2026-Benjamin Risley
Major: Government & Law, Economics
Minor: Data Science
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.”
At Lafayette, I have taken every opportunity to contribute to the inviting and energetic community that attracted me four years ago. I’ve found the best representation of the Lafayette Ideal as a member of the McKelvy Scholars Program. It has been an incredible gift to be a part of an organization that embodies the principles of shared experiences and collaborative learning. As Co-President of McKelvy, I have watched and participated in the organization’s expansion into the College Hill community, and it has allowed me to reflect on my approach to my undergraduate studies. Throughout my time at Lafayette, my involvement in my local community has meant so much to me. I found that community connection when I collaborated with the Landis Center, Meyner Center, and the City of Easton as a member of GovLab’s Civic Consulting Cluster, and when I worked over the summer with the admissions department to help incoming students fall in love with Lafayette the same way I had. By participating in what seemed like small projects like McKelvy, GovLab, and Admissions, I was able to contribute to something special, beyond a line on a resume. But I didn’t just build within Lafayette’s campus. Through my involvement in organizations like the speech and debate team, the Washington Semester Program, and a research program in Tanzania, I have contributed to Lafayette’s expansive impact and deep connections around the world. I’ve taken these experiences, large and small, and brought them back to GovLab, the McKelvy House, and everywhere in between. I represent the Lafayette Ideal because I’ve taken every opportunity to broaden my horizons and embrace the breadth of opportunities in a liberal arts college, but I’ve also made meaningful contributions to the little things that make Lafayette my home.
Question 1: Please elaborate on the activity or accomplishment that has been the most meaningful to you during your time at Lafayette and why?
Above everything I have accomplished as an undergraduate student, my speech and debate achievements hold a special place in my heart. I was hooked on speech from the beginning. For three years, I met with our coach multiple times a week, often working on 4-5 projects at once. The speech office became my second home, and the basement lecture hall where I practiced on my own, my third. Over months of practice, my confidence grew, and I doubled down on my initial investment. As a member and president of the speech and debate team, I committed myself not only to my own success but to the team’s. I hosted practice sessions before tournaments, and in 2025, Lafayette achieved its highest NFA National Tournament placement in history. By the time I was finished competing, I was a 3-time finalist at the National Speech Championships, 2nd place overall in the PA State Championship, and had one of my speeches published in 3rd place by the Interstate Oratorical Association. My time on the team is not only marked by these accomplishments, but by the thousands of hours I put towards achieving them.
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.
My father passed away during my first year of high school. Working through that loss to become the person I am today was difficult for me, but I was lucky to have my mom as an example every step of the way. During high school, she forged our family’s ties to our church, Youth Group, and FFA Chapter, providing me with a support system that both led me through the most difficult period of my life and showed me the value of true community. I brought these experiences to Lafayette, where I felt compelled to build up groups like McKelvy and the Forensics team and contribute to something bigger than myself, just like my mom did in our hometown. By following her lead, I found the Lafayette Ideal in college and hopefully gave to others what she gave to me. My mom never called what she did ‘building up the community,’ she just did it. When I think about the Lafayette Ideal, I think of what I learned from my mom, and at Lafayette, I’ve done my best to live up to the incredible standard she sets.