By: Kelly Huth
Lafayette College was founded by the citizens of Easton in 1826, forming a lasting bond between campus and community. Throughout its yearlong Bicentennial celebration, the College has partnered with, and continues to celebrate, its community connections.
“Our Bicentennial is not just a celebration of Lafayette’s history. It is a celebration of the enduring partnership between the College and the City of Easton,” says Chelsea Morrese, executive director of community engagement and director of Landis Center. “For 200 years, local businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors have helped shape who we are through a shared commitment to education, civic engagement, and community vitality—reminding us that we are stronger as we grow together.”
We share our thanks for the many Lehigh Valley businesses and organizations who helped to make Lafayette’s Bicentennial Kickoff shine.
Available early September and through the end of the Bicentennial celebration next year, commemorative Crayola crayons will be for sale in the College Store, online and at Bicentennial campus events. Photo | JaQuan Alston
Crayola partnered with Lafayette to make the College’s Bicentennial even more momentous by releasing four custom crayon colors—Marquis Maroon, Cur Non Royal, Golden Leopard, and Day on the Quad.
“Crayola is thrilled to partner with Lafayette and create this commemorative box to celebrate the College’s Bicentennial,” Pete Ruggiero P’20,’25, a member of Lafayette College’s Board of Trustees and Crayola president and CEO, said in August. “Our organizations have built a longstanding partnership grounded in a shared commitment to uplifting the Easton community—collaborating on impactful initiatives and creating internship opportunities for local students. Congratulations on reaching 200 years of academic excellence!”
The Bicentennial Kickoff offered activities on and off-campus for visitors. Photo | Matt Smith
Volunteers from Historic Easton Cemetery partnered with the College to offer visitors tours of the historic chapel and mausoleum, noting the remarkable men and women who made an impact on Lafayette College and throughout Easton.
GEDP’s Sweet Stroll event shared a path highlighting Downtown Easton’s bakeries during Kickoff Weekend. | Courtesy Photo
The nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership honored the College’s Bicentennial during its annual Sweet Stroll in September. Coinciding with the Bicentennial Kickoff weekend, Sweet Stroll offered participants a chance to try treats from the many bakeries throughout Downtown Easton. Several participating bakeries crafted sweets with a nod to the College’s 200th anniversary.
Three pieces of art from Lafayette College’s collection were featured in The American Revolution documentary on PBS. A preview was held on campus Oct. 23.
Bicentennial celebrations also included an exclusive preview of Ken Burns’ documentary The American Revolution, held in partnership with Lehigh Valley 250 and PBS39. The documentary highlights central figures from the time period, including the Marquis de Lafayette, and features images from Lafayette’s Kirby Collection of Historical Paintings and Special Collections.
Families and alumni returned to campus to celebrate the Bicentennial Kickoff with faculty, staff, and students. Photo | Matt Smith
During Bicentennial Kickoff in September, the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement held an alumni happy hour at Rivals Sports Bar for alumni in class years 2015-2025.
Lafayette-themed beverages, produced by local wineries and breweries were featured throughout the Bicentennial Kickoff weekend. Photo | Rick Smith
During Bicentennial events, as well as sporting events at Fisher Stadium, Lafayette-themed brews were poured thanks to a collaboration with Savant Beverages, owner of Weyerbacher Brewing Co. Launched in 2024, the lineup features Go Pards India Pale Ale, Leopards Lager, College Hill Cooler, and Parchment Pale Ale (cans of which sported a Bicentennial logo in honor of the College’s anniversary).
Volunteers from the Sigal Museum led tours allowing visitors to explore Downtown Easton’s history. Photo | Henry Hung
Volunteers from the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society and Sigal Museum hosted several Easton Historic District Walking Tours for families and alumni, showcasing the area’s Lenape roots, colonial beginnings, and Victorian heyday.
Stone Farm Cellars and Vineyard created signature wines for the occasion. Photo | Matt Smith
Lafayette collaborated with Stone Farm Cellars and Vineyard on five wines crafted especially for Lafayette. The signature bottles were featured at La Fête Lafayette Tailgate and the Marquis Founders Dinner during Bicentennial Kickoff.
Several local food trucks visited campus for the Marquis de Lafayette birthday celebration. Photo | JaQuan Alston
A big thank you to Bananarama Sundae, Don Juan Mexican Grill, Mon & Mel’s Sweet Scoops, Ce-Ce’s Lemonade, Greek Street, Taco Town, Uncle Louie G, and Grubnight Food Truck for joining the Lafayette food truck to serve students, staff, and faculty at the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday celebration.
