Lawrence University

Established by John Hicks, an editor of the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, U.S. diplomat, and Lawrence trustee (1911-16), The Hicks Prize in Fiction is awarded for the best submitted short story. "New Life" by Henry Sandberg Hale is a story of growing up and of growing out of one's former attachments. Told with rich, evocative details and true-to-life dialogue, the characters reveal their deeper inner lives to the readers in a short span of time.

The Richard A. Harrison Award for Research in The Humanities and Social Sciences was established to honor the memory of Richard A. Harrison, who served as dean of the faculty at Lawrence University from 1992 to 1997. Kaitlin's project analyzes how user-generated memes within German-speaking social media communities perpetuate antimigratory prejudice during the "Migrationskrise" (migrant crisis) in Germany and the EU. The research aims to fill a gap in digital humanities by critically examining Germanophone meme culture and how online humor intersects with propaganda campaigns and contributes to real-world violence against migrants.

The Bertrand A. Goldgar Fellowship, established in 2009 by students, family, and friends in memory of Professor Bertrand A. Goldgar-Lawrence University's longest-serving full-time faculty member-offers a current Lawrence student, ideally an English major or minor, the opportunity to spend productive and inspiring time in London, following in the footsteps of literary giants like Swift, Addison, Fielding, and Goldgar himself. Adrian will be using the fellowship to investigate the relationship between the poetry of John Keats and the cultural meanings of "nature" in the Romantic period

Established by Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Gerdes in memory of their daughter, Christine, '74. It is awarded to an outstanding junior major who excels in the study of anthropology. TK is an excellent and engaged student who is highly dedicated to expanding our understandings of Anthropology and Geosciences and who embraces the holism of the field of Anthropology. TK has conducted research on how natural faults and soil quality impacted settlement over 10,000 years in the Near East, ethnographic work on classroom values amongst high school teachers in an Appleton area High School and is involved in health and nutrition research for Appleton area children. His outstanding performance in the classroom, and dedication to further learning outside of it, are exemplary and make him a highly deserving recipient of the Gerdes Award.

Established in 2023 by Harold and Mary Donn Jordan to honor their mentors at Lawrence University, Marlys and Peter Fritzell, The Marlys and Peter Fritzell Writing Prize recognizes the best analytical essay and/or creative writing related to nature or the environment. Peter Fritzell was a beloved English professor at Lawrence from 1966-2003, a recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award (1988), and the Patricia Hamar Boldt Professor of Liberal Studies (1989-2003). His scholarship includes the influential book Nature Writing and America and a highly acclaimed essay on Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac. Hope Until Motioned Otherwise: Marling, Man, and Trailheads is a tramp through the expertly rendered landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as a journey through music, yearning, and relationship. The essay is inventively sectioned off by "trail markers," each one a signpost to the narrator's memories of a place and a love.

Established in 1993 by colleagues and students upon the retirement of Professor of German Dorrit F. Friedlander, after 42 years of distinguished teaching at Lawrence University, this scholarship assists German major students studying in Germany. Maddie Bublik stands out for her academic ambition and commitment to intercultural communication. She is a double major in German Studies and Physics and has been preparing to study abroad since middle school. A thoughtful student and integral part of our German Studies community, she exemplifies the spirit of the Friedlander Award. Herzlichen Gluckwunsch und viel Spass in Berlin, Maddie!

The Outstanding First-Year Athletic Award recognizes two first-year student-athletes who have made the most significant contributions to Lawrence athletics. Mila Westra, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, was the Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year and an all-conference honoree in cross country after finishing third at the league championships. Westra also earned All-Midwest Conference honors during the indoor track season in the mile and 800 meters and broke the Lawrence record in the 800.

The Outstanding First-Year Athletic Award recognizes two first-year student-athletes who have made the most significant contributions to Lawrence athletics. Margaret Hahnke, Appleton, Wisconsin, is an outside hitter on the volleyball team, Hahnke was the Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection. Hahnke led the Midwest Conference at 4.32 kills per set and broke the school match record with 34 kills against Rockford University.

