donated in 1888 by Charles Orlando Tichenor (Lawrence Class of 1862), a Civil War attorney, The Tichenor Prize in English is awarded to the student who writes the best critical essay about a work of English literature. In Spaces In-Between: The Emergence of the Utopian Imagination in Moshin Hamid's Exit West, Em Sweeney explores the role that technology plays in the utopian imagination of Hamid's novel, thinking about how the magical doorways which create utopian possibilities for migration are modeled on the cellphones which also play an important role in the novel. Thinking about the dangers as well as the benefits of this utopian reimagining of migration, the essay offers a thoughtful interpretation of Hamid's novel.

The Tank-Palmquist-Ross Award in Geology recognizes an outstanding geology student in the junior class, honoring Professors Ronald W. Tank, John C. Palmquist, and Theodore W. Ross. Lauren is a driven hard rock geoscientist whose passion for structural geology and deep Earth processes sets her apart; she seeks to unravel the mechanics of upper mantle movement at convergent boundaries through seismology and geodesy. Her curiosity about the tectonic forces shaping our planet, coupled with her thoughtful, research-oriented mindset, reflects the intellectual maturity and ambition deserving of recognition as the best rising senior in geosciences.

The Jean Wiley Thickens Prize is awarded to the Lawrence University student who, through their demonstrated interest, academic achievement, and natural aptitude, shows the greatest potential for a successful career in teaching at the high school level. The award was established in 1988 by Laura Thickens Halford (Class of 1938) in honor of her mother and Dr. Roger Nichols. Josie Eager brings joy to the classroom while she helps students gain insights into math topics and build their confidence as budding mathematicians.

The Tank-Palmquist-Ross Award in Geology recognizes an outstanding geology student in the junior class, honoring Professors Ronald W. Tank, John C. Palmquist, and Theodore W. Ross. TK stands out for his integrative, story-driven approach to geoscience-reconstructing ancient landscapes in Northern Wisconsin using a rare blend of geochemical, geophysical, geomorphological, and cultural methods, including traditional knowledge from the Bad River Band. His work exemplifies both scientific rigor and a deep respect for the land's human and geological history, reflecting a curiosity and creativity that breathes life into earth systems and elevates our understanding of them.

Established in 1978 and sponsored by the Lawrence University Alumni Association, The Student Life Award recognizes a graduating senior (Class of 2025) for outstanding leadership and service to the Lawrence community. Diana is a great example of what Student Life represents. Within her role as co-president of SOUP (Student Organization for University Programming), she has helped to create intentional programming and worked with her co-president to lead their board. She has also served as the Student Welfare Committee Secretary, and as a Committee on Volunteering and Engagement CCE Representative. Diana also volunteers her time at Building for Kids and was previously the Arts and Education Program Coordinator for the CCE. She is also a member of the Senior Committee engaging with a team of peers to plan Senior events.

The Senior Prize for Statistics & Data Science is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated both a strong interest and excellence in the study of statistics and data science. Irene Yank, a statistics and data science minor, has excelled in her coursework and projects. She has demonstrated a strong understanding of the mathematical foundations of statistics, and has used statistical models in creative and insightful ways, often related to her economics major.

The Senior Prize for Statistics & Data Science is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated both a strong interest and excellence in the study of statistics and data science. Shane Foley, a mathematics major on the statistics track, has consistently demonstrated strong performances across a breadth of applied, computational, and theoretical courses. His senior experience project integrated all these ideas where he used innovative statistical learning techniques to study baseball catchers' statistics and their impact on the game.

The Senior Art Award-Studio Art recognizes graduating seniors at Lawrence University who have demonstrated excellence in the practice of studio art. Cristofer Aguilar (studio art, '25) in recognition of their dedicated studio practice and ability to simplify complex narratives into an inviting story focusing on the human condition. Cristofer makes informed decisions that thoughtfully incorporate a variety of media, compelling the viewer to investigate each image.

The Senior Art Award-Art History recognizes graduating seniors at Lawrence University who have demonstrated excellence in the study of art history. Emma Jacobs, for her dedication to and thorough research of Lockwood de Forest's Teakwood room, which has offered a fresh, more complex, understanding of this significant space on Lawrence's campus. Her ability to locate, organize, and interpret archival documents and databases demonstrates thoroughness, patience, and diligence. Her work in the classroom and as a writing tutor shows a similar preparedness and organization. Her ability to ask smart questions, tackle difficult theoretical readings, and apply these ideas to the analysis of artworks is exemplary.

The Louis Henry Schutte Memorial Prize in English is awarded to the senior English major at Lawrence University who has achieved the highest grade point average in all courses completed during the six terms immediately preceding their final term. The award was established by Dr. William M. Schutte, a former English professor at Lawrence (1960-84), in memory of his father, Louis Henry Schutte.

The Patricia Ritter Prize in Chinese Language recognizes exceptional achievement by a Lawrence University undergraduate in their study of the Chinese language. Matthew's dedication and talent for language studies are demonstrated convincingly in his excellent performance in all his Chinese language courses. His understanding of various topics of the Chinese linguistic studies is equally impressive.

The Sumner Richman Student Research Award in Biology was created to honor Sumner Richman, who dedicated 38 years (1957-1995) to teaching and research in biology. The award recognizes a student demonstrating strong potential in biological research. Abby Herrick, from Pleasant Prairie, WI is creatively combining her passions for marine biology and clarinet performance. She has been researching changes in coral and algae communities on the reefs of Bonaire, analyzing data from the Biology Marine Term program for her Senior Experience project. Her findings will help ecologists and managers understand recent changes in the reef environments. To extend the reach of her studies, she commissioned a new clarinet solo piece for her Senior Recital that "uses sound to evoke an emotional response to listeners so that they feel more connected to the issue at hand and feel more inclined to become a part of the conversations surrounding the topic."

