Spring 2026
Lafayette officially celebrated its Bicentennial on March 9, and the College community has been making the most of its special year: lively educational programming, feel-good events across the world, new maroon caps and gowns for Commencement, and an impressive lineup of guests and lecturers on campus. In February, Lin-Manuel Miranda spoke to a packed crowd inside Colton Chapel for the Jones Visiting Lecture Series [p. 21]. Meanwhile, the Marquis de Lafayette historical interpreter dropped by to read the charter and take to the Quad on horseback during Founders’ Week [p. 26]. From Los Angeles to Miami, we spotted you at Bicentennial regional events [p. 63]. One of the biggest library collections will be loaned to the National Archives of France for an exhibition starting this month; see how it (very carefully) got there on p. 22. In addition to continuing Bicentennial coverage, this issue features a memory-inducing oral history about the beloved WJRH [p. 28], a trend piece on native landscaping [p. 36], and a look at soccer in America today [p. 42].-
Marquis celebrations
A look at the Bicentennial regional events that have been making their way around the country since October.
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Spring things
Some of the enrichment opportunities that Bicentennial academic grants have unlocked this semester.
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Laf Club Spotlight: Real Estate Club
The Lafayette Real Estate Club has quickly become one of the most dynamic preprofessional clubs on campus.
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Nesting at Metzgar
Biology Department head Mike Butler and his students use Metzgar Fields for researching house sparrows.
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Creative direction
President Nicole Hurd and Crayola’s president and CEO Pete Ruggiero P’20,’25 meet during Founders’ Week.
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Radio Lafayette
An oral history about WJRH 104.9 FM, one of the oldest remaining student-run radio stations in the country.
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Greener pastures
Senior director of sustainability at HelloFresh Jeff Yorzyk ’92 wants to fix the food waste problem in America.
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Anthropology of the city
Students in Prof. Matthew DeMaio’s course use Downtown Easton as a living, breathing classroom.
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Make a plan for your money
Alex Merriman ’16 talks retirement planning, financial literacy, and safely making big purchases.
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Happiness expert
Arthur C. Brooks will deliver the keynote address for Lafayette’s 191st Commencement.
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New finance minor
Lafayette has introduced an interdisciplinary minor in finance to its academic catalog.
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Honoring Ed Kerns
The Lafayette community gathered March 21 at Buck Hall to pay tribute to the late Edward J. Kerns.
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Contract extension
John Troxell signs an extension to stay at the helm of the Leopards’ football program through 2031.
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Easton makes Top 10
Easton lands on AARP’s top 10 places to retire in the United States.
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Commencement colors
Students at the 2026 Commencement will be wearing maroon caps and gowns
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Maroon Club Excellence Fund
In October, Lafayette Athletics announced the debut of the Maroon Club Excellence Fund.
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Lacrosse hits 100 years
The men’s lacrosse program celebrated its 100th year on March 20 with a special alumni day.
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Lafayette, center stage
Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda talks writing, mentors, and bringing the Marquis to life.
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Driven for safety
Michael Nees talks about taking a human-centered mindset to avoid blind spots in design.
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Blazing campaign trails
After winning a local government seat in November, Addison Moore ’27 is dedicating time to civic duties.
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Prepping for Paris
Lafayette artifacts recently loaned to the National Archives of France are ready for the world to see.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda creates buzz
The Thomas Roy and Lura Forrest Jones Visiting Lecture Series presents Lin-Manuel Miranda.
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A precious time for rewilding
How Lafayette alumni and the College are helping to restore ecosystems—one native plant at a time.
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Fútbol Frenzy
A very soccer-obsessed United States readies for its latest surge in the sport.
