From the Archives: The very first Lafayette College diploma

By Kristen Vincent ’26

During the Bicentennial, we will highlight the College’s history each month by sharing a photo or object from College Archives. Want to learn more about a specific piece? Reach out to archives@lafayette.edu for more historical information.

A dozen years after Lafayette College was named in Easton in 1824, and 10 years after the College’s charter was granted by the state of Pennsylvania in 1826, the College’s earliest graduates were given their diplomas. On Sept. 22, 1836, Lafayette College held its first Commencement, issuing its first diploma to George Washington Kidd.