The Outstanding First-Year Athletic Award recognizes two first-year student-athletes who have made the most significant contributions to Lawrence athletics. ahlan Paul, North Lauderdale, Florida, was honored by multiple organizations following his first season of football. A cornerback, Paul was the 2024 Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection. He was the only first-year player chosen for the D3football.com All-Region 5 team and was selected for the D3 Football All-Freshman Team by The Third Division. Paul also led all of NCAA Division III in interceptions and passes defensed per game.

The First-Year Studies Writing Prize recognizes a student whose submitted paper demonstrates outstanding critical analysis and thoughtful articulation. The winning paper is selected by a committee of First-Year Studies instructors. Leigh's work offers a compelling and skillful analysis of how Rush and Smith in Rising and Blood Dazzler amplify the often-overlooked personal experiences of individuals affected by environmental disasters, thereby fostering a fuller understanding of these catastrophic events, their lasting consequences, and the critical need for change.

This award was established from the estate of Mrs. Farley and named also for her husband (Class of 1896), teacher of philosophy and psychology at Lawrence from 1904-40. It is awarded to a senior student excelling in the study of philosophy. In discussion Silas is fully stocked with ideas and ready for a high-quality philosophical tussle. For his classes Silas produces exceptionally creative, rigorous written work-such as his senior capstone which offers a defense of truth from fiction in a Platonic framework. To have Silas in the major was to have a major all the more vibrant, owing to his dedication to bringing students together around philosophy outside of the classroom. We thank Silas for his contributions to the philosophy community at Lawrence and look forward to hearing about his future accomplishments.

This award was established from the estate of Mrs. Farley and named also for her husband (Class of 1896), teacher of philosophy and psychology at Lawrence from 1904-40. It is awarded to a senior student excelling in the study of philosophy. Daryian approaches philosophical discussions with genuine curiosity and an interest in understanding competing perspectives. His intellectual talent and thoughtful manner are matched by an impressive dedication to his studies. Daryian's capstone project, on the use of deception in police interrogations, displayed both his rich appreciation for how issues under theoretical discussion have practical import, and his skill at evaluating and constructing arguments. We thank Daryian for contributing so much to the life of our philosophical community and are excited to see the great things he does in the future.

Established in 1912 by Herman Erb, a prominent German-born Appleton banker who immigrated at 16, this award recognizes upperclass students based on a submitted original German composition or scholarly essay. Alex Stanger's interdisciplinary and highly original German Studies Senior Capstone, Krise oder Kreise? Die Geschichte von Lawrence University und ihre Rolle in der Kolonialisierung von Wisconsin stands at the intersection of German Studies and Indigenous Studies and situates the founding of Lawrence University within the broader context of the colonization of Wisconsin. The work is thoroughly researched, intelligently argued, and makes a significant contribution to deepening our knowledge of Lawrence's history. Congratulations, Alex!

Established in 1985 upon the retirement of Miriam Clapp Duncan, an accomplished organist and Lawrence faculty member since 1949, this award recognizes a student who excels in organ and/or harpsichord performance. Helen has embraced the study of organ and harpsichord with great enthusiasm. She exemplifies the legacy and life of Miriam Clapp Duncan by challenging the conventional male-dominated aspects of performance and literature and her curiosity about music and the world will carry her far in her chosen disciplines.

This award commemorates the life and career of Clyde Duncan, professor of music at Lawrence from 1947-84. An accomplished performing artist and musicologist, Professor Duncan played a major role in creating bridges between the college and the conservatory of music. The award goes to an upperclass student with broad interests and abilities that combine music with literature, aesthetics, and culture. Helen Panshin receives the Duncan Award in recognition of her marvelous musick(ology)ing in a great number of musicology courses, as well as her weaving of musicological practices into the fabric of her intellectual, artistic, social, and political life. She possesses a remarkably strong, clear voice as an academic writer, and her musical performance as a keyboardist is deeply informed by her musicological interests. An avid concertgoer and wide reader of music criticism and cultural and political writings, Helen consistently draws illuminating and thought-provoking connections among elements of her musicology coursework and to other things she has read, listened to, or performed, often bringing attention to new sources of information and ideas.

