This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only.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.
In May 1832, Aaron O. Hoff blew the horn which called to order Lafayette’s first day of class for 43 students and three professors. Not only was Hoff a member of the college’s inaugural class, but he was Lafayette’s first African American student.
For many members of the Lafayette community, this is a well known piece of college history. That history is celebrated each year at the Annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards, which honor students, faculty, and staff who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.
Though, Michael Benitez Jr., dean of intercultural development and director of the David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center, had found that many of the younger students he interacted with were unaware of Hoff’s historical significance.
He decided to revitalize a project that had begun five years ago meant to commemorate Hoff’s life and legacy, and has since worked to administer a number of scholarships and establish a cultural library.
To mark the 100th anniversary of Hoff’s death in 1902, students began a three-part initiative in fall 2001. The first two parts consisted of erecting a bronze memorial statue at Hoff’s previously unmarked gravesite at Easton Cemetery and to posthumously confer on him an honorary bachelor of arts degree. Both of these goals were accomplished in May 2002 through fundraisers and contributions from the Lafayette community.
The last portion of the project, however, stalled until intercultural development picked up the reigns earlier this year.
Three awards have been or will be distributed; a study abroad scholarship presented to a student engaged in a service learning project in a country not usually pursued, a book grant, and a development grant, aimed at furthering relationships between Lafayette and the Easton community.
The study abroad scholarship was awarded to Danielle Bero ’07 (Astoria, N.Y.), who created a major that combines creative mediums and social justice. Bero spent her spring semester in Namibia and will present a brown bag lecture focusing on her experiences in October. The book grant will be awarded in the fall to a student with a financial need who engaged in diversity and social justice leadership activities in high school.
The development of a Special Collections Library in Hoff’s name has also been added to the project this past year. The small library will be located in the David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center and will contain a collection of books, journals, and films focusing on diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice.
Benitez is hopeful the entire project will come to fruition in September with a dedication of the library. He is currently trying to locate living descendents of Hoff and he would like to have them attend the dedication as honored guests.
Donations and reading suggestions for the library are still being sought and anyone interested can contact Benitez through email or by calling (610) 330-5819.