Connections

This was the year of 1s and 6s.

Not that that prevented hundreds of alumni from locations near and far—and from generations recent and distant—from returning home to Lafayette for reunion weekend June 3-5. Reunion weekends are always open to all alumni. It was wonderful catching up with so many whose lives Lafayette helped shape in some way, whether they’d accepted their diploma in 1966, 2011, or during any other era.

It is this emotional connection that encourages many of us to continue our involvement with our alma mater long after we’ve received our diplomas. It certainly is what has inspired me. Through alumni events, I’ve met so many people who have enriched my life personally and professionally, much as my friends from the Class of ’79 did back in my college days. Age doesn’t matter…Lafayette connects us all. It is where each one of us explored who we were and dreamed about who we might become. It’s where we took risks and maybe, made some mistakes. No matter our generation, Lafayette provided the foundation and support we needed to live meaningful lives, and it can continue to play a significant role in each of our lifelong journeys.

As I begin my two years as President of the Alumni Association, I hope to focus on these interpersonal connections. I invite you to join me and help strengthen our community. Read your emails from Lafayette. Attend alumni events on campus and in your hometown. Follow the many Lafayette groups on social media. Offer a student an internship or an externship, or become a career mentor. Take advantage of Lafayette’s Career Services when you are seeking to make a change in your career. Enroll in a ConnectEd class next January. Encourage high school students you know and meet to apply to Lafayette College. Help incoming students and their parents feel a part of the Lafayette family by attending welcome events each summer. Wear your Lafayette gear with pride. Volunteer to be a class officer or class fund agent, or help plan your next reunion. Learn about the College’s exciting new strategic initiatives. Finally, support the Live Connected, Lead Change campaign and the Annual Fund to help ensure the new vision for Lafayette becomes a reality.

I take my role as your representative seriously. Please feel free to email me anytime.

I want to hear what’s on your mind and how you want to help Lafayette be the best version of Lafayette yet.

And so, whether you’re a 1, a 6, or any other year—I look forward to hearing from you and connecting.

Warmly,

Lisa Kassel ’79, P’13
President