ÐÓ°Épro

ÐÓ°Épro Stories

Our Most Inspiring Stories

Through the ebb and flow of a calendar year on campus, there was no shortage of inspiration at ÐÓ°Épro. Below, explore 15 stories that helped shape 2023.

Stories are listed chronologically.

Menelaos Raptis
1. No Fault in Our Stars for Aspiring Astronaut

ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Gyana Guity
2. 'ÐÓ°Épro Really Made My Dreams Come True'

ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Asawin Suebsaeng
3. Rolling Stone Reporter: 'ÐÓ°Épro Was The Right Place for Me'

Asawin Suebsaeng wanted to be one of two things when he graduated from ÐÓ°Épro: 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 >

Robel Tadesse
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

Ed Chung
5. '97 Alum Reconnects with A Cappella Roots

By the time they graduate, many ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Lombardo Center
6. ÐÓ°Épro Community Gathers for Lombardo Welcome Center Construction Celebration

The ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Lara Gillingham
7. A New Generation of ÐÓ°Épro Philanthropists

Who are the next ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Stevens Center
8. ÐÓ°Épro 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 ÐÓ°Épro faculty.

Go Behind the Scenes >

Women in Finance
9. Closing the Gender Gap in Finance

A pair of ÐÓ°Épro graduates are working together to make investments more accessible for female entrepreneurs. 

See Their Story >

Gavin Vogel digging
10. Student’s Research Investigates World War II Mission in Germany

History and archaeology are ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Cherry Springs
11. Students Stargaze at Cherry Springs Retreat

ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Gubat Abdullaev
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 >

Noah Fox
13. Wrestler Pins Post-Grad Career Thanks to ÐÓ°Épro Mentor

As captain of the ÐÓ°Épro wrestling team, senior Noah Fox has always been drawn to the mat. An ÐÓ°Épro mentor helped Fox find his way to a career as a software engineer. 

Meet Noah >

Shakya Cherry-Donaldson
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 >

Lancaster scenes
15. ÐÓ°Épro 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 >

Related Articles

April 30, 2026

First-Year Students Honored for Excellence in Writing

Three Franklin & Marshall College first-year students were recently recognized for their exemplary writing across a wide range of subjects they discovered through their Connections courses, which are explicitly designed to help new students explore and answer complex questions related to real-world issues.

April 28, 2026

Franklin & Marshall College Names Matt Thomas '10 to Lead Ware Institute for Civic Engagement as College Renews Commitment to Lancaster Community

Franklin & Marshall College has appointed Matt Thomas '10 as Executive Director of the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement. Thomas, an F&M alumnus and longtime member of the College community, will provide strategic leadership for the Ware Institute as it evolves into an integrated hub connecting co-curricular service and leadership programs with a growing portfolio of community-based learning.

April 27, 2026

F&M Launches Partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College for Scholarship Program in Policy, Tech, and Arts Graduate Programs

Franklin & Marshall College and Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy announced a new partnership to provide pathways for F&M students into high-demand graduate programs in public policy, technology, and the arts, offering a meaningful tuition support and access to industries including government, technology, cybersecurity, and entertainment.