Update from the co-chairs

Dear McDonogh Network Members,

The energy and enthusiasm at Lafayette College is back! Students have returned to campus, and the Quad is bustling with activity. Students moved into the beautiful new Portlock Black Cultural Center at the end of August. Be sure to check out the photos and highlights of the new center in this issue. We look forward to celebrating this new center during Lafayette-Lehigh weekend and hope to see you at one or both of these events:

Portlock Black Cultural Center

• Open House and Celebration – Friday, Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m. 
• Dedication – Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. 

In case you haven’t seen it yet, President Nicole Farmer Hurd invited recently retired Professor of Economics Rexford Ahene to join her for an episode of her video series “Need a Lift?” We also feature Prof. Ahene in this issue of the Voice. Over his 40-year career at Lafayette and as a founding member of the McDonogh Network, Ahene has been part of the College’s evolution into a more diverse and inclusive space. Be sure to read the story about his contribution of artwork to the Portlock Black Cultural Center. 

There are many opportunities to reconnect this fall. We hope you will join us back on campus to meet current students, provide mentorship and advice, and strengthen our network. We look forward to seeing you at the McDonogh Tailgate during Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 22 and at the Rivalry game on Saturday, Nov. 19, which will take place at home this year at Fisher Stadium at 12:30 p.m. Let us know if you plan to stop by the McDonogh Tailgate by registering here.

Be sure to connect with us on social by following us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Wishing you good health and success,

Ryan Benjamin ’10 and Sadé Evans ’17

Co-chairs of the McDonogh Network