Unlocking Opportunities: The Transformative Power of a Lafayette Education

Tony '84 and Meg Watters '84 Rodriguez have remained deeply connected to Lafayette College since the day they graduated, driven by a desire to pay forward the transformative experiences they had as students. Their unwavering commitment to the institution has manifested in various ways, from serving on advisory councils to establishing a scholarship fund that supports first-generation students. This article explores how the Rodriguezes' Lafayette journey has shaped their lives and how they're now empowering others to embark on a similar path of personal and professional growth.

Forging Lifelong Bonds and Giving Back

A Shared Passion for Lafayette

Tony '84 and Meg Watters '84 Rodriguez's relationship with Lafayette College extends far beyond their time as students. The economics majors, who met and married shortly after graduating, have remained deeply invested in the institution's success, driven by a profound appreciation for the transformative experiences they had during their undergraduate years.Meg's involvement with the College began immediately after graduation, as she became an alumni admissions representative in her home state of New Jersey. This role allowed her to share her enthusiasm for Lafayette with prospective students, ensuring that others could also benefit from the exceptional education and vibrant campus community she had come to cherish.

Expanding Roles and Lasting Contributions

The Rodriguezes' commitment to Lafayette has only grown stronger over the years. Tony now serves on the College's Board of Trustees, while Meg has been a member of the Lafayette Mid and Intermountain West Advisory Council for over a decade, including a stint as the council's chair.Beyond their formal roles, the Rodriguezes have also made significant charitable contributions to the College. Their most notable philanthropic endeavor is the establishment of the Rodriguez Family Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to students with demonstrated financial need. This initiative reflects the couple's deep-rooted belief in the power of education to transform lives, a conviction that has been shaped by their own experiences and family backgrounds.

Paying It Forward: Supporting First-Generation Students

The Rodriguezes' dedication to supporting first-generation students is particularly poignant, as it resonates with their own personal journeys. Tony's parents, both born and raised in Spain, had only an eighth-grade education, but they instilled in him and his sister the unwavering importance of pursuing higher learning.This family history has profoundly influenced the Rodriguezes' approach to philanthropy and their desire to create opportunities for others. By directing their scholarship fund towards first-generation students, they aim to emulate the transformative impact that a Lafayette education had on their own lives, ensuring that future generations can also access the life-changing experiences the College has to offer.

Fostering Connections and Building Community

The Rodriguezes' involvement with Lafayette has not only benefited the institution and its students but has also enriched their own lives. Meg, in particular, has found great joy in reconnecting with old friends and making new ones through her various roles within the College's alumni network."I have enjoyed meeting so many interesting young students and young alumni," Meg shares. "I have made fabulous new friends, and have loved reconnecting with so many old friends, too. It's kind of cool that I'm still making friends through Lafayette, 40 years out of college."This sense of community and belonging has been a driving force behind the Rodriguezes' unwavering commitment to Lafayette, as they continue to find personal fulfillment in supporting the institution that played such a pivotal role in their own lives.

Inspiring Others to Give Back

The Rodriguezes' story serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of a Lafayette education and the profound rewards that can come from giving back to the institution. Their example encourages other alumni to reflect on their own experiences and consider how they can contribute their time, talent, or treasure to support the College's mission."Reflect on what you really appreciated about the College and what made a difference in your life while on campus, and then think if there's a way to support it with either your time, talent, or treasure," Meg advises. "Keep those experiences alive so that future generations can benefit from them."By sharing their journey and the personal fulfillment they have found in their ongoing involvement with Lafayette, the Rodriguezes hope to inspire others to forge their own meaningful connections with the College, ultimately strengthening the institution's ability to transform the lives of students for generations to come.