2026-Elizabeth Miller
Major: Government & Law, Geology
Personal Statement:
“The Lafayette Ideal is a well-rounded, educated member of the senior class who adds to a sound academic record noteworthy participation in college activities and student life, which contribute to the advancement of the College on and off campus. Academic brilliance or athletic prowess alone is not the criterion for selection a a Pepper Prize recipient.”
Upon learning what “cur non” meant and hearing how Lafayette students “do it all”, I knew I’d fit right in here. Since stepping foot on campus, I have sought to connect with others and help build the amazing community within Lafayette through all of my activities. My impact is most visible through my leadership in the Lafayette Activities Forum (LAF). Starting as a first-year representative and rising to President, I shifted our focus from simply “hosting events” to “intentional community-building.” By prioritizing events that foster genuine connection, I’ve worked to ensure that every student, regardless of their niche, feels a sense of belonging. Whether managing large-scale programming or mentoring new members, my goal has been to create a campus culture that is as inclusive as it is vibrant. I believe that Lafayette is so special because there is a space for everyone. I think it’s funny when people ask me incredulously, “you’re part of [x, y, z], too?” because seriously, cur non! My main goal when coming to college was to supplement my academic studies with meaningful contributions to the campus and the community, and I am proud of how I dove in from the beginning and have grown as both a student and leader. Whether I am advocating for student interests to the Board of Trustees or guiding a peer through a difficult lab, I am motivated by a desire to cultivate the inclusive community this college gave me. I am deeply grateful for the friends I’ve made through every experience here, from LEO to admissions, GovLab, ski team, FSL, and everything in between. I leave Lafayette knowing that my legacy is not just a rigorous academic record, but a more connected and engaged campus for those who follow.
Question 1: Please elaborate on the activity or accomplishment that has been the most meaningful to you during your time at Lafayette and why?
What I assumed was just a campus job turned into a family and one of the most meaningful commitments I’ve had during my time at Lafayette. Working in the Student Involvement Office has shaped how I see Lafayette and interact with students and staff. Through this position, I have been able to connect with so many different people and groups. I have gotten to know the staff in the dining halls, Office of Intercultural Development, Post Office, Facilities, and Student Involvement, and they are some of the best people I’ve met on campus. It has been so fulfilling to be able to form relationships with the “locals of Farinon” popping in to grab a piece of candy and have a conversation. I’ve learned about the ins and outs of campus processes and am able to teach those skills to my friends in other groups and departments. My fellow office workers and bosses are the best gift of all. I can always count on them to brighten my day, and I look forward to my shifts and the hustle and bustle of students popping in and out for meetings, random questions, and popcorn, if it’s “popcorn Friday”!
Question 2: Please briefly describe any unique circumstances, highlights from your time at Lafayette, things you are proud of or other special considerations, anything that you feel is relevant to your consideration as a Pepper Prize applicant and that is not addressed elsewhere.
I’ve valued the opportunity to major in both Geology and Government and Law here at Lafayette, and I’ve learned to love the reaction I get from telling people my interesting and seemingly contradictory majors. From geology, I learn the science behind the political dilemmas I dissect in my government and law classes. My mom, an avid environmentalist and earth science teacher, taught me to love the outdoors and encouraged me to learn about natural processes, whether through gardening with her or making model volcanoes on the kitchen table. My thesis has allowed me to learn about the intricacies of climate change and clean energy policy and deepened my commitment to working in the field of environmental policy. I have created and am conducting an experiment to learn about how climate change framing affects policymaker response rates, and I will be interviewing local-level officials about energy policy in New Jersey. I’m excited about the real-world application this thesis has to inspire more research into local energy policy. I am so grateful to all of my professors at Lafayette, and especially Professor Clarke and Professor Sunderlin, for encouraging and guiding my intellectual interests over the years.