2026-Hope Basaman
Major: Psychology, Asian Studies
Minor: Organizational Studies
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 as a Pepper Prize recipient.”
Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Lafayette, filled with these active citizens, has shaped me into the leader I am today, working to make our school a synonym for belonging, engagement, and positivity.
I began engaging with our community the moment I stepped onto campus for our Pre-Orientation Service Program. During POSP, I worked at Paxinosa Elementary School, a commitment I have maintained and returned to my senior through a Lunch Buddies program with students struggling with attendance. Walking into Paxinosa this year, students I’ve befriended run up to me with big smiles and boundless energy. I have grown alongside and learned from them, and they are a weekly reminder of how grateful I am to be part of our beloved Easton community. As Program Coordinator for Meals at Third, a food service program with Third Street Alliance, I came to know all the moms and kids: what foods they like, are allergic to, and want to try. One day, a mother and her two amazing boys who cooked with us each week, brought exciting news that they found an apartment after years of being unhoused. Experiencing this excitement with them is a memory I will never forget, and connections like these help define my time at Lafayette. Through activities on and off campus, I have been dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships, integrating into our larger community through the Landis Center, club volleyball, EXCEL research, Greek life, Honors Societies, studying abroad, and simply stopping to talk to people on the quad. Lafayette is not only a small liberal arts college; it is a community where thoughtful and civic minded individuals strive for positive change, and I have been honored to contribute to it.
Question 1: Please elaborate on the activity or accomplishment that has been the most meaningful to you during your time at Lafayette and why?
During the Fall of 2024, I learned that after school funding was cut at Paxinosa Elementary School. I knew many of the Easton families who relied on the programs for healthy meals and after-school activities. In response, I led the MOSAIC Food & Housing team effort to identify local donors and volunteers to prepare snack bags for each of the school’s 600 students. The day of the event, I saw friends from Alpha Phi, teammates from my club volleyball team, volunteers from Meals at Third, POSP first year students, and new faces who were all there with the same goal: give our community what they needed. I had never been more proud to be a Lafayette student than when I watched my peers come together for the Easton community that we all call home. That pride was surpassed only by seeing the event recreated one year later when we prepared 1000 Snack Bags for both March and Paxinosa Elementary Schools. What began as a modest response to a local need is now an annual tradition that will have a true impact on Easton and Lafayette as residents and students become neighbors and friends.
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 that is not addressed elsewhere.
I’ll never know if it is my first name or my nature, but I approach life with the principle that positivity is contagious. The theme of my college application essay was my personal motto of radiating positivity, and my acceptance letter from Lafayette referenced that mission. During my tenure as Director of Philanthropy for Alpha Phi, my efforts increased our average per person volunteer hours from five to thirty, raised more than $20,000 for women’s heart health, and hosted over 13 events, ultimately winning us the Excellence in Philanthropy and Community Service award. Reflecting on this award, a small moment with big impact occurred when I stood up and told ninety women that there were six young girls at the Children’s Home of Easton who needed Halloween costumes. Within seconds, enough money was Venmo’d to me to provide each girl with their dream costume. My time at Lafayette has been shaped by both large and small positive moments like these. When I see everyone coming together for something they care about and truly impact their community, I know that I have succeeded in leaving the college stronger than I found it, while doing my best to bring Hope to Lafayette.