McDonogh is Here
for You

Kyara Gray ’11

I was introduced to the McDonogh Network during my sophomore year at Lafayette. My roommate, Jasmine Little ’11 and I were overly excited to take a break from everyday “Farinon attire” and dress professionally to finally meet Lafayette alumni who could relate to our Lafayette experience.

The first McDonogh event was held at the Black Cultural Center and it was beautiful. It almost seems funny now how surprised we were being around so many alumni of color who could tell stories (good, bad, or indifferent) that sounded so much like the experiences we were living each day. From that point forward – I was hooked. After building a relationship with Nkrumah Pierre ’06 and several other founding alumna, I began supporting the network as its first student representative within the Development Office. In partnership with dedicated alumni, Kim Spang, vice president of development, and many faculty members, we were committed to getting McDonogh off the ground.

We understand, we are here for you, and we can help prepare you for the world off the hill.

The network has been alongside me through college, studying abroad, career opportunities, relocations, marriage, and the birth of our daughter. As much as it has meant to me, it is encouraging to see that through my presence and the commitment of alumni engaging with students, we continue to provide the same impact. This impact says to students, “We understand, we are here for you, and we can help prepare you for the world off the hill.”