Connect With the Alumni Office

The Office of Alumni Affairs continues to grow and has a more expansive outreach to alumni, parents and friends of the College. Last year alone our office hosted more than 200 events, many of which were sponsored by chapters and included students and parents. In addition, our chapters program has also grown from 10 to 35 with an eye toward developing 17 more within the next few years. Alumni chapters exist all across the country and now internationally with a new chapter that was recently launched in London. Many of our alumni and parents get involved with Lafayette through their local chapters. They see the value in staying connected. We do, too.

One of our primary goals is to strengthen the connection between Lafayette and our alumni. Another is to strengthen the connection we have with our students. Sometimes it happens in tandem. One way to achieve this connection is through the alumni-hosted Welcome Picnics that are held each summer across the country for our new students and their families. Another way is through the alumni/student networking events that are held throughout the year in collaboration with the Career Services Office. Still another way is to have our alumni and students work side by side on community projects during Lafapalooza: Lafayette’s National Days of Service held each spring in collaboration with the Landis Community Outreach Center. And there are many more opportunities throughout the year. One thing is clear: our alumni love their alma mater and make it a priority to establish connections with our students to help enhance their “Lafayette Experience.”

Another goal is to bring students to the Pfenning Alumni Center more often, not only to familiarize them with our office and building, but to get them connected to each other. Each year we host (and co-host) at least four student events in the Alumni Center including a Senior Cocktail Party held in May during Senior Week. Last year over 350 seniors attended this event. So not only do we start the connection with a heartfelt greeting at the Welcome Picnics before our students arrive on campus, but we say a tearful good-bye and solidify the connection at the Senior Cocktail Party before they leave campus and head off into the world to make their marks.

Again, it’s all about connections. And we’re here to make that happen. We always encourage parents to attend chapter events in their areas. For a complete listing of events and regional chapters, please visit our alumni website at www.lafayette.edu and click on “Alumni.” Get involved and strengthen your connection to Lafayette.

Sherri Jones
Director, Alumni Affairs
(610) 330-5040
joness@lafayette.edu