Lakeland honors academic achievement at honors banquet
Lakeland University senior Lauryn Johnson practices the concept of paying it forward.
She recalls clinging to her on-campus room as a freshman and the way her resident assistant motivated her to get out of her room and her comfort zone and invest herself into Lakeland’s campus.
As she nears graduation from Lakeland in a few weeks, LJ’s involvement and leadership are inspiring a new group of Muskies.
Johnson, a criminal justice major from Kenosha, Wis., has been named the winner of the 61st annual Clarence H. Koehler Award, the university’s top award for undergraduate students. She received the award Wednesday at Lakeland’s annual Honors Banquet.
The Koehler Award is presented each year to a Lakeland senior who best exemplifies “The Lakeland Spirit” through participation in and support of the university’s programs and activities. To be eligible, graduates must complete a majority of their undergraduate courses at Lakeland and maintain a high level of academic achievement.
The other finalists for the 2026 Koehler Award were:
Johnson, who attended Lakeland as an Ulrich Scholar, maximized her Lakeland experience. She served as a resident assistant and later a senior RA and a Blue & Gold Champion, roles that allowed her to help and support current and incoming students. She worked at the Boys & Girls Club at Sheboygan’s Longfellow Elementary School and has been a mentor for a middle school student, providing guidance in school and in life.
“The person I was my freshman year and the person I have become today are two different people,” Johnson said. “I came to Lakeland shy, reserved and isolated, and I will be leaving Lakeland confident, fearless and ready for what is to come. Lakeland opened the door and paved the way for me to be a successful individual in society.”
Johnson was a four-year member of the LU women’s basketball team and was a starter for three years, she co-chaired Lakeland’s Blue & Gold Awards event, was a member of the Black Student Union and won several leadership awards for her work.
She will graduate as a member of Lakeland’s Honors Program after creating an interactive event to help the Lakeland community learn more about the terminology and other basics associated with the LGBTQ community.
Other winners announced at the Honors Banquet include:
