Forward Together

Forward Together logo

Forward Together is a series of discussions on campus designed to engage faculty, staff, and students on topics important to the future of Lafayette. As higher education navigates the changing headwinds and Lafayette approaches its bicentennial, the senior leadership team looks forward to sharing the College’s approach to facing challenges through vital aspects of the work done in such areas as budgeting, enrollment planning, strategic priorities, endowment objectives, and advancement—work that will strengthen the institution’s infrastructure and ensure Lafayette remains a leader in liberal arts education.

Recordings of past sessions

College Finances (Feb. 18, 2025)

Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Audra Kahr led a session focused on how the College’s finances are managed, exploring topics including enrollment and retention, endowment, fundraising, compensation, debt, and capital.

College Endowment (Feb. 27, 2025)

Chief Investment Officer Krishna Memani led a session focused on the endowment and the Investment Office—its mission, structure and governance, investment process, and asset allocation.

Fundraising and Campaign 101 (March 13, 2025)

Interim Vice President for Advancement Kim Verstandig broke down the fundamental principles of fundraising and their role in driving successful philanthropy. She highlighted how a comprehensive campaign supports Lafayette’s strategic plan by aligning institutional goals with donor interests, securing transformational gifts, and fostering long-term sustainability.

Student Support/Restorative Justice (April 1, 2025)

Vice President for Student Life Sarah Moschenross led a discussion on restorative practices, addressing its use in the student conduct system and its use in developing student aptitude for dialogue across difference, conflict resolution, and community healing.

Strategic Plan Implementation (April 24, 2025)

President Nicole Hurd, Provost Laura McGrane, and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Audra Kahr, presented the initial framework for moving forward with implementation of the priorities and goals of the College’s strategic plan, Becoming Lafayette.

Enrollment & Retention (Sept. 23, 2025)

Vice President for Enrollment Management Forrest Stuart lead a session focused on shaping the class, strategic enrollment, and retention management in a changing higher education landscape.

Campus Budget & Operations (Oct. 9, 2025)

Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration, Audra Kahr led a session focused on Campus Budget & Operations.

Athletics (Oct. 16, 2025)

Sherryta Freeman, Director of Athletics led a session focused on Cultivating a Culture of Excellence:  The Lafayette Athletics Experience.

Honoring the Marquis de Lafayette's legacy (Nov. 11, 2025)

Elaine Stomber ’89, P’17, P’21, co-director of Special Collections and College Archives and College archivist, and Nora Zimmerman, digital archivist and repository librarian, shared the presentation they delivered at George Washington Presidential Library regarding the collection of Marquis de Lafayette’s artifacts from our own Skillman Library.  They also provided a preview of the exciting exhibition that will be taking place in Paris in 2026.

Sustainability and Climate Leadership (Thurs., Feb. 12, 2026)

The Office of Sustainability shared details about the College’s sustainability efforts and the contributions of various divisions to this impactful work. Updates on Lafayette’s Climate Action Plan 3.0 and its ongoing commitment to climate action were provided in this fun, engaging session.

Advancement/Campaign (March 31, 2026)

Vice President for Advancement Sean Scanlon lead a session focused on Lafayette’s upcoming comprehensive campaign.

Lafayette’s ITS Infrastructure (April 1, 2026)

Chief Information Officer, David Lifka, lead a session focused on Lafayette’s ITS Division, its strategic plan, and services.