Twenty years of meaningful community engagement

By Bridget Abbott ’26

This fall, Lafayette College marks 20 years of fostering student leadership and civic engagement through the Pre-Orientation Service Program (POSP). Each August, POSP invites incoming students to arrive on campus early for five days of community engagement, laying the foundation for a meaningful college experience. Students are encouraged to move beyond traditional notions of service by immersing themselves ethically and sustainably within a variety of organizations. 

“One of our goals is to help our incoming students acclimate to college, while also learning the values of civic engagement, social responsibility, and how to be good neighbors in our community,” shares Jodi Fowler, associate director of civic leadership programs for Landis Center.

This year, 33 incoming students and 35 returning students worked with the Urban Garden Initiative in local gardens like LaFarm, Kids in the Community (KIC) at Paxinosa Elementary School, the Firth Youth Center in Phillipsburg, and the Aging Population Initiative at Gracedale Nursing Home. 

“Our kids absolutely love getting to meet and learn from Lafayette students,” says Kelly Post-Sheedy, executive director of Firth Youth Center. “POSP provides an opportunity for Lafayette students to see they are a much bigger part of the local community than just a college student. Without POSP, the Lafayette students may not have access to eye-opening, life-changing experiences like those available at our local nonprofit organizations.” 

For returning students, POSP continues to make a lasting impression. “As a first-year, it was my introduction to life at Lafayette, and now as a staff member, I get to help make that happen for the incoming first-years,” Phoebe Haverstick ’28 says.  

“All POSP participants get to interact with community members in a way that builds lasting bonds,” Emma Serpi ’28 adds. “I still remember the first time I went back to Gracedale following my own POSP experience. Some of the residents I interacted with the most still remembered me, and one even gave me a hug! They appreciate people showing up for them in any way in a consistent manner. This is also true for Lafayette students. Throughout their time at Lafayette, they can feel a part of the greater community through participating in other Landis programs, or even just when living their daily life on campus.” 

After days full of engagement, evenings are reserved for reflections, facilitated through discussions, workshops, and community-building activities. 

“Our program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of quality community engagement, help students to begin exploring social justice topics, and raise awareness of some of the barriers facing the Easton community, while also strengthening the bonds between students and the community,” Fowler says. 

As POSP begins its 20th year, its legacy of engagement and connection continues to inspire Lafayette students and strengthen the Easton community.