F&M Stories
Our Most Inspiring Stories
Through the ebb and flow of a calendar year on campus, there was no shortage of inspiration at Franklin & Marshall College. Below, explore 15 stories that helped shape 2023.
Stories are listed chronologically.
1. No Fault in Our Stars for Aspiring Astronaut
F&M first-year student Menelaos Raptis was just 7 years old when he received his first telescope — a surprise gift from his father. Now, Raptis is bringing his passion for planets to a wider campus audience.
2. 'F&M Really Made My Dreams Come True'
F&M senior Gyana Guity wants you to walk through a bookstore and spot her name on the spines lining the shelves. "I have big goals," she said. "The thing about being a writer is that the possibilities are totally endless."
3. Rolling Stone Reporter: 'F&M Was The Right Place for Me'
Asawin Suebsaeng wanted to be one of two things when he graduated from F&M: a rock musician or a political reporter. The 2011 grad chose the latter, but as senior politics reporter for Rolling Stone, he frequently toes the line between politics and pop culture.
4. Mindful Moments: Faith & Meaning
Sometimes, it's the quiet and contemplative moments in between class and co-curriculars where the most personal growth occurs. In this mindfulness miniseries, we explore moments of calm and introspection for students.
5. '97 Alum Reconnects with A Cappella Roots
By the time they graduate, many F&M students have a favorite place on campus. For music producer Ed Chung '97, room B-11 in the Steinman College Center meant so much to him that he named his business after it.
6. F&M Community Gathers for Lombardo Welcome Center Construction Celebration
The F&M community gathered along Harrisburg Avenue's College Square building to celebrate the commencement of construction for the Samuel N. and Dena M. Lombardo Welcome Center.
7. A New Generation of F&M Philanthropists
Who are the next F&M benefactors? The members of the Student Giving Committee say: Look in the mirror. A total of 639 students contributed to fundraising efforts in the 2023 fiscal year.
8. F&M Faculty Uncover History of Underground Railroad in Lancaster
A historic home in downtown Lancaster is being turned into a museum by LancasterHistory, thanks in part to contributions by F&M faculty.
9. Closing the Gender Gap in Finance
A pair of F&M graduates are working together to make investments more accessible for female entrepreneurs.
10. Student’s Research Investigates World War II Mission in Germany
History and archaeology are F&M senior Gavin Vogel's twin studies of interest, and for six weeks this summer, he found himself immersed in both in Germany's Black Forest.
11. Students Stargaze at Cherry Springs Retreat
F&M junior Ella Peeples shares her firsthand account of a weekend retreat to Cherry Springs State Park for two nights of stargazing in September.
12. Sociology Student Takes Action Against Human Trafficking
Sophomore Gubat Abdullaev spent his summer in Sweden advocating on behalf of young people ensnared in the illicit human-trafficking industry worldwide.
13. Wrestler Pins Post-Grad Career Thanks to F&M Mentor
As captain of the F&M wrestling team, senior Noah Fox has always been drawn to the mat. An F&M mentor helped Fox find his way to a career as a software engineer.
14. ’09 Alum Shares Passion for Political Organizing
Through her work as a political organizer, Shakya Cherry-Donaldson ’09 is ensuring the same opportunities to thrive are available to everyone.
15. F&M Alumni Contribute to Thriving Community in Lancaster
Many Diplomats choose to stay in Lancaster after graduating or move back after living elsewhere, thanks to the city’s strong community and career opportunities.
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April 16, 2026
F&M Sorority Life Provides Community and Opportunities for Real-World Impact
Members of Franklin & Marshall’s seven sororities joined to form friendships and build community on campus. Reflecting on their experiences, student leaders say they found the sense of connection they were looking for and more — including opportunities to make an impact by giving back.
April 16, 2026
Collaborative Student-Led Podcast Explores Impact of AI
Students at Franklin & Marshall are bringing a liberal arts perspective to discussions about artificial intelligence — and are doing so through an innovative media project. “Unmasking the Machine: A Sociological Look at AI” is a podcast produced as part of the course "Sociology of AI" that applies sociological concepts from the course to current headlines about artificial intelligence.
April 9, 2026
Father and Son Have a Rich Tradition in Academic Leadership
On April 11, Andrew Rich will be inaugurated as the 17th president of Franklin & Marshall College. Andy’s dad, Dan Rich, who had a 50-year career at the University of Delaware (UD), will introduce his son during the F&M investiture ceremony.