Summer reflections, bicentennial connections

Dear fellow alumni,

Summers are always nostalgic for me. The emotional triggers are abundant: the smell of sunscreen, a smoky campfire, or the tactile experience of your bare feet feeling grass or gritty sand underneath them. Summer is the season that grants us permission to “pause” and enjoy the stretch of longer days and nights. Our students and professors receive a much-needed and well-deserved break to decompress.

Photo of Fran Della Badia '91. Fran is wearing a black shirt and is smiling at the camera.

Fran Della Badia ’91

This summer, I am reflecting on the past year and all the talented, intellectually curious, and accomplished alumni I have met along the way. Reunion in June was a highlight, with over 600 passionate Pards back in action on campus! Considering we have one of the oldest alumni associations in the country, founded in 1845, this year’s Reunion was a remarkable milestone of 180 years of connection and legacy. Our alumni network is powerful and enduring, and vital to our brand story. Through your lifelong work and achievements, you continually reinforce the excellence and values of Lafayette, inspiring our students as we develop next-generation leaders.

The power of our community IS our community.

So, for those of you who have not connected with fellow Leopards in a while, I encourage you to reach out to old friends to learn what they have been doing. For those of you who are very active through your group chats and close friendships, please plan a trip back to campus together and let us know what you are up to through Class Notes and LinkedIn.

As our Bicentennial approaches, there is no better time to reconnect with Lafayette friends and return to Easton for a visit. The kickoff celebration is weeks away–September 26-28. Be sure to check out our exciting Bicentennial plans. As co-chair of the Bicentennial planning committee along with Trustee Wynne Whitman ’86, we welcome everyone to participate and spend a memorable weekend at Lafayette! We have so many special events planned and a few fun surprises along the way. Be sure to register for one or more of these events!

In other notable alumni news, please join me in congratulating John Mulcahy ’87 P’27 in his new role as vice president of the Alumni Association Board (AAB). John received his AB in economics and business from Lafayette and was active in KDR. John has been on the South East Advisory Council for seven years, and his son Griffin ’27 is a current student. John will assume the role of president of the AAB next June. Congratulations John!

Whether you are feeling nostalgic or simply curious, there’s never been a better time to return to Lafayette and celebrate with us!

See you soon!

Warm regards,

Fran Della Badia signature

P.S. Here are some ways to stay connected: