Lawrence University

The J. Bruce Brackenridge Prize in Physics recognizes an outstanding junior or senior physics major with a strong academic record and significant potential for future work in physics. Nguyen Thi Quynh Nga is a third-year physics major at Lawrence University with an exceptional academic record in both physics and mathematics. She has consistently achieved top performance across her coursework and has pursued nearly every available course offered by the department, reflecting both intellectual ambition and deep engagement with the discipline. Her work is consistently of the highest quality and demonstrates a sharp, inquisitive mind and clear promise for a future in physics.

The Andrew C. Berry - James C. Stewart Prize in Mathematics recognizes an outstanding graduating senior in mathematics. Joseph Carpenter, a double major in mathematics and physics at Lawrence University, has demonstrated exceptional aptitude and depth across a broad range of advanced coursework. For his senior experience in mathematics, he drew upon his strong foundation in both disciplines to explore the elegant symmetries underlying quantum mechanics, reflecting both creativity and analytical rigor in his work.

The Ruth Bateman Award recognizes an athlete for outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and athletic ability. Mallory Meyer, from Battle Ground, Washington, is an exceptional student-athlete at Lawrence University. A 2025 All-Midwest Conference selection in women's basketball, she is the sixth player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points. Her excellence extends beyond athletics, as demonstrated by her selection to the Academic All-Midwest Conference team, recognition as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree, and membership in Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. Mallory exemplifies leadership, discipline, and achievement across academics, athletics, and community.

The Baker Prize in Modern Languages is awarded to the senior major in a modern foreign language who achieves the highest scholastic average, both overall and within their modern language studies, among all majors in the field. Mattie Haller is an exceptional student of Lawrence University whose academic record reflects both breadth and excellence. A triple major, she brings remarkable intellectual rigor, curiosity, and drive to her studies. Beyond the classroom, she has shadowed anesthesiologists in several Mexican hospitals, gaining meaningful cross-cultural clinical experience. An athlete, scholar, and aspiring bilingual medical practitioner, Mattie approaches every challenge with determination and a steady, positive presence.

The Louis C. Baker Memorial Award in Modern Languages, established by colleagues, former students, and friends of Dr. Baker-who taught German and French at Lawrence University from 1916-47-is awarded annually to the junior major in a modern foreign language who demonstrates outstanding achievement. Aubrey Clarke is a distinguished student of French, Spanish, and linguistics who has demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity and academic maturity. Her dedication to the study of modern languages and linguistics serves as an inspiration to her peers, and she is widely admired for her insight, generosity, and thoughtful engagement within the community. As a junior major whose accomplishments embody the spirit of this award, Bree's outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence make her a highly deserving recipient of the Louis C. Baker Memorial Award.

In the field of Latin literature, Finn exemplifies a remarkable trifecta: exceptional command of the language, elegant and polished expression, and an outstanding ability to engage in thoughtful, incisive literary analysis. With particular sensitivity to imagery and characterization, Finn's work reflects both intellectual rigor and a deep appreciation for the nuances of classical texts.

The Lawrence University John J. and Graciela Alfieri Tuition Scholarship in Spanish recognizes exceptional achievement in the study of Spanish language and literature. Aubrey Clarke has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and an advanced command of Hispanic linguistics. She shares her passion for learning generously with others, and her warmth, intellect, and enthusiasm have enriched the Lawrence community. Her accomplishments and dedication point toward a bright and promising future.

Established in 2018 through the generous gifts of Mary Anderson, The Charles F.L. Anderson Opera Performance Scholarship memorializes her late husband, Charles, a lifelong opera enthusiast. Their connection to Lawrence University began at Bjorklunden, where they enjoyed seminars and performances near their vacation home. Following Charles' passing on January 16, 2018, Mary's attendance at a Lawrence opera performance inspired her to create this scholarship in his name, recognizing his appreciation for the Conservatory of Music's exceptional opera program.

The John J. and Graciela Alfieri Tuition Scholarship in Spanish acknowledges exceptional achievement in the study of Spanish language and literature.

David Allen Smith is the recipient of Lawrence University's J. Bruce Brackenridge Prize in Physics, which recognizes an outstanding junior or senior physics major with a strong academic record and significant potential for future work in physics.

Lawrence University's Class of 2025 was celebrated in grand fashion at a Commencement held June 15 on Main Hall Green. More than 350 graduates walked the Commencement stage to loud applause from family, friends, and the Lawrence community at a ceremony that included an inspiring message from Commencement speaker Campbell Scott, an accomplished actor and director who first found his way to the stage while an undergraduate at Lawrence.

Maddie Bublik, a Lawrence University sophomore from Wausau, Wisconsin, is making an impact on and off campus through her role as the coordinator of a Lawrence program that encourages students to volunteer as tutors for young students in the Appleton community. It's one of multiple ways the physics and German double major is making important connections on her undergraduate journey.

