FINALIST - 2007

Jonathan Farrar By taking advantage of several aspects of Lafayette that make it unique, such as the Excel Scholar program, the student-run Landis Community Outreach Center, and the interims abroad, I have developed both personally and professionally in ways that no other institution could offer. Being involved with research in physics as well as majoring in mathematics has allowed me to foster lasting relationships with professors, which I believe to be an integral part of the Lafayette Experience. Whether it be hosting or attending dinners and events outside of the classroom and laboratory, the candor and professionalism of the faculty and administration have facilitated the formation of many friendships that I will cherish long after graduation. In addition, my commitment to civic engagement has provided me with incredible opportunities to interact with inspiring students and residents in our surrounding community, constantly challenging me to evaluate my opinions. The expansive and flexible curriculum at Lafayette has presented an outlet for my multifaceted interests in the sciences as well as liberal arts. Lafayette’s academic rigor has cultivated a competitive spirit and has led to a profound intellectual curiosity that welcomes new experiences. The small class sizes eased the discussion and dialogue that has provoked this curiosity, an accurate reflection of Lafayette’s commitment to each individual student’s interests. Studying Russian while pursuing degrees in mathematics and physics has nurtured my diverse interests while helping me to become a more well-rounded student. These environments have been conducive to forming strong bonds with my friends that stretch far beyond casual hellos. I believe that Lafayette’s liberal arts education is critical in today’s world of constant change and globalization. Experiences in the classroom coupled with my extracurricular passions have enabled me to develop into an informed and engaged Lafayette student, but more importantly, international citizen.

 

Majors: Physics and Mathematics


Academic Activities

• Phi Beta Kappa (4)
• Pi Mu Epsilon (4)
• Sigma Xi, (3,4)
• Sigma Pi Sigma (4)
• EXCEL Scholar with Professor Kortyna on atomic and molecular cold collisions (1,2)
• Peer Tutor (2,3)
• Physics Club Vice President (4)
• Laboratory Teaching Associate (Physics Dept) (4)
• Interim abroad to Russia (1)
• Dean’s List (1,2,3,4)

Campus Activities

• Lafapalooza Co-Chair - Responsible for organizing event, fundraising, and recruiting volunteers. In addition, I was also responsible for finding volunteer activities throughout the community. (2,3)
• Literacy Day Co-Chair - In charge of fundraising and oversight of Literacy Day planning committee (4)
• XLC Committee (2)
• Director of Firth Youth Center camp for Pre-Orientation Service Program - Served as director for Firth Youth Center program as part of POSP camp. Took a group of six first-year students to the Firth Youth Center in N.J. to help run summer camp.

Community Service

• Prison Tutoring Program Coordinator - Responsible for running the Prison Tutor program through the Landis Community Outreach Center. (3)
• Firth Youth Center Volunteer - Volunteered junior year, then took over the program senior year as the program coordinator. The Firth Youth Center program focuses on fostering mentoring relationships with children in need in the Phillipsburg community. (3,4)
• Safe Harbor - Volunteered at and was the program coordinator for the Safe Harbor homeless shelter program run through the Landis Community Outreach Center. (1,2)
• Team Leader for the Landis Community Outreach Center - Directed a team of about five program coordinators planning monthly meetings, publishing a newsletter and coordinating special events. (3,4)
• Executive Director Pre-Orientation Service Program - Served as executive director or POSP. Responsible for planning events and coordinating various camps run prior to orientation for first-year students. (4)
• Assistant Director for Pre-Orientation Service Program - Served as assistant director of Habitat for Humanity Camp for POSP. (2)
• Habitat for Humanity volunteer (1,2)
• Director of Firth Youth Center camp for Pre-Orientation Service Program - Served as director for Firth Youth Center program as part of POSP camp. Took a group of 6 first year students to the Firth Youth Center in NJ to help run summer camp. (3)
• Winner of 2007 Lehigh Valley "Someone Special Volunteer" award for "outstanding and dedicated service to the community" at the Firth Youth Center. (4)

Athletics

• Intramural Soccer (1)
• Intramural Basketball (1,2,3)

Special Interest

• Circle Entrepreneurship - Served on committee responsible for inviting entrepreneurial businessmen and businesswomen to campus to share their experiences and help educate students about entrepreneurship. (3,4)
• Investment Club member (2,3,4)