EASTON, Pa.(www.lafayette.edu), October 11, 2007 — Alberto Luna ’08 (Bronx, N.Y.) is a Posse Scholar majoring in English and psychology. He serves as president of the Brothers of Lafayette (BOL), an organization of African American and multi-cultural young men united by the common goals of facilitating cultural, spiritual, and intellectual development and to instilling leadership, empowerment, and solidarity on campus and within the community. Below, Luna discusses BOL’s goals as an organization and activities for the semester.

The Brothers of Lafayette (BOL) is a men’s organization that fosters personal, social, academic, intellectual, and professional development within its members. As an organization, it provides a safe and positive atmosphere for men on Lafayette College’s campus. BOL’s goal is to make it possible for its members to be strong and to be empowered with the tools needed to be successful in life. As the president of BOL, it is my duty to see that it becomes a prominent organization that makes an impact on its members, on the campus, in the community, and to all our fellow students who come across us.

This year in BOL, one of our goals is to cultivate the leadership skills in the BOL members, especially underclassmen, so that they can take on leadership roles in different organizations and be involved in different campus activities, namely volunteering, career services, diversity inclusion, etc.

Another goal for Brothers of Lafayette this year is to reestablish itself as a known organization, make a mark on the Lafayette community, and to gather interest in the organization from students in ALANA (African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American) as well as Non-ALANA students.

Events BOL is known for are things like “Women Appreciation Day: Women are Roses” (an event that occurs on Valentine’s Day), Career Importance Day, BOL Day, and the end of the year paintball event. BOL has also been known to do brown bags and host guest speakers.

This year, we intend to have some events where we combine efforts with Greek Life to sponsor discussion events, fundraisers, and other events. Also, we have our first BOL social event 10 p.m. Oct 20 in the Farinon Snack Bar, entitled “BOL Presents Lafayette Homecoming BOL BASH: Rep Your City,” where attendees will wear hometown or home team apparel.

I think it is important for men on Lafayette’s campus to be equipped with necessary tools to adapt to the college experience. It is also a necessity to be knowledgeable, informed, and involved. BOL intends to provide this atmosphere for its members, as a support group and as a brotherhood. This is why I became a member of BOL. Now, as BOL’s president, I only hope to put these ideals into effect as we engage the younger generation, the next breed of Lafayette’s leaders.