Honors Convocation Program

Speaker: Allison M. M. Fleshman, associate professor of Chemistry

The Science of Paint Drying: It’s more fascinating than it sounds

Friday, May 30, 2025, 12:30 p.m.

Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Think watching paint dry is boring? Think again.
Join me on a mind-blowing molecular journey where tiny particles steal the show. From fiery reactions to disappearing acts—and yes, even a little rock and roll— you’ll never look at drying paint the same way again. Curious, yet?  Let the paint dry... if you dare.

 

Convocation Program

Prelude

Praeludium in C Major, BuxWV 137
Dieterich Buxtehude (c. 1637 - 1707) 
Ethan Mellema ’21, organist

Procession of the Faculty*

Festal March
Florence Price (1887 - 1953) 
Ethan Mellema ’21, organist

Land Acknowledgement

Noemi Delgado, Director of Accessibility Services

Recognition of Students Elected to Honor Societies and Recipients of Awards and Prizes

Laurie A. Carter
Lawrence University President

Musical Selection

From Pictures at an Exhibition (1874)
   The Great Gate of Kiev
Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)
Benjamin Keating ’25, piano

Introduction of Allison M. M. Fleshman

Megan Pickett, associate professor of Physics      

Honors Convocation Address

“The Science of Paint Drying: It’s more fascinating than it sounds”
Allison M. M. Fleshman, associate professor of Chemistry, recipient of the 2025 Faculty Convocation Award
Think watching paint dry is boring? Think again. Join me on a mind-blowing molecular journey where tiny particles steal the show. From fiery reactions to disappearing acts – and yes, even a little rock and roll – you’ll never look at paint drying the same way again. Curious, yet? Let the paint dry…if you dare.

Recessional*

Organ Symphony No. 1 in D minor, Op. 14
            VI. Final
Louis Vierne (1870 - 1937) 
Ethan Mellema ’21, organist

Speaker Biography

Allison Fleshman bio picAllison M. M. Fleshman, Associate Professor of Chemistry: "I'm the physical chemist here at Lawrence. I love physics, chemistry, and math and have the best job sharing that love with my students!" Read more

 

Notices

  • As a courtesy to the artists and to those in attendance, please be aware that sounds such as whispering and the rustling of programs and cellophane wrappers are magnified in the hall.
  • Please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices during convocations.
  • Convocations may not be recorded, photographed, or broadcast without the written consent of the speaker and Lawrence University.
  • Bag lunches for students, faculty & staff will be available to go outside of the Lawrence Memorial Chapel (or inside the Music-Drama Center lobby if inclement weather) following the Convocation.
  • Please refrain from talking during all musical selections.
  • An American Sign Language interpreter will be available and located on the stage.

    ASL Interpretation Services offered

 

Next Convocation

Matriculation Convocation: President Laurie A. Carter
Friday, September 19, 2025, 12:30 p.m.

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.