Honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

In tribute to the profound words of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Lafayette College prompted its community of faculty, staff, and students to ponder his timeless question: “What are you doing for others?” Originating from a 1957 speech in Montgomery, Ala., King’s question remains as relevant as ever.

To commemorate King’s life and work, and to demonstrate a commitment to service in his honor, Lafayette’s community shared reflections on how they have served and will continue to serve Lafayette, Easton, and their local communities.

“Being on the Lafayette men’s soccer team has shown me the significance of community engagement. Last summer, we united to give back to my hometown in Jamaica. Together, we organized the donation of soccer gear to support my high school’s soccer and track teams. It was a simple yet impactful way to share the love for the game and empower the next generation of athletes in my community.”

– Andrey McIntyre ’25

“Each year, for the past five years, I offer a series of professional, personal, and career development workshops for the AmeriCorps Vistas through the United Way of the Lehigh Valley.”

– Alana Klass, Gateway Career Center

“As a student passionate about education equity, I lead a team of seven Lafayette students to tutor low-income students in the Easton Area School District as a program coordinator for America Reads through the Landis Center. Being able to serve not only the Lafayette community, but also the Easton community through our Lafayette partnership, fulfills me. The photo is a drawing a student made of me!”

– Marcus Alston ’24

“Thanks to many generous donations from students during Green Move Out and to our Thrift Store, we have been able to donate more than 2,000 items to 10-plus local organizations since October. Donations keep items out of the landfill and help us distribute them where they are needed most in our community. Thank you to those who give, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing partners to move, sort, and redistribute these items.”

– Samantha Smith, Office of Sustainability

“As part of my Aging and Age-Related Disease class, students volunteer at Gracedale Nursing home in Nazareth. The residents really enjoy spending time with the students, and the students are learning about the cognitive, health, and social needs of the elderly through their interactions. Many students continue to volunteer after the class because they understand the importance of the work and our role in our communities.”

– Prof. Elaine Reynolds, Biology

“I am incredibly grateful for the chance to volunteer at Forks Elementary School in Easton, a commitment I maintain weekly through the MOSAIC (Landis) program. Our small group is assigned to various classrooms where we support the needs of children with autism. In just one semester, this experience has become remarkably fulfilling, allowing me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these kids. Navigating the  challenges of communication with nonverbal children initially felt daunting, as I wondered if there was a ‘right or wrong’ approach. However, I soon realized that authenticity and being myself were the keys. Witnessing the progress and achievements of these students, who face their own challenges, brings me joy. Building a special connection with the kids over time has been incredibly rewarding, and I am always excited for our weekly reunions.

As a psychology major aspiring to pursue a career in clinical psychology, this hands-on experience has been valuable. Being immersed in this environment has deepened my understanding of my field of interest and allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative impact of genuine care and support. I can’t wait to continue watching the kids grow and succeed in January.”

– Sofia Leimer ’27