A legacy of generosity

Three new members were inducted into Société d’Honneur, Lafayette College’s philanthropic honor society, on June 4 for their exceptional lifetime giving. The newest members include Harry S. Cherken Jr., Esq. ’71; Gordon J. Macdonald P’89, GP’19,’22 and Ruth M. Macdonald P’89, GP’19,’22; and Douglas R. Marvin ’69, P’04 and Judith A. Marvin P’04.

The Société d’Honneur was formed in 1986 by Lafayette’s Board of Trustees to recognize exceptional generosity to the College. The financial support of the 29 inaugural members spanned the first 160 years of Lafayette’s history and strengthened all aspects of Lafayette. With the newest inductees, Société now includes 160 members.

The names of the newest members have been added to the wall at Société d’Honneur Plaza, which is located near the southwest corner of Pardee Hall. In 2016, Lafayette celebrated the 30th anniversary of the society by expanding the recognition space that honors Société members.

President Nicole Hurd presented each inductee with a bronze replica of a statue of the Marquis de Lafayette during the ceremony. The statue is a limited edition reproduction of an original piece of art executed in 1881 by French sculptor Aimé-Jules Dalou. The original statue was presented to the College in 1950 by Allan P. Kirby, Class of 1915, and is housed in the Kirby Library.

About the honorees

Harry S. Cherken Jr., Esq. ’71

From left, Bob Sell ’84, outgoing chair of the Board of Trustees; Harry S. Cherken Jr., Esq. ’71, and President Nicole Hurd.

Cherken recalls his appointment as the student representative to the Board of Trustees during his junior year as his most gratifying College achievement. The efforts of those serving in this time frame resulted in Lafayette’s fast-track decision to admit women into the student body during his senior year. Witnessing that vital transformation at the College was the start of his leadership at Lafayette. Cherkin was elected to the Board of Trustees and served for 10 years with a focus on Development, Alumni, and Community Relations; Educational Policy; and Grounds and Building committees. He is now a Trustee Emeritus. Cherken’s consistent and generous support ensures that current and future students will find an educational experience steeped in excellence.

Gordon J. Macdonald P’89, GP’19,’22 and Ruth M. Macdonald P’89

From left, Bob Sell ’84, outgoing chair of the Board of Trustees; Haley Matthes ’19, Ruth Macdonald P ’89, GP ’19,’22, Alexander Matthes ’22, Gordon Macdonald P ’89, GP ’19,’22, Paige Macdonald-Matthes ’89, and President Nicole Hurd.

The Macdonalds’ connection to Lafayette spans generations, beginning with their daughter, Paige Macdonald-Matthes ’89, and continuing through their grandchildren, Haley Ruth Matthes ’19 and Alexander Gordon Matthes ’22. As Lafayette parents and grandparents, the Macdonalds witnessed the powerful student-faculty connection. They saw how the faculty’s inspiration and influence extended beyond graduation and helped to shape successful careers. This connection led them to support teaching and learning through an endowed faculty position in the Department of History.

Douglas R. Marvin ’69, P’04 and Judith A. Marvin P’04

From left, Bob Sell ’84, outgoing chair of the Board of Trustees; Judith A. Marvin P’04, Jill Marvin Hagan ’04, Douglas R. Marvin ’69, P’04, and President Nicole Hurd.

The Marvins’ leadership has shaped the College’s governance and financial health through numerous critical positions. Douglas Marvin held a role as a board associate on the Financial Affairs Committee and was subsequently elected to the Board of Trustees, where he served 10 years. During Lafayette’s Leadership Campaign, he chaired the Lafayette Leadership Council, served on regional campaign committees, and actively built enthusiasm among other alumni. The Marvin family’s connection to College Hill became even more personal when their daughter, Jill Marvin Hagan, joined the Class of 2004. Douglas Marvin is now an Emeritus Trustee. Together, the Marvins have extended their philanthropy consistently, supporting emerging initiatives and providing vital support to the Lafayette College Fund, and, in 2017, they endowed the Douglas Marvin Family Scholarship.