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Lafayette students will soon have a fun new tool to learn about the College’s rich history and traditions. Pard Pride: The History and Traditions of Lafayette College is an interactive DVD expected to be completed this summer.
The project grew out of the Pard Pride program, which helps students understand the importance of connections to the College, their class, and community. Deborah Rhebergen ’03, assistant director of the Lafayette Annual Fund and director of young alumni programs, was searching for a way to bring the idea to life when American studies major Amanda Niederauer ’08(Bernardsville, N.J.) suggested seeking funding from alumni.
“Many alumni talk of the days of learning College songs and traditions, and a lot of that has been lost,” explains Rhebergen. “We wanted a way to bring that back to our students.”
George Jenkins ’74, president of Merritt Capital Inc. and member of the College’s Board of Trustees, provided funding for the creation of Pard Pride. Playing an active role in the Lafayette community, Jenkins has served as a member of Lafayette Leadership Council and the President’s Advisory Board. He also has provided externship opportunities to Lafayette students.
The primary section of the DVD is divided into five parts: history, diversity, coeducation, role of the military, and athletics. Each category includes historical images from the College archives and summary voiceovers. It also features a trivia game, short videos, interactive campus map, and a lesson on the alma mater.
“The purpose of the DVD is to provide Lafayette students with a fun and interactive way to learn some of the great history and traditions of our College,” says Rhebergen. “So much has changed about Lafayette over the years, and we hope this is a way for our students to develop a greater connection with their Lafayette family.”
Rhebergen and Courtney Bentley, instructional technologist, are the primary staff coordinators. Assisting them are Ken Newquist, web applications specialist; Diane Shaw, special collections librarian and College archivist; Scott Morse, director of athletic communications; and Bob Nourse, senior planned giving officer.
Students participating in production include international commerce major Vanessa Araujo-Lopera ’08 (Woodhaven, N.Y.), mathematics major Patrick D. Kelley ’09 (Shillington, Pa.), and recent art graduate Danielle Schreier ’07.
Voiceover talent includes Dave Block ’93, alumni communications editor; Susan Bradlau, director of estate planned giving; Tom Hampsey, director of development research; and Marianne Rhebergen ’75.