Creative and Performing Arts Scholars

Teaching piano lessons to seniors. Creating a glossy booklet that pairs photos from travels around the world with inspiring passages. Writing and performing one-act plays.

Hannah Weaver ’17 studied to become an actress. 

There are so many ways that Creative and Performing Arts (CaPA) scholars bring art to life across and beyond the campus. They aren’t all art majors and sometimes don’t even see themselves as artists. Instead, they are creative and passionate students, about eight to 10 each year, who join this powerful program to alter the College’s artistic landscape.

It’s not a prize; it’s an agreement.

CaPA challenges students to commit to their creative development and bring cultural experiences to the Lafayette College community.

Each CaPA scholar works with an artistic adviser and receives $7,500 over four years to develop their own projects—from concept through execution—that use the arts as a vehicle for igniting dialogue on Lafayette’s campus.

The CaPA program is made possible by the support of Bruce ’65 and Jackie Maggin.

Over the years, CaPA scholars have tackled diverse issues, including social justice, gender, and race. Their work has inspired action and conversation across campus. CaPA also sponsors campus-wide events and brings visiting artists to campus to share their work and experiences.

Kentaro Mori ’19 played trumpet in a band on campus. 

CaPA funds provide its scholars with the tools they need to produce their creative work. Some students use CaPA funds for music lessons or instruments; others invest in equipment, like cameras, costumes, or dance shoes; still others use CaPA funds to travel to workshops, exhibitions, performances, or symposia that contribute to their artistic development.

Whatever they do, the entire campus benefits.