April 25, 2007

EASTON, Pa. - (www.lafayette.edu) - One hallmark of the Lafayette Experience has always been the students' willingness and desire to branch out into the community and reach its younger generations. On Saturday, that tradition will be upheld, as over 300 people will attend Youth Empowerment Day at Lafayette's Fisher Stadium. Events are set to begin at noon.

What began as a campus-wide event has only continued to expand as the day gets closer. The primary host, Lafayette's Sports Marketing Club, has teamed up with the Delta Upsilon fraternity and Association of Black Collegians to provide local children a day full of knowledge and entertainment.

The participants will be separated into several groups, rotating in and out of numerous stations throughout the day. Some events include a spin-off of "Jeopardy", a hip-hop symposium, as well as giving the participants a chance to send Lafayette students into a dunk tank. The day will culminate with two raffle prize winners receiving the chance to embark on a hot-air balloon ride, taking off from the campus quad.

Several local businesses have opened their doors to help the benefit. Lafayette President Daniel H. Weiss and Easton mayor Phil Mitman have also pledged their support to the event by signing certificates of empowerment to the participants, as well as possible plans to attend the event.

Jack Bourger '71, President of the Maroon Club's Friends of Lafayette Football, will open the festivities with welcoming statements beginning at noon. The Bourger Varsity Football House, located at the west end of Fisher Stadium, is set to be complete in the coming months and will provide the backdrop to the day's events.

Lafayette Sport Marketing Club President Matt Potter '07 and Vice President Jesse Campoamor '07 can only be excited about the benefits the children will gain from this experience and the continued signs of unity between Lafayette and the Easton community.

"Many people view Lafayette and Easton as two separate communities," Potter said. "Saturday will prove that is nothing more than a misconception. By breaking down these barriers that once separated us, we're creating an environment in which everyone will benefit."

Campoamor sees this event as one he'll remember for a long time and put a exclamation point on his years at Lafayette.

"The chance to change even one child's life is exciting, but the opportunity to bring 150 children into our campus community is an honor," Campoamor said.