F&M 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. 

Meet Menelaos >

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."

See Her Story >

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.

Follow His Path >

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.

Take a Closer Look

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.

Follow the Music >

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.

Get a First Glimpse >

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.

Meet the Students >

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.

Go Behind the Scenes >

9. Closing the Gender Gap in Finance

A pair of F&M graduates are working together to make investments more accessible for female entrepreneurs. 

See Their Story >

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.

See Gavin’s Findings >

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.

See Starry Photos >

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.

See Gubat’s Story >

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. 

Meet Noah >

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.

See Shakya’s Story >

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.

Follow Their Paths >