Established by friends and family in memory of Milwaukee-Downer graduate Elizabeth Richardson (M-D'40), who served with the Red Cross in France during WWII and tragically died in a plane crash, this award recognizes students excelling in studio art at Lawrence University. Mariana Zendejas, in recognition of her extraordinary creative activity in sculpture. Mariana's profound investigation of form in art exemplifies what it means to fully explore artistic possibilities with dedication, resolve, and commitment in pursuit of excellence.

The Elizabeth Richardson Award-Art History honors the memory of Elizabeth Richardson, a 1940 graduate of Milwaukee-Downer College, who served with the Red Cross in France during World War II and died in a plane crash. Established by her friends and family, this award recognizes students at Lawrence University who demonstrate excellence in the study of art history. Honor Winter distinguishes herself in Art History courses through her thoughtful observations on works of art and her attentive readings of art historical scholarship and theory. She approaches both curatorial and written research with independence and curiosity that demonstrates an understanding of the historical and conceptual complexity of art.

The Estelle Reid Prize in Library Science, created from her estate in 1961, is awarded to a student who intends to pursue graduate-level education in library science. Given the Reid family's connection to the Appleton Post, this award might reflect a historical appreciation for information and knowledge dissemination in our community. Annabelle was selected because of her experience volunteering and working in libraries and her clear sense of purpose related to becoming a librarian working in youth services and community engagement. The awards committee further appreciated her commitment to making libraries an inclusive and welcoming space for all. She'll be an asset to the library community.

Bequeathed in 1911 by Alexander Reid, an editor of the Appleton Post, U.S. diplomat, and Lawrence trustee (1895-97), The Alexander J. Reid Prize in English is awarded to the student who writes the best sketch. Like the trains it depicts, delivering children as well as mail, my boxcar body spans America, across time and space. Its weave of discovery is crafty, subtle, and surprising.

The Marion Read Award recognizes outstanding contributions to Lawrence athletics. Sydney Seeley, Prescott, Wisconsin, was a key member in the first group of players competing for the Lawrence women's hockey team and did exemplary work in the Department of Athletics. A goaltender on the hockey team, Seeley set school records for saves in a game and a career, and she also holds the school mark for career goals against average. An American Hockey Coaches Association All-American Scholar, Seeley also is a member of the Academic All-Northern Collegiate Hockey Association team and Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. Seeley also has been a critical contributor for the Department of Athletics' social media accounts.

The Political Science Journal Award recognizes an outstanding undergraduate student in the Political Science Department. Quynh Anh (Cailey) Cao Le, from Hanoi, Vietnam, for exceptional performance in the classroom and exemplary intellectual accomplishment beyond. During the last year, Cailey demonstrated particular initiative, ambition, and skill in independent research, and completed an internship on the topics of conflict mediation and peacebuilding with Swisspeace in Basel, Switzerland.

The Pi Kappa Lambda Jazz Composition Award recognizes exceptional originality and skill in jazz music composition. Eli Cooper Wikre, Minneapolis, MN, a junior, has demonstrated outstanding talent, dedication and potential in the field of jazz composition and arranging. As a talented jazz composer and jazz trumpet player, Eli is pursuing degrees in Environmental Science and Music. He has created multiple pieces for his jazz chamber group, big band and jazz combos, and is especially interested in contemporary jazz arranging techniques.

The Pi Kappa Lambda First-Year Prize recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement among first-year students at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music.

The Pi Kappa Lambda Music Education Teaching Award recognizes individuals for excellence in music education, demonstrated through outstanding abilities in teaching, performance, composition, and scholarship at Lawrence University. This award honors on Lawrence University Emma R. Nolte who has demonstrated exemplary music teaching in both elementary general music and secondary choral settings. Her thoughtful student-centered approach, which included unwavering patience and joy, was consistently modeled during her student teaching experience. Her strong musicianship and belief in the unlimited potential of everyone in her classroom motivates others to give their best while actively contributing to the musical community together.

The Pi Kappa Lambda Music Education Teaching Award recognizes individuals for excellence in music education, demonstrated through outstanding abilities in teaching, performance, composition, and scholarship at Lawrence University. This award honors Cynthia Katherine Kaiser who has demonstrated exemplary music teaching in both elementary general music and secondary instrumental settings. Her creative ability to maintain high levels of artistic engagement while simultaneously stretching the thinking and imagination of all students was consistently displayed during her student teaching experience. Cindy's strong integrity and intuitive leadership in the classroom inspires hope for the future in the field of music education.

The Pi Kappa Lambda Composition Award recognizes exceptional originality and skill in music composition. Megan LaBelle Smith, a junior from Agawam, Massachusetts, is a composer of outstanding creative talent and accomplishment. She is a skilled, imaginative creator of vocal and instrumental music whose compositions show a high level of both craft and artistry. This spring Lawrence's Cantala will perform the world premiere of Megan's I Saw Above a World of Sky, a composition for treble choir that sets texts by the American poet Sara Teasdale.

The Phi Beta Kappa Downer First-Year Prize recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a first-year Bachelor of Arts student.

The Maurice Cunningham Phi Beta Kappa Prize is awarded to the third-year B.A. or fourth-year B.A./B.Mus. double-degree student with the highest grade-point average.