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Lafayette Posse Program

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Official page of the Lafayette College Posse featuring announcements and news from our two cities: New York City and Washington, D.C.

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Save the Date: All Scholars Welcome Reception
More info coming soon, but mark your calendars now!

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Leopards, say hello to Paris Francis ’26. 👋

Looking back on her time at Lafayette College as an integrative engineering major with a robotics focus, Francis says her research experience has been instrumental in shaping her interest in engineering.

Her lab research at Lafayette explored ways to improve motorcycle safety by developing simulations.

The excitement and openness to learning at Lafayette is something Francis greatly admires. “The small community and how willing everybody is to learn is, I think, something that makes Lafayette unique.” —Paris Francis ’26

Francis’ advice for future Leopards ⤵︎

“Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable; try any and everything. There are so many opportunities for you to grow, you just need to take them in order to get to where you want to be.”

After beginning as an intern, Francis now works as a Software Systems Application Engineer I at Schneider Electric, where she is assigned to projects in New York City.

Francis has been involved across many parts of campus during her time at Lafayette:

✓ President of National Society of Black Engineers
✓ Historian for the Association of Black Collegians
✓ Digital Scholarship Services (DSS) assistant
✓ Resident adviser
✓ Assistant at the circulation desk of Skillman and Kirby libraries
✓ Portlock resident
✓ POSSE Scholar Paris Francis ’26

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See what’s next for Abdi Kusata ’26 ⤵︎ #LafGrad 🐆🎓 #LafayetteCollege200

Kusata says there are many people at Lafayette, staff and students alike, who supported him along the way, and he’s grateful for all of them.

He has been on a running streak since he stepped foot on campus. He started running with Running Club the Sunday before his very first day of classes at Lafayette, and it’s a tradition he kept going until the Sunday after his last day of classes.

“Prof. Trent Gaugler, my @lafposse mentor and running partner, played a huge role in my journey,” Kusata says. “He was always someone I could go to for guidance, whether for academic or career goals. We’ve always motivated each other, and I hope to keep that going.”

We happened to walk past this faculty-student pair after Lafayette College’s 191st Commencement ceremony. The two shared a hug as Kusata said, “You will always be my favorite running partner.” 🥹

Now a Lafayette College alumnus, he will head to Arizona to begin his career as an Analyst at Bank of America.

Learn more about Kusata, where the Class of 2026 is headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future path at the link in our bio.

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We are so proud of our Leopards 🥹! With Commencement weekend underway, see what’s next for 15 members of the Class of 2026 ⤵︎ #LafGrad 🐆🎓 #LafayetteCollege200

-Ashley Martinho ’26: Attending veterinary school at Ross University starting in Aug.

-Martin Ayala ’26: Field engineer for Turner Construction’s Philadelphia business unit.

-Ellie Barton ’26: Attending an accelerated nursing program at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.

-Nisan Basciftci ’26: Trading analyst at J.P. Morgan’s interest rate options desk.

-Olivia Catalina ’26: Medical assistant and researcher at Orozco Orthopedics in Manahawkin, N.J., during her gap year before attending medical school.

-Skyler Chang ’26: Headed to UC San Diego to work toward a graduate degree in material science engineering.

-Molly Dormer ’26: Medical assistant at Family Medicine North in Mass. for one year before continuing her studies at medical school to become a physician.

-Paris Francis ’26: Software Systems Application Engineer I at Schneider Electric, assigned to projects in N.Y.

-Syd Friedman ’26: Fluids design engineer at Amentum, the primary contractor of the Kennedy Space Center; will join Amentum’s work on the Artemis missions.

-McKenna Graf ’26: Attending a master’s program for education at Harvard Graduate School of Education, specifically for Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship with a concentration in Arts and Learning.

-Madison Horvath ’26: Working for Johnson & Johnson in its GOLD program (Global Operations Leadership Development Program).

-Abdi Kusata ’26: Analyst with Bank of America in Arizona.

-Max O’Rourke ’26: Working for the European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Division at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

-Owen Paschke ’26: Headed to an engineering rotation program at Williams International in Detroit, a manufacturer of small jet engines for passenger aircraft.

-Grace Trautwein ’26: Attending Stanford University to receive her master’s in environmental engineering.

Learn more about where they’re headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future path at the link in our bio. Ashley Martinho ’26.

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At Lafayette, Eli Noonan ’26 found a home that nurtured their voice and opened up a future filled with possibility.

Noonan discovered Lafayette when they were nominated for a Posse Scholarship by their high school guidance counselor. After applying at their counselor’s encouragement, Noonan entered the College as a member of the Lafayette Posse D.C. 17 cohort, beginning a four-year journey of self-discovery and building everlasting bonds.

“My Posse mates have been there for me since day one, even before we arrived on campus. And that’s what the program is all about. Creating that connection and knowing you have a family that’s there for you to lean on...”

At the same time, Noonan found another home in the McKelvy Scholars program, a community of intellectually curious students who engage in civic discourse, critical thinking, leadership building, and community involvement.

