Meet the 2023 valedictorians

By Bryan Hay, Kelly Huth, Stella Katsipoutis-Varkanis, and Brittany Martin 

Each year, as we recognize the graduating seniors who have earned the title of valedictorian, we can’t help but be awestruck by the magnitude of these students’ academic achievements. Taking on a rigorous course load and attaining a 4.0 GPA—all while making outstanding contributions to the Lafayette community—isn’t just a demonstration of their intellectual abilities. It’s a testament to their unwavering perseverance and dedication to their education, to the College, and to making the world a better place.

What is particularly remarkable about the Class of 2023 is that an astounding 15 graduates achieved the consummate level of academic achievement and were recognized as valedictorians during this year’s Commencement ceremony on May 20.

These 15 star scholars hail from across Lafayette’s academic departments—each with their own unique story and post-graduation plans. Some are engineers, while others are aspiring lawyers or doctors. Some are heading straight into the workforce, while others are continuing their education at home or abroad. Whether they’ll be working on Alzheimer’s disease research or creating new ways to improve indoor environmental quality, the 2023 valedictorians have one thing in common: They’re sure to leave a lasting mark on their respective professions.

Here, each valedictorian shares their most cherished Lafayette moments—and their sage advice to high school students.