June 15, 2026

Lafayette earns 2026 Pride of Easton Award

“For nearly 200 years, the institution’s roots have remained deeply woven into the culture, identity, and continued growth of Easton”

By Kelly Huth

The Easton Area Chamber and Warren County Council selected Lafayette College as the 2026 Pride of Easton Award recipient.

Pictured from left to right Vicki Doulé, Audra Kahr, President Nicole Hurd, and Pete Ruggiero stand in front of a LV CHamber sign. President Hurd holds the Pride of Easton award.

Vicki Doulé, Lehigh Valley executive and vice president, distribution channels for Capital Blue Cross, is pictured with Audra Kahr, executive vice president, finance and administration; President Nicole Hurd; and Crayola’s president and CEO Pete Ruggiero P’20,’25, a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, as they accept the 2026 Pride of Easton award. (Photo courtesy McKinney Media)

Caitlin Hamlin Myers, assistant vice president of Affiliated Chambers, Easton and Warren County Initiatives, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, says the award recognizes outstanding commitment to the region through generosity, leadership, and hands-on involvement in strengthening the Easton area community. Hamlin Myers noted the award was especially fitting this year as the College celebrates 200 years and doesn’t “show any signs of slowing down!”

“Lafayette College is a true cornerstone, not only of the Easton area community but also of higher education on a national stage,” Hamlin Myers says. “For 200 years, the institution’s roots have remained deeply woven into the culture, identity, and continued growth of Easton. We are honored to recognize Lafayette College as the recipient of the 2026 Pride of Easton Award.”

The accolade was presented to President Nicole Hurd June 3 at Easton Area Chamber and Warren County Council’s Treats and Trophies awards reception. The award came along with citations from Senator Lisa Boscola, Representative Robert Freeman, and Congressman Ryan Mackenzie.

President Hurd was joined by Pete Ruggiero P’20,’25, Lafayette trustee, and president and chief executive officer of Crayola, to accept the Pride of Easton Award.

“I am incredibly grateful to accept this award for Lafayette College on behalf of our entire community,” President Hurd says. “Two hundred years ago, our College was founded by the citizens of Easton. The city and the College are bound to each other in beautiful and profound ways. Receiving this honor during the College’s Bicentennial is a reminder of our shared history and our commitment to the bright future we will create together.”