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At the age of 19, the Marquis de Lafayette, in whose honor our college is named, left behind the safety of his aristocratic life in France to fight for the cause of freedom in the American colonies. Guided by the belief that the creation and nurturing of a just, compassionate society is the responsibility of every citizen, he was a passionate advocate of individual liberty, abolition of slavery, religious tolerance, and gender equality.
Today, it is no surprise that the college bearing the name of this man of action who broke away from the comforts of his youth to change the course of history encourages students to cross traditional boundaries, to challenge their own beliefs and ideas, and to impact the lives of others. Lafayette is a vibrant, dynamic environment in which to explore and grow, where students cross intellectual, cultural, and social boundaries to discover new worlds and to discover in new ways the world they already know. They learn and they lead. They make new connections – and they make a difference.
"How often do we get to step outside of ourselves and view the world through someone else’s eyes and experience?"
"Passing between disciplines and across different groups on campus has broadened my perspective, allowing a better view of and richer discussions about the issues we all grapple with."
"I was challenged to view the world through the lens of someone living in different circumstances from mine."
"People on campus are open to conversations that explain and teach. Lafayette’s size makes it impossible for anyone to be completely separate – you have to interact, and if you just change one person’s mind, that’s success."
"Studying abroad in an environment like this is a lesson in global awareness of the best kind."
"The root of change rests in the ability of the individual to recognize the humanness of others."
"Because of my engagement with student life, I have a better idea about people, cultural competence, and working with other individuals toward common goals."
"My experience at Lafayette has welcomed me to my state of being."
"I have been able to work with geology professors, but also civil and environmental engineering, physics, and chemistry professors."
"Working with the senior citizens has exposed me to incredible individuals."
