Lawrence University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Lawrence University, a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music nestled in Appleton, Wisconsin, has cultivated a rich tradition of academic excellence since its founding in 1847. Its commitment to fostering multi-talented individuals through a comprehensive liberal arts education is reflected in the diverse achievements of its alumni. Lawrentians have made their mark across a wide spectrum of fields, from the arts and sciences to politics and business. This article explores the lives and accomplishments of some of Lawrence University's most notable alumni, showcasing the breadth and depth of their contributions to society.
The Foundation of a Liberal Arts Education
Lawrence University's educational philosophy centers on providing students with a strong foundation in the liberal arts. This approach encourages students to explore multiple disciplines, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning. The university offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Musical Arts degrees, as well as a five-year dual degree program for those seeking both a B.A. and a B.Mus.
A cornerstone of the Lawrence experience is the First-Year Studies program, a mandatory course that introduces all students to a shared academic experience. Established in 1945, this program delves into classic works of literature, art, and music, fostering intellectual curiosity and a sense of community among incoming students.
Alumni in the Performing Arts
Lawrence University's commitment to the arts is evident in the success of its alumni in the performing arts.
Jeffrey Jones is a renowned actor known for his roles in iconic films such as Amadeus, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Beetlejuice, The Hunt for Red October, The Devil's Advocate, and Deadwood. His versatile talent has graced both the stage and screen, solidifying his place as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
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Campbell Scott has showcased his talents as an actor, producer, and director. His notable roles include appearances in Singles, House of Cards, Damages, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Royal Pains. He has also lent his voice as a narrator to The Men Who Built America.
Dominic Fumusa has garnered recognition for his role in the Showtime comedy-drama series Nurse Jackie. His work spans both stage and screen, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.
Alumni in Politics and Public Service
Lawrence University has a long history of producing leaders who have made significant contributions to the political landscape.
Kaja Kallas, an Estonian politician and diplomat, served as the first female prime minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024. Since 2024, she has served as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in the second von der Leyen Commission.
Barbara Lawton is an American businesswoman and politician who served as the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. She was the first woman elected to the position. Lawton has also been actively involved in campaign finance reform.
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Scott L. Klug is a former politician, journalist, and businessman. He served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from Wisconsin from 1991 to 1999.
Walter Samuel Goodland was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 31st Governor of Wisconsin.
Jon Richards is an American attorney, judge, and Democratic politician. He currently serves as a Wisconsin circuit court judge in Milwaukee County.
David Mulford is an American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to India from 2004 to 2009.
Carl Wood Riddick was an American politician, journalist, and editor who served as a U.S. Representative from Montana.
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Melvin Baldwin was an American railroad engineer and Democratic politician who served one term in the United States House of Representatives, representing Minnesota.
William Warner was an American lawyer and politician who served as mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, and as a U.S. Senator.
John Rankin Gamble was a lawyer and politician from South Dakota.
Walter North is an American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
Thomas R. Hudd was an American lawyer and Democratic politician who served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin.
Alumni in Literature and Journalism
Lawrence University's emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills has prepared many alumni for successful careers in literature and journalism.
Edna Ferber was a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, short story writer, and playwright. Her novels, including So Big, Show Boat, Cimarron, Giant, and Ice Palace, have been adapted into celebrated films and musicals.
Marjorie Liu is a New York Times best-selling author and comic book writer. She is acclaimed for her horror fantasy comic Monstress and her paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels.
Terry Moran is an American journalist and Senior National Correspondent at ABC News. He has covered national politics and policy from the White House, the Supreme Court, and the campaign trail.
Richard C. Bush III is an American political scientist, foreign policy analyst, and specialist in China affairs.
Jennifer Baumgardner is a writer, activist, filmmaker, and lecturer whose work explores issues related to women's rights.
Harry N. MacLean is a writer and lawyer known for his true crime books, including the Edgar Award-winning In Broad Daylight.
Tom Zoellner is an American author and journalist known for his multidimensional views of his subject.
Kathleen Krull was an author of children's books and a former book editor.
Eben Eugene Rexford was an American writer and poet, and author of lyrics to popular and gospel songs.
Julia Colman was an American temperance educator, activist, editor, and writer.
Louise Manning Hodgkins was an American educator, author, and editor.
Alumni in Science and Technology
Lawrence University's commitment to scientific inquiry is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni in science and technology.
Josh Sawyer is an American video game designer known for his work on role-playing video games.
Thomas A. Steitz was an American biochemist and Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University. He was best known for his pioneering work on the ribosome.
Alumni in Business and Entrepreneurship
Lawrence University has also produced successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
David Oreck was an American entrepreneur and business salesman who founded Oreck Corporation.
John A. Kimberly was an American manufacturing executive and a founder of Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
Jose Luis Romero Hicks is a private legal, economic and financial consultant and managing partner of the law firm Romero Hicks & Galindo.
Alumni in Other Fields
Lawrence University alumni have also made significant contributions in a variety of other fields.
Pawo Choyning Dorji is a Bhutanese filmmaker and photographer. His film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.
Bruce Iglauer is an American businessman and record producer who founded Alligator Records.
Alanna Heiss is the Founder and Director of Clocktower Productions, an organization focused on using abandoned and underutilized New York City buildings for art exhibitions and artists' studios, of which P.S.1 was a part.
Tom Neff is an American film executive, director and producer.
Justus Henry Nelson established the first Protestant church in the Amazon basin and was a self-supporting Methodist missionary in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
Donald W. Sweeting is an American university chancellor, educator, professor, and ordained pastor. He is currently the chancellor of Colorado Christian University.
John S. Mills was a major general in the United States Air Force.
Notable Visitors to Campus
Over the years, Lawrence University has welcomed a number of distinguished visitors to its campus, including:
- Frederick Douglass (1866): The famed orator and abolitionist.
- William Howard Taft (1911): The only sitting U.S. president to visit Lawrence.
- Booker T. Washington (1914): The legendary author and educator.
- William Butler Yeats (1920): An icon of 20th-century literature.
- John Philip Sousa (1924, 1926): "The March King."
- Marian Anderson (1941): The celebrated contralto.
- Frank Lloyd Wright (1943): The famous architect.
- Richard M. Nixon (1959): The then-vice president of the United States.
- Louis Armstrong (1960): The jazz pioneer.
- John F. Kennedy (1960): A presidential candidate.
- Ella Fitzgerald (1961): The "First Lady of Song."
- John Lewis (1964, 2005, 2015): The civil rights icon.
- Abbie Hoffman (1970): A counterculture figure.
- Maya Angelou (1976, 1997): The poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.
- Paul Harvey (1978): The famed radio broadcaster.
- Yo-Yo Ma (1986): One of the most accomplished cellists of all time.
- Dianne Reeves (1987): The jazz vocalist.
- George H.W. Bush (1988): The vice president and presidential candidate.
- Wynton Marsalis (1988): The legendary trumpeter.
- Joshua Bell (1990, 1998): The violin virtuoso.
- Marilyn Horne (1994): The American mezzo-soprano.
- John Updike (1993): The novelist, essayist, critic, and poet.
- Henry Louis Gates Jr. (1997): The creator of PBS's Finding Your Roots.
- Joyce Carol Oates (1999): The famed novelist.
- Jane Goodall (2001): The wildlife researcher.
- Lech Walesa (2001): The former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
- Arianna Huffington (2004): The nationally syndicated columnist and co-founder of the Huffington Post.
- Salman Rushdie (2006): The celebrated British author.
- Michelle Obama (2012): The first lady.
- Bill Clinton (2016): The former president.
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