Video by: JaQuan Alston, Olivia Giralico, and David Perez
Exhibits curated by students. Glimpses into the archives. Community tours. Dancing under the stars. Homecoming and more. In honor of Lafayette College’s past, celebration of its present, and anticipation of the future, campus was bursting with activity as the College launched its Bicentennial Kickoff and Fall Weekend Sept. 26-28. Over 5,000 alumni, parents, and friends joined with faculty, students, and staff to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.
“This is a time to embrace the courage of our namesake,” said President Nicole Hurd during her remarks. “As we enter our third century in the current landscape, there has never been a better time to accelerate than when everything else is in disruption, to stand out when most are retreating, or to pivot when everybody else is trying to hold steady. And there’s never been a better time to tell the world that a liberal arts education, where we think critically and love one another, is the way forward. Lafayette, this is our moment.”
Relive the experience through a recap of the events, exhibitions, and incredible moments that recognized 200 years of academic excellence and made our Bicentennial Kickoff a weekend to remember.
Campus was alive with history, art, and the power of our shared experience with a variety of archival exhibitions that gave an exclusive look into the world of the Marquis de Lafayette.
In Skillman Library, attendees explored Lafayette’s evolution through Lafayette 200, which featured key documents, images, and artifacts from the Lafayette College Archives. This Incomparable Site showcased early engravings, maps, and photographs that documented the evolution of College Hill throughout the 19th century. We’ll Gather by the Twilight’s Glow celebrated the evolution of the campus community with Convocation, Commencement, Reunion, and athletic and club photographs over the last three centuries.
A student-curated exhibit in the Williams Center Gallery, Facing Lafayette: Man, Image, Myth, invited fresh reflection on the Marquis and his likeness.
Immersion in our history extended into neighboring Easton, with architecture tours, guided presentations at the Easton Cemetery, and walking tours of Easton’s colonial beginnings.
In honor of this momentous occasion, Kickoff Weekend celebrated the here and now with events designed for students, alumni, faculty, and community.
Open classes offered guests a window into today’s distinctive Lafayette academic experience, while student poster sessions showcased the impact of research at Lafayette. Sustainability tours and events held at LaFarm melded the present and future of climate action.
The ambiance of Marquis de Lafayette’s home of France filled the Quad during La Fête Lafayette Tailgate and Fall Fest (co-sponsored by Lafayette Activities Forum), where attendees enjoyed French jazz music and cuisine, local vendors, crafts, and hot air balloon rides. Student-created art also appeared at the College’s annual Block pARTy (co-sponsored by the Lafayette College Arts Society).
The Lafayette Leopards took on the Princeton Tigers at the Homecoming football game at Fisher Stadium before guests returned to the Quad for a concert by indie pop band Fitz & the Tantrums.
As for what lays ahead, Lafayette has much to look forward to with gratitude and continued support from dedicated friends and families of the College.
On Friday evening, excitement for the future was palpable under a French-themed tent on March Field during the Marquis Founders Dinner, which hosted the College’s most generous benefactors—the Marquis Society. Last fiscal year, Marquis Society members contributed nearly $34 million to elevate the student experience. Their support impacts present and future initiatives and programs, including the Lafayette College Fund, which supports the College’s highest priorities, financial aid, academic programs, and more.
The weekend culminated Sept. 28 at the annual Legacy Brunch and Pinning Ceremony, honoring alumni and their legacy students, whose Leopard pride runs deep and is a significant source of strength for the College community. Of note, Legacy families make up 11% of the Class of 2029.
