F&M Stories
Our Most Inspiring Stories of 2024
In 2024, the F&M community experienced a solar eclipse, the Lombardo Welcome Center opened its doors, students and faculty received prestigious national awards, and the College continued to move up the rankings of the nation’s very best liberal arts institutions. Below, read some of many of the inspirational stories that made our year so memorable.
Stories are listed chronologically.
Meet the Students of F&M’s First Neurodivergent Art Exhibit
Seven students were featured in the Phillips Museum of Art exhibit, “Spectra: Exploring Neurodiverse Art in Franklin & Marshall College.” The exhibition celebrates the artwork of students on campus who identify as neurodivergent.
Two Faculty Members Awarded NSF CAREER Grants
A laboratory discovery and ongoing research into robots and machine ethics resulted in prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grants for Sarah Tasker, assistant professor of chemistry, and Jason “Willie” Wilson, assistant professor of computer science, respectively.
Campus Celebrates Solar Eclipse
It’s not every day you catch a cosmic phenomenon between classes. Franklin & Marshall students did just that Monday, April 8, witnessing the country’s last total solar eclipse until 2044.
Class of 2024 Turns Tassels
A pandemic enveloped their earliest days of college in uncertainty. Four years later, members of the Class of 2024 have emerged as leaders and scholars. Featured speaker Jason Cone ’99 echoed that sentiment at the College’s 237th Commencement ceremony May 11 at the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center.
Captain Of His Own Story: Randy Wilkins '01
In fall 2002, Randy Wilkins ’01 — then a senior at F&M — found himself sitting next to Spike Lee at dinner prior to the filmmaker’s Mueller lecture. More than 20 years later, Lee asked Wilkins to direct and produce “The Captain” – an ESPN docuseries focused on baseball hall-of-famer Derek Jeter.
F&M Alum Outfits U.S. Gymnasts in Paris Olympics
As members of the United States women’s gymnastics team dazzled and defied gravity, you couldn’t help but notice their beaded attire glinting in the limelight. Matt Cowan ’03 knows a thing or two about bringing sports apparel to the global stage. Cowan is chief executive officer at Elite Sportswear, LP, parent brand of GK Elite – the name behind Team USA’s stunning leotards worn by the likes of Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey. The company also outfitted the U.S. men’s team.
Success Beyond F&M: ‘I Was Drawn to F&M’s Unique Liberal Arts Approach to Business’
Within six months after graduation, 93% of F&M’s Class of 2023 were either employed or furthering their education. Alysse Danyi ’23, who studied business, public policy, and German at F&M, is pursuing a Juris Doctor at Villanova University. “F&M's rigorous liberal arts education prepared me well to critically analyze policy issues and formulate credible, convincing arguments…both of which are important skills for learning and applying the law,” she said.
F&M Continues to Climb U.S. News Rankings
Franklin & Marshall College continues its rise in national prominence, having increased 16 places since 2016 in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. This marks the fourth consecutive year of elevated rankings for F&M.
True Blue Weekend Brings Campus Together
Diplomat spirit rippled across campus Oct. 5-6 as Franklin & Marshall College welcomed an estimated 2,100 students, parents and alumni to True Blue Weekend. Visitors got their first glimpse at the recently opened Lombardo Welcome Center, in addition to a striking new ampersand statue in front of the Alumni Sports & Fitness Center.
Jake Lamb ’25: F&M Transfer ‘One of the Best Decisions I’ve Ever Made’
It’s hard to miss Jake Lamb ’25 on Franklin & Marshall’s campus. You’d never know Lamb has only been on campus since January 2023. That’s because he transferred to F&M as a junior – and he hasn’t looked back.
Behind the Scenes: Sophomore Sojourn
A space to reflect. A time to set intentions. A place to bond with peers. These are all takeaways from the Sophomore Sojourn, a recent F&M tradition open to students in their second year on campus. Forty sophomores traveled in mid-October to Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center, an idyllic woodland property in nearby Lebanon County, for the experience.
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Student-Run Magazine Showcases Cultural Criticism
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Reflections on Leadership: Board Chair Eric Noll ’83, P’09
Eric Noll’s relationship with F&M began on a gorgeous spring day in 1978. Almost 50 years later, the alumnus will complete his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees on June 30. “F&M continues to evolve, but its core values have remained the same,” Noll says. “I’d say, without apologies, that serving as Board Chair for this college is one of the great honors of my life.”
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Three F&M Students Honored with Prestigious Rouse Scholarship
The Andrew M. Rouse Class of 1949 Endowed Fund provides full tuition, books, and fees to Franklin & Marshall College students in their junior and senior years. The highly competitive scholarship is granted to recipients who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and character, and who are consistently recognized as some of F&M’s most engaged and committed students.