Lawrence University, located in Appleton, Wisconsin,
is a private undergraduate college founded in 1847. The first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second
college in the United States to be founded coeducational.Lawrence's first president, William Harkness Sampson founded the school with Henry R. Colman, using $10,000
provided by famed philanthropist Amos Lawrence and matched by the Methodist church, of which
both founders both were ordained ministers. Originally the school was named
Lawrence Institute, documented in its 1847 charter from the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature.Lawrence's first period of major growth came during the tenure of alumnus Samuel Plantz as president. From 1894
until 1924, Plantz presided over the school and led its student body to grow from 200 to 800.From 1913 until 1964, the school was named Lawrence College, to emphasize its small size and liberal arts education focus. The name was changed back to Lawrence University when it joined with
Milwaukee-Downer College for Women, symbolizing the two schools united as one.
Initially, the university designated two entities: Lawrence College for Men and Downer College for Women. This separation has not
lasted, though degrees are still conferred on the recommedation of the Faculty of Lawrence and Downer Colleges. To this day, the
traditions and heritage of
Milwaukee-Downer are woven into the Appleton campus, from the grove of hawthorn
trees (called Hawthornden) between Brokaw and Colman halls, to the sundial on the
back of Main Hall, to the bestowing upon each class year a class color and banner. Milwaukee-Downer alumni are generous both
financially and spiritually to Lawrence University, attending yearly reunions and other events there, and contributing to the school's hefty endowment.The
Lawrence Conservatory of Music was founded in 1894. The university confers a Bachelor of Music
degree and also offers a five-year program leading to a Bachelor of
Arts in addition to the music degree.Although the names are similar, Lawrence University is not related to Sarah Lawrence College or St. Lawrence University.Lawrence University is also known by many for the Great Midwest Trivia Contest broadcast every January over the college radio station WLFM.
