F&M Stories
Seniors in the Spotlight
During their time on campus, members of the Franklin & Marshall Class of 2026 have taken advantage of the College’s liberal arts approach to explore their passions and chart their own path, combining stellar academic achievement with influential leadership, meaningful community-building, record-setting athletic performances, and much more. Below, hear from some of our graduating seniors as they reflect on their four years at F&M and share what’s next.
Jaeyun An
“F&M provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to interact with experts in the field right away. I could have meaningful conversations about not just sciences, but also about humanities, social sciences, etc. thanks to the liberal arts approach of F&M.”
An Bach
With so much to explore in the City of Lancaster, where do students start? An Bach has the answer. The triple major in business, economics, and studio art from Hanoi, Vietnam, illustrated a digital and print map spotlighting favorite student spots.
Sekou Cherif
Sekou Cherif was named the 2026 CUPRAP Student Catalyst Fellow, an award that recognizes exceptional promise by an undergraduate in writing, social media engagement, video and audio production, graphic design, journalism and related fields.
James Conway
James Conway is graduating with a decorated athletic career, but says the awards matter less than the journey to achieving them. “Of course I want the trophy, I want the medal, I want the award. But when I don’t have that, what I’ve got is who I’ve become in the process.”
Robin Dominique
“The ability to use movement to express identity, create community, and tell stories has been the most exciting part of all these experiences for me. Dance has allowed me to grow personally, step into leadership roles, and create spaces where others feel seen and empowered.”
Gonzalo Gentou Arbizu
“I’ve always been interested in the corporate world and economics, but wanted to add psychology to learn about people in more depth…The liberal arts education at F&M is unique and allows you to navigate different fields of study, which prepares you to face complex challenges.”
Gary Lewis
From a Centennial Conference (CC) championship to earning offensive player of the year, 2025 was a banner football season for Gary Lewis. He added one more accolade when he became one of the few players representing a Division III school at NFL Pro Day at the Philadelphia Eagles’ indoor facility, NovaCare Complex.
Ben Lockey
As the fifth member of his family to attend F&M, Ben Lockey made his own distinct splash on campus. A member of the men’s swim team and a double major in economics and philosophy, he says he’s most proud of his work with The Hidden Opponent, an athlete mental health advocacy organization.
Veronique Massanh
During her first week at F&M, Veronique Massanh attended an open mic night at the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House—and was so inspired by the sense of community that she pursued a job there. In her role, she hosts campus gatherings, including open mic nights where students can gather and share their stories.
Roselyn Ovalles and Grace Uwezukwe
Roselyn Ovalles and Grace Uwezukwe took their interest in environmental science into the field as interns with the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, a watchdog nonprofit dedicated to improving the ecological health of the Susquehanna River watershed and the Chesapeake Bay.
Ella Peeples
“As a member of the Diplomat Leadership Program, my journey with leadership at F&M literally began before I even arrived on campus…I learned that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud or come with a fancy title. Sometimes it’s just being a friendly face who is there to help out in whatever way I can.”
Lauren Pittman
When choosing a college, Lauren Pittman wanted top-notch academics and a competitive lacrosse program. F&M offered both. Her athletic performance has left a mark in the record books, and a major in biology has prepared her to work as a medical assistant while she studies for the MCAT.
Anna Purchase
Anna Purchase made the most of her time on campus, from hosting a radio show to earning awards for her writing and research. What’s next? A master’s degree in environmental management, partially funded by a global grant from the Rotary Foundation’s District 7390 Chapter of Central Pennsylvania.
Caroline Riegel
Caroline Riegel, student body president, joined President Andrew Rich for a discussion about student leadership at the College’s Common Hour in September. “You were chosen to be part of this community because you offer something no one else can,” Riegel said at the Class of 2029 Convocation. “You belong here.”
Alex Scarboro
“At F&M, you’re stepping into a community full of incredibly caring and passionate people. That’s not just a feel-good phrase; it’s something you see and feel every day. The faculty and staff have taught me innumerable lessons about what it means to be part of the Diplomatic community.”
Johansen Vargas Rodriguez
The Camino de Santiago (“The Way of St. James”) is a route to Spain’s Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This journey, which has been traversed by pilgrims since the 9th century, is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Johansen Vargas, an F&M computer science major, has accomplished this feat twice.
Catherine Welch
Catherine Welch is navigating career exploration with courage and curiosity. With her sights set on a future in journalism and communications, she's built an extensive resume: admission tour guide, Kappa Delta president, senior class president, and intern at the Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities (LCHRA).
Zaeem Zia
Like many students at F&M, Zaeem Zia is thoughtful about the pros and cons of AI. The computer science and economics major wanted to bring the topic of AI ethics to a broader campus audience, so he organized a Common Hour titled ‘Green Compute AI,’ a dynamic interdisciplinary discussion.
Related Articles
May 8, 2026
Class of 2026 Celebrates Four-Year Journey with Lux et Lex Walk
On May 8, students bookended their college journey with the Lux et Lex walk, which they first completed as incoming students. Members of the campus community gathered to cheer for students as they passed under the Lux et Lex arch on Klauder-Apple walkway and celebrated with a champagne toast on Harris Patio.
May 5, 2026
Senior Swimmer Makes a Splash as 5th Family Member to Attend F&M
As the fifth member of his family to attend Franklin & Marshall, Ben Lockey ’26 made his own distinct splash on campus as a swimmer and scholar. He received NCAA All-American honors while balancing a double major and promoting mental health awareness on campus.
May 4, 2026
Robin Dominique Found Community & Leadership in the Spotlight at F&M
For Robin Dominique ’26, a lifelong passion for dance gave her the chance to build connections and step into leadership roles during her time at F&M. “The ability to use movement to express identity, create community, and tell stories has been the most exciting part of all these experiences for me,” Dominique said.