“…Finding a space where you feel respected, heard, and valued is really powerful, and it instills a confidence in you that you carry with you in the classroom and for the rest of your life. I am so grateful to have this community. I found my people here.”

Noonan says their experiences with Posse and McKelvy—in addition to their involvement in the Lafayette Speech and Debate Team and their role as a writing associate for the College Writing Program over the last three years—have strengthened, contributed to, complemented, and expanded their passion and skills as a writer, which they pursue through their English major.

“The most important thing I’ve learned at Lafayette is to believe in myself. I can’t even put words to the way my confidence has bloomed here. The Lafayette community has this beautiful way of making me feel like my ideas are worth something, and it’s made me a better person in every way...” #LafGrad 🐆🎓

Link in bio to learn more!

📸: Matt Smith Eli Noonan ’26 sits on a bench and closes their eyes, taking in the environment.

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Yesterday the NYC freshman Posse scholars got in the bakery with our fabulous head baker Julia 🧁 They learned how to make cupcakes from scratch (with plenty of taste-testing of course), all in Posse’s signature orange & white 🧡🤍 Catch them in the dining hall next week!!
#posse #posselove #cupcakes #lafayette #delicious

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Thank you Lafayette College for everything. Time for a new chapter!

I plan to transfer to an in-state Virginian engineering college to continue studying mechanical engineering!

I’ve been having a very hard time at Lafayette College personally for a year and a half, and I need a change so I can grow in an environment that’s better suited for me academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Thank you to DCF, Chess Club, Motorsports, and especially NEWMAN CATHOLIC ASSOCIATION for being positive communities where I could learn, grow, and be welcomed in friendship. And to all my friends who supported me while I was struggling, thank you it was truly meaningful and brought great joy.

Despite this year being the most turbulent year of my life (and in many ways because of it), I was by the grace of God able to grow in humility and reliance on God that I haven’t been pushed to before. I have all hope in God’s sanctifying plan for my life and I’m excited for the next steps!

Thanks be to God in every situation. I love you all always ❤️ #PosseLove #RollPards

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Lafayette seniors share where they’re headed, and the mentors, resources, and experiences that inspired their future paths. Link in bio to see what’s next for the Class of 2025. #LafGrad 🐆🎓

Max Skinner ’25: Project engineer at DPR Construction

Grace Boghosian ’25: Sales analyst at BlackRock

Duly Olivert ’25: Field engineer with Gilbane

Hope Boldizar ’25: Associate neurophysiologist with NuVasive Clinical Services

Halee Smith ’25: Attending dental school, Lincoln Memorial University College of Dental Medicine

Emma Elmen ’25: Second lieutenant in the U.S. Army

Saiku White ’25: Undrafted free agent at NFL Denver Broncos Rookie Minicamp

Isabella Gaglione ’25: Pursuing master’s in journalism at Columbia University

Andrey “AJ” McIntyre ’25: Customer success support with FreedomPay

Catherine Cheng ’25: John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Master in Forensic Mental Health Counseling program

Ronnie Ward ’25: Pursuing a master’s degree in public policy

Lineke Spaans ’25: Attending a three-year international politics program at Leiden University in the Netherlands

Griffin Huff ’25: Soccer player, Lexington Sporting Club (United Soccer League Championship) Max Skinner ’25: Project engineer at DPR Construction

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Scenes from the Posse Scholars Senior Celebration #PosseLove

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Lafayette honored the accomplishments of 18 graduating Posse Scholars during an intimate Senior Celebration with friends, family, and mentors.

Since 1989, the Posse Foundation has partnered with top colleges and universities to provide students from public high schools with scholarships and leadership training.

At Lafayette, this year’s is the 20th graduating class from the New York cohort and the 16th from the Washington, D.C. cohort.

“It’s not just a celebration of the end of college—it’s a recognition of how far we’ve come and the resilience we’ve built. It also marks the beginning of new journeys, new futures, and new opportunities. Sharing that moment with the people who helped shape my experience is something I’ll always carry with me.” Jahi Heath ’25, a member of the D.C. Posse

#PosseLove #LafGrad ❤️🎓

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Looking for a meaningful way to spend next year? @cityyear is hiring student success coaches— tutors, mentors & role models. Learn how you can get involved: http://bit.ly/joinourcorps #cityyear #americorps 📚✏️

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Bri Braswell ’16 lives by one motto: What’s meant for her will come to her.

As the associate director of Admissions at Lafayette, Braswell uses her experience as an alumna to inspire prospective students to discover their home at Lafayette. 🏡❤️

A Posse Scholar from Maryland, she formed a strong connection with Lafayette, majoring in anthropology and sociology, serving as a resident adviser, and co-captaining the dance team for the College’s 150th Rivalry game at Yankee Stadium.

As a first-generation student navigating the college admissions process for the first time, Braswell learned the importance of building connections—something she encourages prospective students to do as well.

When given the opportunity to help select the 20th class of Posse DC and speak at their induction ceremony, she shared this message:

“This experience is more than just going to college. You are with other people who get it. They understand your home, and they bring pieces of home to you when you’re here.” Bri Braswell ’16.

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