Convocation Program

Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11 a.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

 

Prelude

Festival                                                                                      
LaVahn Maesch ’25* (1904-1994)
*Maesch was a professor of organ at Lawrence University from 1926-1969 and served as the Dean of the Conservatory from 1954-1970.

The Peace may be exchanged from Rubrics                                            
Dan Locklair (b. 1949)
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist

Parade of Classes        

All Reunion Classes

Processional

Fanfare
William Mathias (1934-1992)

Arioso from Cantata 156                                                                            
J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist

Musical Selection

Spirit, Moving Over Chaos
David Ashley White (b. 1944)
Reunion 2026 Alumni Choir
Dr. Rick Bjella, conductor; former Lawrence University professor of music and choir conductor; Director of Choral Studies, Texas Tech University; San Antonio Chamber Choir Artistic Director
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist

Land Acknowledgement        

Alison Scott-Williams
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Lawrence University                                                 

Welcome

Margaret Schmidt ’12, President 
Lawrence University Alumni Association

Musical Selection

Peace Like a River
Traditional Spiritual (arr. Rick Bjella)
Reunion 2026 Alumni Choir
Dr. Rick Bjella, conductor
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist

Reunion Convocation 2026 Video

President’s Remarks

Laurie Carter
President, Lawrence University

Presentation of Alumni Awards

Maggie Schmidt ’12
Laurie Carter

Milwaukee-Downer Alma Mater
Lawrence University Sesquicentennial Anthem In the Quest for Understanding

Reunion 2026 Alumni Choir
Dr. Rick Bjella, conductor
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist

Presentation of Reunion Gifts

Reunion Class Representatives

Adjournment

Maggie Schmidt ’12

Postlude

Prelude from Three Pieces, Op. 29 No. 1
Gabriel Pierné (1863-1937)
Dr. Nathan Birkholz, organist

The All-Reunion Cook Out will take place on Main Hall Green immediately following the conclusion of Reunion Convocation. Registration is required.

For more information, please see the Convocation Series.

 

We collectively acknowledge that Lawrence University is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people.