This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
Lafayette College students honored individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the community and the College at the 10th annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards ceremony April 30.
The students cited Mary Gallaher, executive director of the Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, Easton, for actively supporting and enhancing student life at Lafayette. Students honored for exceptional community service were Mary Kate McCullen, a senior from Havertown, Pa., who received the Class of 1997 Community Service Award, and Meghan Masto, a first-year student from Wall, N.J., who was named Volunteer of the Year.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, the Aaron O. Hoff Awards are named in honor of one of Lafayette’s first students, who blew the horn that summoned Lafayette’s first 43 students and three teachers to class in 1832. A member of the Class of 1836, Hoff was the first African American student to attend the college.
Among the highest honors are the People’s Choice Awards and the Unsung Hero Awards. Winners of People’s Choice Awards, given to those “known on campus as being unusually productive and concerned for the betterment of the College and its students,” were Justin Kidwell, a senior from Baltimore, Md., Carmen Marsit, a senior from Hazleton, Pa., and Lorraine Mineo, coordinator of the general biology laboratories and lecturer in biology.
Kevin Pickering, a junior from Woodbury, N.J., and M.J. McGoldrick, a senior from Flourtown, Pa., received Unsung Hero Awards, given to those “who have worked without concern for personal reward, have been loyal and dedicated and have not been recognized in their efforts.”
The Administrators’ Award, given to a student who has “demonstrated sincere concern for the College community and unselfishly taken constructive measures to assist the administration in bettering Lafayette,” went to Landon Adams, a sophomore from Columbus, Ohio.
Service Above Self Award, presented to those “who best exemplify the qualities of caring and concern for others in service activities,” was given to Laura Talbot, a senior from Norwood, Pa.
The Leopard Leader Award went to a student who has held a variety of leadership positions, Kate Deegan, a senior from Philadelphia, Pa.
Several academic and social organizations were honored. The campus chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers was named Academic Group of the Year. The a capella singing groups Cadence and the Chorduroys shared the award as Outstanding Cultural or Religious Group. The Marquis Players were honored as Outstanding Service or Communications Organization. The Brothers of Lafayette and Delta Gamma Sorority shared the award for the Outstanding Living Group. The Ice Hockey Club was named Athletic/Recreational Club of the Year. The student radio station, WJRH, was named Most Improved Organization
The 20th annual 24-Hour Dance Marathon, sponsored by Kappa Delta Rho fraternity and Pi Beta Phi sorority, was named Outstanding Program of the Year. The event raised approximately $8,000 to benefit The Children’s Home of Easton and the Spring Garden Children’s Center.
Kim Person, a senior from Bridgewater, N.J., was named Returning Resident Advisor of the Year, while Mandy Rabouin, a senior from Piscataway, N.J., was named Rookie RA of the Year.
Faculty members receiving Student Government Superior Teaching Awards were Susan A. Niles, professor of anthropology, and James P. Schaffer, associate professor of chemical engineering.
Marvin J. Roth, director of career services, was named Administrator of the Year.
Bruce Allen Murphy, the Fred Morgan Kirby Professor of Civil Rights, who advises the Lafayette Forensics Society, was named Organization Adviser of the Year.
Serena Ashmore, secretary in the department of civil and environmental engineering, and Marie Enea, scheduling coordinator, are the Staff Members of the Year.
Kate Deegan, a senior from Philadelphia, Pa., chaired the Hoff Awards Committee.
Members of the committee were Rob Albergotti, a junior from Dallas, Texas; Maria Fekete, a sophomore from Short Hills, N.J.; Allyssa Grimbilas, a junior from Pompton Plains, N.J.; Nick Groch, a junior from Havertown, Pa.; Eric Lopez, a junior from Brooklyn, N.Y.; Haley Sarsfield, a sophomore from Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Amy Young, a junior from Rye, N.Y.
Lisa Vislocky, a senior from Staten Island, N.Y., and John Meier, associate professor of mathematics, were the masters of ceremonies.