The College and community gather to celebrate a new Landis Center
Photos by Clay Wegrzynowicz, story by Stephen Wilson
For more images from the day, visit Flickr .
Local dignitaries, College administrators, faculty, staff, students, community partners, elementary students, and more gathered Friday to celebrate Landis Day, marking the merger of the College’s Landis Community Outreach Center and Center for Community Engagement.
Landis now will focus on developing active citizens and student leaders in addition to community-based learning and research .
Many honored guests spoke at the event.
Fifth-grade students from Cheston, March, and Paxinosa schools in Easton partnered with Lafayette students to assemble care packages for first-time, low-income mothers who are part of St. Luke’s Nurse Family Partnership.
Then all helped break tile for what will become a framed mosaic, a collaborative art piece that symbolizes the strong connections among the College, school district, and community through Landis projects.
Here are quotes from the speakers:
President Alison Byerly: 'Community has been an integral feature of the Lafayette experience. The College highly values being a member of the Easton community and the Lehigh Valley. Through our involvement with our neighboring communities, our faculty, staff, and students create learning opportunities that not only enhance our campus but also enhance life in our community.' Art Kney, professor of environmental engineering and faculty director of the Landis Center for Community Engagement: 'We all deeply care about enhancing the quality of life in the community by collaborating with local and global partners and creating meaningful and effective service experiences. Today celebrates the partnership, collaboration, and common goals that make us better together.' Edwin Landis ’56, brother to the late John Landis ’39: 'My family grew up in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. That city and Easton are connected in all things. My brother saw early on that Lafayette led nationally in community engagement. He’d have celebrated his 101st birthday last week and would be proud to see all that the College continues to do.' Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.: 'Lafayette students are involved in all types of programs in the city, and today celebrates that collaboration and cooperation. While it may sound like a cliche, the college students here are truly the leaders of tomorrow. And the young students here are following in their footsteps. Do your best and know that colleges, like Lafayette, are accessible to you all.' Amber Zuber, director of leadership and service programs for the Landis Center: 'Landis has become what we are today because of the dedication, passion, and commitment of so many faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners who have gone before us. We are grateful to all of you for making our community a priority, and we’re so excited for what the future holds as we move forward together.' Robert Freeman, Pennsylvania. state representative: 'The college students are engaged in their adopted community of Easton and add a further dimension to the quality of it. This service work is a real component in their education and forms the building blocks of our community. All of us here play a positive role in nurturing it.' John Reinhart, Easton Area School District Superintendent: 'I’m honored to give voice today on behalf of all of the little Rovers here with us. The public school students and staff here today are a testimony to the connection to the College—the mentors, role models, and volunteers who serve our schools. Your student leaders set an example. Your professors and staff exchange opportunities with our staff. We are better for all you have given us.'