For Lawrence University junior William Surtees, co-winning the annual Lawrence Symphony Orchestra's Concerto Competition wasn't a pursuit of prestige, it was a personal milestone, a chance to bring a beloved work to life. Surtees, a music performance (piano) major, will perform the first movement of Frederic Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor on June 6 (7:30 p.m.) in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel, alongside the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra.

Lawrence University junior Emma Moya will be spending her summer with dolphins. The biology major from Chicago has secured an internship with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, where she will join other students and scientists in Sarasota, Florida, gathering and analyzing data on dolphins. It's an opportunity her experiences in Lawrence's marine biology program made possible.

Mia Kraker, a Lawrence University senior, will be going abroad as the recipient of a 2025 U.S. Teaching Assistantship (USTA) fellowship in Austria. Administered by Fulbright Austria, the fellowship will have her teaching English for a year in Innsbruck, located in western Austria in the heart of the Alps.

Samuel Schuler, a Lawrence University senior, will be going abroad as the recipient of a 2025 U.S. Teaching Assistantship (USTA) fellowship in Austria. Administered by Fulbright Austria, the fellowship will have him teaching English for a year in Styria, located in southern Austria.

After spending a year as vice president, Lawrence University sophomore Brooklyn "Brook" Schara has stepped into her new role as president of the Lawrence University Community Council (LUCC). As the student branch of Lawrence's shared governance, LUCC recognizes and funds student organizations, acts as a forum for student voices, and plays a part in non-curricular legislation on campus.

Lawrence University junior Vivian Shanley has discovered just how versatile one instrument can be, using the double bass to explore a broad spectrum of musical traditions. Her recent success in the LU Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition is a case in point. Her winning piece-Dana Wilson's Concerto for Contrabass and Wind Ensemble-is rich with allusions to many musical styles.

Alex Stanger, a Lawrence University senior, is going abroad as the recipient of a 2025 U.S. Fulbright Program fellowship. Stanger will accept the award and spend the coming academic year teaching in Germany. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program. Since 1946, it has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad. The latest awards bring to 69 the number of Lawrence recipients since the program was first introduced.

Lawrence University junior Faith Onukaogu won The Pitch, a business startup competition for college students in northeast Wisconsin. It's the third win for Lawrence in nine years.

Adrian Stancil-Martin, a first-year Lawrence University student, has quickly made himself at home on campus and in the City of Appleton. He ran for and won a seat on Appleton's Common Council.

Lawrence University junior Jackson Bertman, a standout diver on the swimming and diving team, keeps his focus on team success even while piling up individual accolades, including being named Midwest Conference Diver of the Year for the third straight year.

Lawrence University took its celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Conservatory of Music to New York City over spring break. Eleven students, accompanied by several faculty and staff, were part of the March 19-23 trip-seeing performances at iconic arts venues, taking part in individual lessons and masterclasses, and presenting a concert for Lawrence alumni and friends at Manhattan School of Music.

Lawrence University sophomore violinist Ben Frueh performed a solo March 14 with the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra after being named a co-winner of the annual Concerto Competition.

Lawrence University senior Ben Lewis fell hard for bluegrass music. He now records and performs with the Litch Brothers, including a recent performance at a notable folk music conference in Ireland. His studies through the Bachelor of Musical Arts (B.M.A.) program in Lawrence's Conservatory of Music has prepared him well.

Lawrence University junior Zachary Hogan has turned his fascination with Mars into research that has garnered a grant from the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC), an educational branch of NASA. The geosciences major from Warrenville, Illinois, is using the $5,000 grant to fund research into the deterioration of ice cliffs on the poles of Mars. The end goal, Hogan said, is to determine an annual volume of material that's shedding from the ice slopes, which could inform further research on the surface of Mars. In August, he'll present his research to WSGC, and his write-up will be published in the WSGC's student publication.

Lawrence University senior Helen Panshin has approached musicology courses-a requirement for all Conservatory of Music students-with a particular zeal. Panshin, seeking a Bachelor of Arts with majors in both music and English literature, credits the musicology faculty's nuanced and evolving approach for inspiring her passion with specialized research and advocacy for marginalized voices in classical music. That enthusiasm led Panshin, from Corvallis, Oregon, to a reconsidered junior recital and then a summer internship with New Muses Project, an initiative dedicated to bringing greater recognition to underrepresented composers.

Lawrence University senior Benjamin Keating is the winner of the Wisconsin Division of the National Music Teachers Association's Young Artist Piano Performance Competition. He now advances to the regionals.

Lawrence University senior Emma Jacobs has been researching the Teakwood Room in Chapman Hall for more than two years, part of her majors in history and art history. A presentation delivered recently in the historic space on Chapman's second floor was a culmination of her work to date.

Cristyn Oliver, a standout cross country and track athlete now in her fifth year at Lawrence University, is looking to put lessons learned on and off the track to work in a career focused on sports psychology. A psychology major from Redondo Beach, California, Oliver's passion for running has led to her interest in sports psychology over the past few years. She capped off her cross country career at Lawrence in record-setting fashion.