This award commemorates the life and career of Clyde Duncan, professor of music at Lawrence from 1947-84. An accomplished performing artist and musicologist, Professor Duncan played a major role in creating bridges between the college and the conservatory of music. The award goes to an upperclass student with broad interests and abilities that combine music with literature, aesthetics, and culture. Kai Frueh receives the Duncan Award because of his consistently thoughtful engagement, attention to detail, and creative thinking in ethno/musicology courses, and in recognition of his exceptional interdisciplinary ethnographic research he conducted on living composers who incorporate bird sounds into their works in surprisingly varied ways. Kai's work raises questions as to the boundaries between sound and song, and human and non-human composition.

Established by Helen G. Daniels (Milwaukee-Downer College) in honor and memory of her mother, Margaret Daniels (Milwaukee-Downer music diploma, 1918; BA, 1919), this award recognizes a student who excels in keyboard performance. Qiaochuhan Li, a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a Collaborative Emphasis and minor in Music Theory, and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and East Asian Studies, is an energetic, charismatic performer whose performances burst with character and personality. Awarded Honorable Mention at the 2025 Thursday Musical Young Artist and 2022 China Lanzhou International Piano Festival Open Competitions, she was also a finalist in the 2022 Schubert Club Scholarship Competition and finalist in Lawrence's annual Concerto Competition last year. An active chamber musician, Qiaochuhan has been studying and performing major collaborative works in the piano/string/woodwind duo, trio, and quartet repertoire with great success, and she champions works by underrepresented composers and those utilizing innovative, extended techniques.

The Donald Knuth Prize in Computer Science is awarded annually to the outstanding graduating senior majoring in Mathematics-Computer Science. Minjun Lee is notable for a strong work ethic and enthusiasm: his capstone project is commendable for its depth, completeness, and contribution to the broader Lawrence community.

Inspired by the department's founder, the F. Theodore Cloak Award in Theatre recognizes a young theatre maker who applies a theoretically and historically informed understanding of dramatic literature to their skillful and nuanced contributions to our productions. Nina Broberg excelled at a high level in the areas of acting, playwrighting, dance, and theatre production. Always seeking new challenges, Nina modelled for her peers how to forge opportunities for growth. Nina will be an able ambassador of our department's ethos by proving herself a true theatre maker.

The Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry recognizes a junior major for outstanding performance in analytical chemistry. Sydney Fontaine is being recognized for her exceptional attention to detail and tireless work ethic-hallmarks of a truly great analytical chemist. Whether calibrating instruments or interpreting data, Sydney approaches every task with precision and care, proving she's truly in her element.

Sponsored by the Northeast Wisconsin Section of the American Chemical Society, The Senior Chemistry Award recognizes an outstanding senior chemistry major. Marissa is an exemplary liberal arts chemist, as she has followed her values and interests across disciplines to serve science and the world. She has been an excellent student in each of the chemical subdisciplines and has been a constant role model and support for fellow Lawrentians, sharing her experience through her work as a teaching assistant in lab and lecture, through individual tutoring, and organizing open tutoring hours in the science learning commons. We are eager to see where Marissa's next steps take her!

The Debbie Roman Prize in Chemistry recognizes a junior or senior major whose laboratory work best demonstrates competence, resourcefulness, efficiency, dedication, and goodwill. For many years, Ashlyn has served as an amazing student laboratory teaching assistant and open tutor for Chemistry. Always prepared and "on the ball," her proactive and approachable nature supported countless students in their learning both in lab and in class.

The American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry honors outstanding senior chemistry majors specializing in organic chemistry.

