Grateful at Lafayette

“I am grateful for my wonderful colleagues, both within the Psychology Department and across campus broadly, for providing a warm and supportive academic community. Moreover, I am beyond grateful for my students. Their inquisitiveness, thoughtful contributions, and willingness to engage in class discussions have made my first semester at Lafayette both memorable and meaningful. Their enthusiasm for learning is truly inspiring, and it makes each day in the classroom and lab all the more rewarding.” 

–LaCount “JJ” Togans, assistant professor of psychology

“I am so grateful for all of the opportunities Lafayette has offered me. I have been able to explore and develop my interests both with my coursework and through extracurriculars. Being a part of the Lafayette community has allowed me to gain so many amazing mentors and friends. Thanks to Lafayette, I have been able to meet so many people and gain a fulfilling college experience.” 

–Lily Snyder ’25 (chemical engineering, minor in mechanical engineering)

“I’m incredibly thankful for my time at Lafayette, where I’ve found an extremely supportive community that has pushed me to grow both academically and personally. Being here has allowed me to connect with influential professors, contribute meaningfully to the campus community, and access countless opportunities that have broadened my perspective and prepared me for life after college.” 

–Cameron Adler ’25 (economics and history)

“I’m grateful for the wonderful friends and opportunities Lafayette has given me. I’ve found so many ways to connect with the community in my time here, and I have been able to be involved in clubs and activities that give back to the campus and greater area. I have been able to continue pursuing interests I already had, and step out of my comfort zone and try new things. Lafayette has been such a unique and meaningful experience for me over the past three years.”

–Fiona Cannon ’25 (policy studies)

“I felt welcomed as soon as I started here at Lafayette. In my short time here, I have met faculty, staff, and students from many different areas and have had positive experiences each time. I look forward to learning more about the Lafayette community and offering programs that make a difference in students’ lives.” 

–Kris DeJesus, associate director of recreation services for organized sports

“I’m grateful for so much at Lafayette, including the dining hall workers who feed us, the custodians who keep our buildings clean, and the grounds people who help make this campus as beautiful as it is. I am also very grateful for the overall kind and welcoming community at Lafayette and everyone who contributes to it. Understanding professors, supportive advisers and mentors, the amazing girls on the cheer team, and the wonderful friends I’ve found here have eased the transition to college and made my first few months an experience to be thankful for.” 

–Elise Exson ’28 (chemical engineering and international studies)

“One of my happiest places is in the classroom with students. I am grateful for the music we make, the discussions we have, and the community we build. I am grateful for Lafayette’s encouragement of exploration, inclusion of ideas, and the freedom to welcome difficult discussions and listening in the classroom. And if my students or I dream of a project to pursue, no matter the challenge, there is a path to pursue it.”

–Jennifer Kelly, associate professor of music