Ties That Bind

Sarkis Acopian ’51 (right) with Marty Zippel ’49 in 1991.

As I approach my final days as president of the Alumni Association, I am reminded of the importance of creating connections with fellow alumni and strengthening the ties that bind us to our alma mater. These efforts have been my focus over the past two years. To realize the full potential of our alumni body, I would like to invite all of you to reach out to lost or disconnected Pards. A simple email, Facebook message, tweet, or phone call can reinvigorate kinship with the College and rekindle friendships.

Today, Lafayette competes against the very best liberal arts colleges in the country, and the College needs the help of our collective community. Academic rigor, outstanding faculty, and a diverse student body served as the cornerstones to our success, and now it’s our turn to support the institution by giving back.

My late uncle, Sarkis Acopian ’51, is my role model in demonstrating how benevolence can help change the landscape of an institution. His donation towards the renovation of the engineering center was a transformative gift that elevated our engineering program into one of the nation’s best. Sarkis made this significant contribution because he believed in Lafayette, the wonderful faculty, and the exceptional students who matriculate here every year. He envisioned the Acopian Engineering Center serving as a springboard for students’ futures. The old engineering building played a similar role in Sarkis’ life when he graduated as a mechanical engineer, and he vowed to give future students access to a cutting-edge facility. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of engineering at Lafayette this year, it gives me great satisfaction to know that thousands of students have experienced a world-class education thanks to his generosity.

As alumni of Lafayette College, it is our privilege and duty to help make our family stronger. Won’t you join me? Please take a moment to donate, participate, and come back “home” to the Hill.
It has been an honor and pleasure serving as your president.