From the Alumni Association President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Last May, I had the honor of accompanying my father, Trustee Emeritus Mark Weisburger ’55, at Lafayette’s 188th Commencement. As we walked together across the Quad to celebrate the Class of 2023, it became apparent to me how much Lafayette has been a part of my family’s life. That ceremony was just as meaningful to me as it was for the more than 600 graduates and their families. 

Participating in Commencement also reminded me of how important it is for alumni to assist undergraduates. So many of you have helped students navigate their years on campus and beyond through providing career connections, internships, recommendations, and more. It’s one of the reasons why prospective students choose Lafayette—they know a 30,000 strong alumni network is there to help. This past May, Lafayette held an alumni welcome event for its newest members, the Class of 2023, to help facilitate these important connections. I hope you will join me and continue to support the next generation as they launch their lives and careers post-Lafayette. 

June 2-4 was also a time for celebration on campus as more than 700 alumni from near and far gathered for Reunion. It was terrific to honor alumni celebrating their 50th reunion as well as milestone years. We also welcomed Fran Della Badia ’91 as Alumni Association vice president and president elect. With Fran’s help, and the help and support of our regional councils, we will continue our work to expand opportunities for you to reconnect with your alma mater. 

Following Reunion, Jenny ’82 and I spent a month on the road in our RV. In fact, we raced to Denver to arrive just in time to meet our new granddaughter, born June 6. Five national parks and one national monument later, we arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, to celebrate our son’s engagement. Our travels across the country remind me of how our Alumni Association now better represents where our alumni live … across the United States and abroad. We have worked hard to include our regional councils in the process of strengthening Lafayette’s global reputation. I look forward to continuing that work. 

I invite you to start building connections by visiting LeopardLink. Participate in an alumni event near you and share your Pard Pride in your hometown. I also invite you to visit campus. Whether you graduated in 2014 or 1964, I hope to see you on College Hill to enjoy a sporting or cultural event.

Finally, I encourage you to support Lafayette with your time, talent, and treasure. Whether it is through partnering with the Gateway Career Center to help build career connections for students, serving in a leadership role in your local alumni chapter, or mentoring a new Lafayette alum, the actions of the Lafayette family are truly vital to our continued success.  

Go Pards!
Michael Weisburger ’82
“I am Lafayette”