July 14, 2015

La Fayette Visits Lafayette

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Comte Gilbert de Pusy La Fayette, a direct descendant of the Marquis de Lafayette, visited campus with his son Alexander and family friend Michele Marinthe Vlahos. President Alison Bylerly showed them around campus, including a stop at the Chateau Chavaniac and the Arthur Montgomery Mineral Collection in Van Wickle Hall. They also got a firsthand look at the College’s many Marquis de Lafayette items during a tour of Special Collections by associate archivist Elaine Stomber.

Their visit coincided with the reception at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia for the docking of the Hermione, a replica of the Marquis’ frigate. The Comte was the president’s guest of honor and spoke during the ceremony.

Learn more about the Hermione
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La Fayette stands by the statue of his ancestor.
Elaine Stomber, associate College archivist, and Olga Duhl, Williams Professor of Languages, show La Fayette some documents in Skillman Library’s Special Collections.
La Fayette and Michele Marinthe Vlahos tour the Arthur Montgomery Mineral Collection in Van Wickle Hall with geology professor David Sunderlin.
La Fayette and his son Alexander examine historical photos in the President’s Office.
The Comte flourishes the Marquis de Lafayette’s sword to the delight of French professor Olga Duhl.
La Fayette and Alexander examine the numerous items related to the Marquis de Lafayette in Special Collections.
President Alison Byerly shows La Fayette and Alexander historical documents and images in her office.
La Fayette, Alexander, and President Alison Byerly by the bust of the Marquis in Markle Hall
Alexander and La Fayette explore campus.
Geology professor Larry Malinconico shows the exhibits in the Arthur Montgomery Mineral Collection to La Fayette and his son, Alexander.
La Fayette and Michele Marinthe Vlahos examine the detailed woodwork at the Chateau Chavaniac.
The Comte signs the guest book at the Chateau Chavaniac.
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2 Comments

  1. knockout mice says:
    July 20, 2015 at 5:02 am

    I believe that it is a great honor for Lafayette to be visited by La Fayette this time.

  2. Jeff Ruthizer '62 says:
    July 18, 2015 at 7:39 am

    Very interesting story that the College had this opportunity to host this direct descendent of the Marquis. Great photos, and the one with the Comte holding the Marquis’ sword is simply terrific. So much history here. And you posted this on Bastille Day!!

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