Some alumni graduate from Franklin & Marshall College with fond memories. Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 left with a lifelong commitment.

Since walking across the commencement stage in 1993, DesChamps has spent more than three decades giving back to the College—as a volunteer, mentor, fundraiser, trustee, and advocate. Now, that enduring commitment has brought him to a new role: Chair of F&M's Board of Trustees.

“Choosing F&M was one of the best decisions of my life, so stepping into the role of Board Chair is a profound honor,” says DesChamps, who began his new role July 1. “It’s exciting to partner with President Andy Rich, a gifted leader and communicator who has set an incredible pace with a clear, compelling vision for our future. The Board is fully aligned behind this vision, and I appreciate the dedication and talent of our members. My responsibility is simple: to listen, to learn, and to lead."

DesChamps joined the Board in 2014 and immediately took on an active role, serving on nine committees during his 12 years of service. He chaired the Investments Committee for four years, followed by two terms as Chair of the Trusteeship and Governance Committee. He also led the search for an outsourced chief investment officer, and was a member of the COVID task force and Presidential Search Committee.

“The members of our Board give an enormous amount of their time and energy to the College,” says DesChamps. “I value and respect the hard work of the Vice Chairs and Committee Chairs as we all work to prepare F&M for the exciting years ahead.”

“Matt has been a champion of Franklin & Marshall for decades, and I am excited to work closely with him as chair of our Board of Trustees,” President Rich said. “He understands the essence of what makes F&M a special place: its people. His passion for F&M, combined with his deep experience and committed leadership, make him an extraordinary partner to guide the College as we pursue an ambitious future.”

Passion for the Liberal Arts

DesChamps’ relationship with F&M began during a visit to campus with his mother in 1988.

“I fell in love with the place immediately,” DesChamps remembers. “I was enamored by the beauty of Hensel Hall and the history of the school.”

The summer before his orientation in 1989, DesChamps and his classmates received a book from their first-year seminar professor, Stanley Michalak. The professor included a note that said, “Read the book at least two or three times before arriving on campus, so you truly understand it.”

“I thought, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’” DesChamps says with a laugh. “It was my first experience with the rigor of F&M’s academics. The professors of F&M push you to think and write with a critical lens. It’s the magic of a liberal arts education.”

His experience with Michalak was so significant that he ended up taking every class the professor offered. “He taught me how to trim three pages of writing down to one, and then one to a single paragraph. I loved that aspect of my education.”

A government major at F&M, DesChamps went on to graduate from the New York University Stern School of Business. He says he felt more prepared than most of his fellow students for the intensity of the work, and that his success in grad school is a function of his education at F&M.

DesChamps began his professional career at Coopers & Lybrand in New York City. After several years, he joined Morgan Stanley and later founded two asset management firms. He currently works as one of the founding partners and President of Kepos Capital LP. He is an adjunct professor of finance at Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University and also volunteers in his hometown of Greenwich, Conn., as Vice Chair of the Board of Finance. Each of those experiences helped him sharpen his leadership abilities, which his fellow Trustees believe he has in spades.

“F&M is fortunate to have a Board Chair with Matt’s experience, commitment and energy,” says Ken Mehlman ’88, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and partner at global investment firm KKR. “He is a natural leader — from his days as a student athlete and football champion to his successful business career. He brings expertise in finance, management and business development. He is a good listener and collegial partner. And he cares deeply about F&M. I can’t think of a better partner to support the excellent work of President Rich and his team than Matt.”

Trustee Paige Costigan ’00, chief operating officer of PJT Partners in New York City, says DesChamps has the ability to honor the College’s enduring values while encouraging thoughtful evolution as higher education navigates significant change.

“Matt is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who leads with curiosity and humility,” Costigan says. “He is a good listener, someone who genuinely seeks to understand different perspectives before forming a point of view. He asks insightful questions that elevate the conversation and help the Board focus on the issues that matter most. Rather than driving toward quick decisions, he builds consensus by creating an environment where people feel heard, respected, and invested in the outcome. At the same time, he never loses sight of the long-term future of the College. His combination of strategic thinking, intellectual rigor and inclusive leadership style make him an especially effective Board Chair.”

Giving Back

DesChamps was a leader on strong F&M football teams during his time in Lancaster, serving as captain his senior year. He says he witnessed remarkable leadership qualities in his coach, the legendary Tom Gilburg, who is a big reason DesChamps remained active as an F&M volunteer after graduating.

“My overall experience playing football at F&M was tremendous,” he says. “We got the 500th win in program history, and it was a privilege to be part of that historic moment and think of all the players who helped build that tradition.”

DesChamps has given constant support to the College and the football program through the years, from a locker room refurbishment project to the construction of Shadek Stadium. In addition to his service on the Board of Trustees, he was a member of the Leadership Council and has supported the Diplomat Athletic Club, among numerous other initiatives.

He knows other alumni want to give back as well. “I was recently at an F&M golf outing near Philadelphia, and alumni were coming up to me and asking, ‘How can I get more involved with the College?’ We welcome alumni to reach out to us to find out how they can become more active in the F&M community.”

For DesChamps, F&M is also synonymous with family. He met his future wife, Julie Lattin DesChamps ’93, on campus. The couple has two daughters: recent Lehigh University graduate Caroline, and current F&M junior Sarah ’28.

“It’s been so enjoyable for Julie and me to see F&M through Sarah’s eyes,” he says. “She was an early-decision applicant. She plays on the golf team and will study abroad in Italy, just like Julie. I’m grateful that, while F&M has changed over the years, Sarah is experiencing the same outstanding education and developing the same friendships that we did.”

From the football field to standing on the sidelines as a father, DesChamps is eager to step into his new role.

“I’m excited to work with the Board and President Rich to advance the mission of the College and make sure generations of students have the same experiences as my daughter.”