College President Nicole Hurd and her family will open their doors to Lafayette students remaining on campus during Thanksgiving break for the second year in a row next Thursday.
“These traditions are really important,” Hurd said. “We’re happy to extend the Lafayette family into our family that day.”
The dinner will follow Hurd’s attendance at another storied College Hill Thanksgiving tradition — the Easton Area High School versus Phillipsburg football game at Fisher Stadium.
“The stadium is completely filled with Easton and Phillipsburg families,” Hurd said. “It’s a lot of fun. We’ll be starting the morning in the football stadium and then heading back to get ready to welcome our students.”
Last year’s dinner saw approximately 55 students join Hurd and her family for dinner. So far this year, around 30 have signed up, but Hurd expects a surge in RSVPs as the date gets closer. Despite last Monday’s preferred RSVP date, she encouraged students not yet signed up to join.
Don Bosco Haingura ’25, a student from Namibia, is planning to attend this year’s dinner.
“In my opinion, this dinner is important because it unites the school and provides a unique opportunity for … international students to experience an amazing American tradition.”
Haingura is looking forward to expressing his own gratitude for the good things in his life as well as hearing what other attendees are thankful for.
The dinner will be catered by local eateries including Don Juan Mex Grill. The Hurd family’s contribution to the feast will come in the form of baked goods.
“We’re a baking family,” Hurd said. “There will probably be some pies and other things from the Hurds … Bill [Hurd] can make some really good chocolate chip cookies.”
