We are a College built from the hopes and dreams of a young nation and named—by the inspired citizens of Easton—for a Revolutionary War hero.
For 200 years, guided by the extraordinary example of the Marquis de Lafayette, we have built on our foundation in America’s democracy, prepared outstanding young people for leadership and service, seen the excellence of our faculty establish Lafayette as one of the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges, and witnessed the profound impact of our alumni in endeavors of every kind across the United States and the world.
In celebration of our history, with confidence in our future, Lafayette College’s Bicentennial will feature an array of learning opportunities, leadership programs, cultural activities, participatory events, fun celebrations, and more for the entire community. Programming begins in fall 2025 and continues throughout 2026. Join us!
As planning moves forward, details about the activities noted below will be regularly added and this webpage will be updated with events, news, announcements, and opportunities to participate in the Bicentennial.
Kickoff, Conclusion, and Founders’ Day
Three events for everyone to enjoy will mark the beginning and conclusion of the Bicentennial—and the day in 1826 when the Governor of Pennsylvania officially signed the charter to establish Lafayette College:
Bicentennial Kickoff Celebration
Fall Weekend (Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Fall Fest): Sept. 26-28, 2025
Lafayette College campus
Featuring special community events and gatherings.
World Lafayette Day & “Kind & Dine” Week
The Week of Founders’ Day: March 9, 2026
Across the nation and beyond
Featuring intimate dinner gatherings and acts of service with members of the Lafayette community everywhere they live and work.
Bicentennial Concluding Celebration
Fall 2026
Lafayette College campus
Featuring exciting entertainment, programs, and community events.
Bicentennial Programs & Activities
As the Bicentennial program unfolds across fall 2025 and through fall 2026, students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, neighbors, and friends will join together to enjoy an array of other programs and activities, including:
Coinciding with the Bicentennial, America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 will be commemorated across the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania through a series of events, exhibitions, and other offerings. Learn more about these celebrations here:
SWAG
The Bicentennial presents a wonderful opportunity to share our pride as part of the worldwide Lafayette community. Unique clothing, memorabilia, and print items will be on sale, ranging from beautiful men’s and women’s wear to coffee mugs and baseball caps, plus a magnificent College history photo book, artistic postcards featuring treasured Lafayette campus places, a fun Crayola crayon collection featuring a one-of-a-kind Marquis Maroon crayon and related Lafayette coloring books for children and adults alike, and more.
As part of the Bicentennial, we also are commissioning volume four of The Biography of a College-Lafayette which will begin where volume three ended (1978), take us through the Bicentennial year itself, and be for sale in the years after the Bicentennial concludes.
The Founding Story
Elaine Stomber ’89, Co-Director of Special Collections & College Archives and College Archivist, provides the story behind the College’s founding and the path traveled from the Easton citizens who envisioned a college founded in honor of the famed Marquis de Lafayette and the proclamation of the governor of Pennsylvania establishing Lafayette College in 1826.
Share an Idea for the Bicentennial
The Bicentennial events and plans shared here have been informed by you—our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends, and community. Our Bicentennial planning remains underway. We welcome additional ideas for activities, programming, publications, events, creative offerings, and more that can best mark this historic occasion for the College and its role in our community, our nation, and our world.
With Gratitude
We sincerely appreciate the dedication of the Bicentennial Planning and Management Group and Task Forces in shaping the bicentennial schedule of events and programs. Their thoughtful contributions have played a vital role in bringing this celebration to life. View the full list of contributors here.
As we move forward, we are transitioning to a Bicentennial Working Group, which will focus on the day-to-day planning of our upcoming events.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey—we look forward to celebrating together
