Celebrating opportunity

The cheerful paper lanterns that adorned the ceiling in the Bergethon Room in Marquis Hall matched the smiling faces and spirited conversations during the 15th scholarship recognition event held at the College April 9. More than 175 attendees, including alumni, parents, and friends who established scholarships, and the students who benefit from their generosity, attended the luncheon. 

Currently, college-funded scholarships, grants, work opportunities, and loans total more than $59 million. Of this amount, more than $9.9 million is generated by more than 600 named scholarship funds. Thanks to the generosity of many, approximately half of Lafayette students received assistance through the College’s financial aid program during the 2021-22 academic year. 

President Nicole Farmer Hurd is joined by co-presenters Devin On ’22, recipient of the John J. Veronis ’48 Scholarship, and Betsy Huston Fadem ’76, who established the Betsy Huston Fadem ’76 First Women Athletes Scholarship.

Recently, Lafayette made two critical investments to improve access for low-income and middle- class families under the direction of President Nicole Farmer Hurd. Students from high-poverty high schools are no longer required to submit the complex College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) to receive financial aid, and the no-loan policy threshold increased from $50,000 to $150,000 in family income. 

During her remarks, President Hurd spoke about the importance of improving access and the impact it can have for students at Lafayette. 

“I think about our students as sparks, and our job is to turn them into fireworks,” said Hurd. “For everyone here today who has made it possible to have our sparks become fireworks, thank you. We are doing two of my favorite things today: We are telling our students we believe in them, because we do, and we are committing to this place. We all have to make it its best version of itself. So there is a lot to celebrate today.”

Devin On ’22, who received the John J. Veronis ’48 Scholarship, spoke about his Lafayette experience during the luncheon. Devin hails from Bronx, N.Y., is an English major and a member of the football team. He spoke about his Lafayette journey from the moment of acceptance to the present, explaining that routinely asking the question of Cur Non? or Why Not? unleashed powerful connections at Lafayette. As a result, Devin, who is also a Posse Scholar, experienced a myriad of opportunities including a compelling international experience through participation in the College’s L.I.M.E. program in Madagascar, and the ability to compete as a Division I student-athlete, to name just two.

“The words of my story can be read over with the glance of a quick eye: Posse Scholar, English major, student-athlete. However, in taking the time to process these words, slowly breaking down each syllable, and understanding the experiences that came with each one of these titles, it becomes abundantly clear to see how each of these pieces contributes to a much bigger puzzle of someone who has learned that the power of community is far greater than that of an individual. There is an African proverb that states, ‘If you want to move fast, move alone, but if you want to go far, move together.’ It is with that message that I leave Lafayette with a call to action. I no longer am dazed, but inspired to ignite the world on fire, fueled by every relationship I have made and have yet to process.” Devin will be working at Bank of America after graduating in wealth management. 

Former three-sport athlete Betsy Huston Fadem ’76, who established the Betsy Huston Fadem ’76 First Women Athletes Scholarship in 2018, also spoke about the importance of supporting the next generation. Betsy knows firsthand how participation in collegiate sports prepares young adults for life after College. She was a member of the third class of women to attend Lafayette and participated in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse during her time on College Hill. She also served as captain of each team. During her remarks, Betsy “connected her spots” by detailing her experience on College Hill to her desire to pay it forward. 

“Realizing there was an opportunity to have a lasting impact on a female student-athlete and to make sure the incredible experiences I encountered could continue for others, I decided to set up this First Women Athletes Scholarship,” she explained. “What was important to me was that this scholarship would provide an opportunity for female athletes to have a Lafayette education and experience being part of a team.” Betsy is currently on the executive board of Friends of Field Hockey and is a member of the Athletics Campaign Steering Committee.

Forrest Stuart, interim vice president for enrollment management, and Robert Sell ’84 H’18, chair of the Board of Trustees, also spoke about the importance of scholarships during the luncheon. The event concluded with the alma mater led by the Chamber Singers. 

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