Celebrations to occur on campus and across the country as Lafayette honors its nearly 200-year history in connection with the signing of the College charter on March 9, 1826
An on-campus celebration will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Time: 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Farinon College Center
Enjoy a Founders’ Day themed treat, pick up a free giveaway, share a note of gratitude, and more.
Lafayette alumni from across the U.S. and internationally are hosting special “Wine 3/9” celebrations to commemorate the College’s founding. Find a Wine 3/9 celebration near you.
Special thanks to former Alumni Association President (2014-16) Alex Karapetian ’04 and Amanda Lukof (Niederauer) ’08 for coining the term “Wine 3/9,” which has been going strong since 2011.
The concept of a “Founders’ Day” is not new to Lafayette. The first known Founders’ Day celebration was held in connection with the dedication of Pardee Hall in 1874. Subsequently, the College celebrated this day each October, which became the precursor for Homecoming. Founders’ Day celebrations lasted from the late 1800s through 1969, when it was renamed Homecoming. In 2026 Lafayette will mark its 200th anniversary with a bicentennial celebration that will include a year filled with activities and events. Learn more about the bicentennial.