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President Alison Byerly emailed the following message to the Lafayette community today.
As I reflect on the remarkable weekend just concluded, I would like to thank all who joined in the wide array of activities on campus, in New York, and around the country – whether in person or in spirit – and all who worked so very hard to ensure the success of the many facets of this exceptional moment in Lafayette’s history.
The 150th meeting in college football’s most-played rivalry was an historic occasion, and playing this game in Yankee Stadium ensured that that history was recognized. The national media coverage we received, the ringing of the closing bell at the NYSE, the lighting of the Empire State Building, all of these contributed to a sense that suddenly Lafayette was everywhere, while alumni and friends attended viewing parties and cheered on the Leopards from across the globe. The concentration of energy and pride in the stadium itself, with thousands of fans dressed in maroon and white exploding with excitement at our victory, was amazing to experience.
This moment of extraordinary visibility and pride for the College was a perfect setting for the announcement this weekend of the public launch of the most ambitious fundraising effort in our history. The $400 million “Live Connected, Lead Change” campaign is vital to attracting the resources that will ensure a vibrant future for Lafayette. You will be hearing more about it in the weeks and months ahead.
We are fortunate that this unprecedented occasion offered the opportunity to both honor the College’s traditions and rich history with pride and passion, and look ahead to its future with conviction and confidence in our shared vision.
I invite you to view the extensive coverage of the weekend on our website (www.lafayette.edu), which includes stories, pictures, and video from the game, as well as from the campaign launch and many other events. The strength of the Lafayette community is one of the College’s greatest assets. As this weekend’s events demonstrated, we are connected by a special bond that stretches back through generations. I could not be more proud to be a part of it.
Best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.
president@lafayette.edu – @alisonbyerly