2013-Lucas Reilly
Lucas Reilly
Major1: English
Major2: Music
Thesis: Dual Thesis: Killing the Composer
300 Word Statement
It’s a tired cliché to say no one represents the Lafayette ideal. It’s worse to say no one knows what the ideal is. George Wharton Pepper actually defined it quite clearly—it’s the student with a “sound academic record” and “noteworthy participation in college activities and student life.” A lot of us fit that bill.
I came here knowing these four years may be the only years I get to dedicate entirely to learning. So I’ve picked the minds of professors, pored over the knowledge hiding between the covers of books, and applied that colorful wisdom of friends and strangers. I’ve taken risks, challenged assumptions, and developed new beliefs. On commencement day, “Summa Cum Laude” will be stamped on my diploma. A lot of us can lay claim to that. The value, however, is in applying it: spreading what we’ve learned to our campus, our community.
I’ve done that. My skill set may seem limited—after all, I just write words and make music. But I’m deeply passionate about what I do, and I’m deeply passionate about sharing it. The Lafayette ideal should be passionate about sharing his or her passions. I’ve shared my music at every corner of this college. I’ve shared my love of language through late night, hair-pulling editing sessions in “The Lafayette” newsroom.
I’m no “big man on campus.” But the Lafayette ideal can be a quiet leader. With help from friends, I’ve led one of the largest campus groups—the Arts Society—to grow like never before. I’ve been professionally published over 30 times, too, and it’s all thanks to a Lafayette alumnus who had faith I could do it. The ideal should pool resources, finding success by reaching back to past Lafayette generations—and making something possible for future ones, too
The ideal not only grows because of the college, but also helps the college grow. In four years, we’ve both taken some strong steps forward.
Academic Activities and Total Years Involved
- Class of 1883 Award 1
‘Awarded to a senior(s) who, in the opinion of the faculty in the Department of English, has demonstrated excellence in English.’ I received the Class of 1883 award in 2013. - Gilbert Prize 1
‘Awarded annually to students who, in the judgement of the department of English, have demonstrated superiority in English.’ I received the Gilbert Prize in 2013. - Beinecke Scholarship Finalist 1
The Beinecke Scholarship is a national award for juniors pursuing graduate school in the humanities, arts, or social sciences. In 2012, I was chosen as Lafayette’s representative. - Dean’s List 4
I have made the Dean’s list every semester at Lafayette, starting in Fall 2009. - Excel Scholars Program 2
As a sophomore and junior, I worked with film and media studies Head Andy Smith. I researched for and designed websites for Lafayette’s study abroad program in London, as well as a film project about the Bushkill Creek dams. My major project included an historical, social, and psychological survey into college green spaces, which Prof. Smith may use in a future book. - Dual Senior Thesis: Killing the Composer 1
In literary theory and philosophy, strong arguments exist that render the author’s intended meanings irrelevant. I’m applying these same arguments to classical music, challenging common assumptions in music performance–assumptions that privilege the composer’s intentions above all else. I’m showing that this privilege system is an unequal, indefensible social construction. - Study Abroad in London 1
Studied abroad at Goldsmiths College in New Cross London, led by Suzanne Westfall, professor of English and theater departments. - McKelvy Scholar 1
Was selected to be a McKelvy Scholar my freshman year, and I was an active member of the program as a sophomore. I remained in McKelvy until my junior year, when I moved to the Arts Houses, where I now serve as President. - Extern: Duke University Magazine
I shadowed Robert Bliwise, a Lafayette alumnus who is now Editor-in-Chief of Duke University Magazine. I still keep in touch with Mr. Bliwise, who has been an indispensable networker.
Campus Activities and Total Years Involved
- Lafayette College Arts Society 4
For the past two years, I’ve served as president of the Arts Society. I oversee a group of nearly 75 students and a steering committee of 15, coordinating events that encourage and enhance the arts on campus. Events include trips to Broadway shows, music performances at Gilbert’s cafe, and much more. - The Lafayette Student Newspaper 2
I am currently the Editor-at-Large for ‘The Lafayette.’ I edit all three sections of the paper and act as a consultant (as well as a coach for younger reporters). For two years, I’ve written stories for both the News and Arts sections, and I’ve temporarily held titles of ‘Contributing Editor’ and ‘News Editor.’ - Lafayette College Jazz Ensemble 4
For two years, I’ve been the sole pianist for Lafayette’s jazz ensemble. Two years earlier, I played alto saxophone for the same group. - Campus Jazz Groups 2
I play piano with other student musicians for campus events, ranging from Board of Trustees dinners, CAPA events, and various admissions functions. I’ve studied jazz piano under Lafayette professors Skip Wilkins and Sean Gough (as well as Britain’s preeminent pianist, Howard Riley) for four semesters. - Marquis Players 2
As a freshman, I shared a lead role on stage as ‘Agwe’ in ‘Once On This Island.’ As a sophomore, I worked behind the scenes, working tech behind the production of ‘Aida.’ - Box Office and Usher 3
I work at the box office of the Williams Center for the Arts, and I also work as an usher for various performances at the Center. - Newman Association 2
My freshman and sophomore years, I was an active member of Lafayette’s Newman Assocation, the campus Catholic organization. - Lafayette College Choir 1
Sang as a Tenor 1 as a freshman. Since then, I have studied under Eric Van Hoven for two semesters as a senior.
Community Service and Total Years Involved
- Colton Chapel Pianist
Since my freshman year, I’ve played piano for Catholic services at Colton Chapel on Sundays, directed under Jack Furlong. On average, I volunteer every other Sunday. - Meals on Wheels 4
Every summer, upon returning home, I volunteer once a week delivering meals to elderly homes in the rural towns of Sayre and Athens, PA. - Nursing Home Musician 4
At home, I am a regular performing volunteer for the residents at local nursing homes in Sayre, Athens, and Kane, PA. - Flood Relief Recovery Volunteer 1
After Hurricane Lee devastated many of the rural towns along the upper Susquehanna River valleys in 2011, I helped repair and rebuild numerous homes ruined by the floodwaters.
Athletics and Total Years Involved
Special Interest and Total Years Involved
- Freelance Contributor for Mental_Floss Magazine 1
I write for Mental Floss magazine, a publication based in New York City with a circulation exceeding 100,000. I write for both their website as well as their print magazine. I interned with Mental_Floss the summer of 2012, and I now work freelance as a researcher, fact-checker, and writer. I also freelance for a second magazine, a political publication called ‘The Week.’ It is also based in New York City. - Reporter for Examiner.com 1
I reported and wrote for Examiner.com, an online newspaper. I covered the performing arts beat at Lafayette. - Study Abroad Panelist 2
Since studying in London, I’ve spoken on a handful of study abroad panels to both prospective and current students. - Stage Manager: Valley Community Theatre 2
Combining my passion for the performing arts and my leadership skills, I stage managed a large community theatre production of ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ the summer of 2012. I will return this summer as stage manager.