September 21, 2022
Family Weekend celebrations
By Jill Spotz
More than 2,500 students and their family members registered for this year’s Family Weekend, which was celebrated under blue skies on College Hill Sept. 16-18. The fall tradition is organized by a student-led committee that chose a “Viva Laf Vegas” theme this year. The weekend was packed with activities featuring a showcase of student performances, opportunities to meet President Nicole Farmer Hurd, multiple educational, athletic, and campus events, time to explore the local community, and more.
Popular (and sold-out) events included a tour of Chateau Chavaniac, led by Thomas Lannon, director of special collections and archives. The Chateau is Lafayette’s historical guesthouse built in 1932 and modeled after the birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette located in Chavaniac, France. Another favorite tour was the guided trip to Ringing Rocks Park, where families learned about the boulder field from David Sunderlin, associate professor and department head, geology and environmental geosciences.
Below are a few highlights from the weekend.
Families around campus
Marquis Parents Council Reception
On Friday, members of the Marquis Parents Council kicked off their fall meeting with a reception on Pardee Terrace. Council members had the opportunity to learn about the College’s newest initiatives from Lafayette President Nicole Farmer Hurd. The Marquis Parents Council supports all areas of the College from the Annual Fund and Maroon Club, to academic programs, the Gateway Career Center, and more, through their time, talent, and financial support.
Legacy Celebration
More than 50 legacy families participated in an official pinning ceremony for newest members of the Lafayette family. For some families, their Lafayette legacy spans multiple generations. In total, Lafayette welcomed 132 legacy families this year. Below are photos of some special moments captured during the ceremony.
Student Performance Showcase
Families enjoyed performances by many talented and creative student groups on campus, including Lafayette’s a cappella groups–Cadence, Chordorouys, Soulfege, and The Mar-keys–and the College’s theater group–the Marquis Players. The Lafayette Dance Team also performed.
The Presidents with President Nicole Farmer Hurd
President Nicole Farmer Hurd led a discussion with presidents of several student organizations on campus. Families learned what it is like to serve in a student leadership role, and how campus organizations contribute to the development of leadership skills and enhance the Lafayette experience for students.
Tailgates and celebrations
Tailgates took place on the Quad and at the newly renovated Markle parking deck on Saturday before the Lafayette football game against William & Mary. Families enjoyed delicious food and games along with the opportunity to meet President Hurd.
18th Annual Pre-Game Block pARTy
Families were treated to one of Lafayette’s great traditions–the annual Block pARTy, which took place on Parsons Street across from Fisher Field. In its 18th year, the event showcases the performing and visual arts, and features live music, art, games, and performances. The Block pARTy was founded in 2002 to showcase the arts at Lafayette and has been going strong ever since.
Lafayette vs. William & Mary football
Tailgating and pre-game fun continued in the newly renovated Markle parking deck prior to the Lafayette vs. William & Mary football game at Fisher Field.
The weekend concluded with the opportunity for families to visit College Hill Porch Fest, an annual neighborhood tradition featuring local artists who performed on 26 resident porches. The event culminated with a parade that ended on Broadhead Street in College Hill.
Weekend scoreboard
Cross country – Mountain Hawks take the Leopards
Volleyball – Lafayette 3, Lehigh 1
Field hockey – American 2, Lafayette 1 OT
Field hockey – Lafayette 1, University of New Hampshire 0
Women’s soccer – Boston 2, Lafayette 1
Football – William & Mary 34, Lafayette 7
Men’s soccer – Lafayette 2, Holy Cross 0
