Welcome to the fall issue of Lafayette magazine.
Leaders rely on wisdom and experience to produce results. But good leaders also say being willing to embrace change, admit faults, and seek feedback is what enables them to inspire others to share their vision of success. This fall has been an exciting period as the College has welcomed its own new leader. Since October’s inauguration, Nicole Farmer Hurd has been on a “listening and learning tour,” in which she’s seeking to better understand challenges and how she can create a community where different perspectives can share space and find alignment.
The four Lafayette leaders profiled in our cover story, “Retail Evolution,” are familiar with this work. These retail industry executives credit their success to being innovative, flexible, and empathetic. This issue also includes a tribute to two members of the Lafayette community who lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks. Eric “Rick” Thorpe ’89 and Neil Levin ’76 are remembered for being strong, generous, compassionate leaders who inspired others. And as always, this issue highlights faculty members who are using their talents to create opportunities that will enable today’s students to thrive as tomorrow’s leaders. We hope this collection of stories informs and inspires you, and brings you pride. Our team is committed to telling Lafayette College’s great stories. Please share story ideas with us at lafayettemagazine@lafayette.edu.
