‘A home away from home’

By Madeline Marriott ’24

On Friday, Lafayette celebrated the accomplishments of 18 graduating Posse scholars at an intimate ceremony with friends, family, and mentors. In addition to remarks from the Posse Foundation, students received a warm welcome from President Nicole Hurd and a farewell from Alana Klass, co-advisor to the Posse Leadership Board.

“This year is extra special, because when this group of scholars came to Lafayette, we weren’t able to have an in-person induction ceremony,” says Tim Cox, dean of advising and co-curricular programs. “This was the first time that the scholars and their families were together in one space celebrating their wonderful achievements. These students are among the best and brightest that we have here at the College.” 

Since 1989, the Posse Foundation has partnered with top colleges and universities to provide students from public high schools with scholarships and leadership training. At Lafayette, this year’s is the 20th graduating class from the New York cohort and the 16th from the Washington, D.C. cohort. 

“It’s a really big deal to have that 20th graduating cohort, and we just admitted our 20th from Washington, D.C.,” Cox says. “We want to celebrate not only these incredible students, but also the fact that Posse has been on campus for more than 20 years and that there have been so many great accomplishments during that time.” 

Incoming scholar classes are paired with a mentor—biology professor Laurie Caslake for this year’s D.C. cohort and art professor Nestor Gil for the New York students—and remain with that mentor throughout their four years. At the ceremony, scholars received their black, white, and maroon cords from their mentors. Mentors also received a cord to symbolize their important role in Posse. 

“My mentor has been such a rock for me so many times when I’ve needed him—he always knows the right thing to say,” says Yaseen Saleh ’25, a member of the New York Posse. “That’s part of tonight as well: I hope to be able to share with him why I’m so grateful for him.” 

Deep connections with their fellow Posse scholars provide a sense of community for students in the program, many of whom are first-generation college students. 

“Coming into this new environment with incredibly smart, talented students from my hometown gave me a sense of comfort and belonging from the start,” says Jahi Heath ’25, a member of the D.C. Posse. “While Lafayette was a very different environment from the one we grew up in, having my Posse with me helped make the transition feel less overwhelming. We navigated the challenges together, and that unity provided me with reassurance—a home away from home.” 

“As a first-generation college student, there were times when I felt alone—but Posse gave me a strong, supportive community,” adds Jennifer Mercado-Cruz ’25, a D.C. scholar. “I’m deeply grateful to be part of an organization that believes in my potential. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has undoubtedly changed my life, and I will carry that gratitude with me always.”

For many, the celebration is bittersweet, as it marks the end of their Lafayette journey and their time together. 

“It’s not just a celebration of the end of college—it’s a recognition of how far we’ve come and the resilience we’ve built,” Heath says. “It also marks the beginning of new journeys, new futures, and new opportunities. Sharing that moment with the people who helped shape my experience is something I’ll always carry with me.”