Established in 1921 by Iden Charles Champion (Class of 1919) to support higher education, The Iden Charles Champion Award in Commerce & Industry is presented annually to a student in the Department of Economics. Irene Yank (Franklin, Wisconsin) has been reliably excellent through her Lawence years, and her paper Powering Up a Greener Grid: The Impacts of Renewables on Electricity Grid Reliability, is no exception. She gathered and wrangled state-level US data to assess whether states sacrificed energy reliability when they added greener but more intermittent sources. To the contrary, she finds that states with a more diverse electricity portfolios have more stable and reliable power systems.

Established in 1921 by Iden Charles Champion (Class of 1919) to support higher education, The Iden Charles Champion Award in Commerce & Industry is presented annually to a student in the Department of Economics. In his paper The Effect of Renewable Energy Policy on Electricity Prices Cole-Thomas Johnson uses state-level data between 2000 and 2023 to examine how the adoption of renewable energy policies impact electricity prices. He finds that consumer electricity prices are typically higher following the adoption of renewable energy policy implementation.

The Iden Charles Champion Cup recognizes excellence in scholarship, athletic ability, college spirit, and loyalty. Mattigan Haller, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is a three-time All-Midwest Conference selection in softball. A National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Scholar-Athlete, Haller also is a member of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. She also is a member of the Academic All-Midwest Conference team and Co-President of Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society.

Established in 2019 to honor the insightful leadership of retiring Provost, Professor of Psychology, and Director of Inclusive Pedagogy Dr. David Burrows, The Dave Burrows Award for Senior Experience in Psychology recognizes students whose senior capstone projects demonstrate scholarly acumen and the creative application of research to significant psychological questions. Savannah is a psychology major who is dedicated to suicide prevention. She conducts research in the Child and Adolescent Research in Emotion Lab at Lawrence and works on a community crisis team. Her senior project involved testing an objective, computerized task within a community sample of adolescents to examine whether it can aid in identifying those at risk for suicide. Savannah plans to continue with a research career in this area and will apply to graduate school for clinical psychology.

Established in 1994 by Dr. and Mrs. Bradley (both class of 1935), The Philip and Rosemary Wiley Bradley Achievement Scholarship in Economics encourages talented and industrious students to major in economics. Binh Vu (Hanoi, Vietnam) is an excellent student with a deep passion for learning. As a double major in Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Psychology, Binh pushes himself to gain a deep understanding of a wide range of challenging topics. In class, Binh asks thoughtful questions while contributing to a joyful classroom atmosphere through his laughter and joy for learning. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the major, including through tutoring across a number of classes.

Established in 1994 by Dr. and Mrs. Bradley (both class of 1935), The Philip and Rosemary Wiley Bradley Achievement Scholarship in Economics encourages talented and industrious students to major in economics. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Dieter Gonzalo Treneman Navarro is double-majoring in Economics and Mathematics with a minor in Data Science. Despite his extremely demanding academic schedule, Dieter also found time to prepare for and pass the first four Society of Actuaries exams - in Probability, Financial Mathematics, Statistics for Risk Modeling, and Fundamentals of Actuarial Mathematics - and is currently awaiting results on exams five and six, all while interning at Unum. This summer, he will continue building his impressive career with a prestigious internship at Reinsurance Group of America. Dieter's stellar performance in the economics major reflects not just a sharp mind, but a genuine enthusiasm for learning and challenging himself. We feel lucky that he has contributed his talents and energy to the economics program at Lawrence.

Established in 1994 by Dr. and Mrs. Bradley (both class of 1935), The Philip and Rosemary Wiley Bradley Achievement Scholarship in Economics encourages talented and industrious students to major in economics. Jayden Jensen, from Marengo, Illinois, has been a top student in all of his economics courses. He is completing a double major in Economics and Psychology, along with a minor in Data Science. He provides help for his classmates working as a tutor. He is also the captain of the Lawrence Men's hockey team.