Dear F&M Community,

Today, I am delighted to introduce a new F&M newsletter – the Diplomat Dispatch. We will share news and regular updates about what is happening on campus and the achievements of the Diplomat community around the world.

In this first issue, we celebrate the start of the new academic year. Classes are in full swing. Athletic and artistic events are underway. The energy on campus is phenomenal. As F&M’s new president, I am excited about the year ahead and all that the Diplomat community will accomplish.

Our first-year class of almost 500 includes students from 26 states and 33 countries—from Baltimore and Beijing; Millersville and Mumbai; Santa Barbara, San Antonio, and Singapore;  Allentown, Arlington, and Athens. We also have a record number of new transfer students. All of them are finding their way with the help of our extraordinary faculty and student affairs team.

We welcome a new Provost and Dean of the Faculty, Sunita Kramer, a 1992 graduate of F&M, who will serve as our chief academic officer.

We also welcome three new members of the Board of Trustees, all F&M alumni: Scott Sommer ’85, Chris Rile ’91, and Sebastian Deng ’22. I thank them for their willingness to share their knowledge and experience in service to the College. 

You can read more about Provost Kramer and our new trustees below. Welcome to the Diplomat Dispatch!

Best wishes,

Andrew Rich
President

This fall, 515 new Diplomats (including transfers!) joined F&M—selected from nearly 10,000 applicants! They bring bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and extraordinary accomplishments:

Their stories are new, but their excellence is familiar—an extension of the talent, curiosity, and purpose that define the F&M community.

Franklin & Marshall College is pleased to welcome three new members – all alumni, all extraordinary – to its Board of Trustees: 

Scott A. Sommer ’85

Christopher W. Rile ’91

Yusong “Sebastian” Deng ’22

“I am continually inspired by the dedication and insight our trustees bring to the Board,” said Eric Noll ’83, P’09, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “I am grateful to Scott, Chris, and Sebastian for joining us and contributing their expertise, energy, and perspective. I also want to recognize all of our trustees, past and present, whose service and commitment help ensure that F&M continues to thrive and fulfill its mission.”

Class of 1992 alumna Sunita Gupta Kramer has returned to F&M as provost and dean of the faculty. Since beginning her new role in July, Kramer has reconnected with familiar places and traditions while considering how F&M has changed—and how it will continue to evolve.

“Returning to F&M is definitely a full-circle moment for me,” Kramer said. “As a student, being on this campus gave me the foundation for a love of research and building connections, and now I have the privilege of helping to shape that experience for future generations.”

Four faculty members have received promotions and seven have earned endowed chair appointments for distinctive scholarship, exemplary teaching, and commitment to the College.

“Our faculty are at the core of what makes F&M extraordinary,” said Sunita Gupta Kramer '92, provost and dean of the faculty. “These promotions reflect not only individual achievement, but also the collective excellence that defines our community of teacher-scholars.” 

Kennedy Wilburn ’25 Nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year

Kennedy Wilburn ’25, a forward and team captain for the women’s basketball team during her time at F&M, has been chosen as one of two Centennial Conference nominees for the NCAA’s prestigious Woman of the Year Award. The award recognizes graduating female college athletes for excellence in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership. 

Wilburn, a psychology and public health major with a minor in Africana studies, ranked third in the Centennial Conference for rebounds and seventh in points, among other notable athletic achievements that earned her an All-Centennial Honorable Mention this past season. Off the court, she was a two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honoree, volunteered in the Lancaster community, and was involved in athletic and extracurricular organizations across campus.

Julia Dorf ’24 Forges Her Future in Medical Innovation

For Julia Dorf ’24, hands-on research at F&M took her to New York City after graduation, where she landed a role as a research coordinator at New York University Langone Health in the Department of Neurology. 

Her time in New York City so far has also included a surprising encounter with the F&M community—a run-in on the subway with Joel Allen, husband of F&M’s president, Andrew Rich. 

“Joel and I have quickly learned through experience the reach of Diplomats,” Rich shared in a message to the campus community. “Joel was wearing his sweatshirt on the subway, and a young woman crossed a crowded car to ask whether he went to F&M. He explained who he was, and she shared that she is a 2024 graduate working as a biomedical researcher in New York City—her dream job. She told him, ‘F&M changed my life.’”

At the center of the F&M experience is a supportive, connected community that values each student’s distinct perspectives and strengths. The Office of Student Affairs recently recognized two F&M employees for their dynamic work to support student success. 

Jordyn Kamis, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success, received the Rising Star award for her efforts to reimagine the student-athlete experience at F&M. Her work to implement a leadership development curriculum for athletes and revitalize the student-athlete leadership council provides F&M athletes with opportunities to develop valuable skills that help them thrive on and off the field. 

The Student Affairs Exemplar Award was presented to Nick Yando, Director of the Office of Student Engagement. This award recognizes his work to champion student engagement and development at F&M. He leads by helping ensure all students at F&M can express themselves and find their community. His work advising the College Entertainment Committee contributes to F&M’s lively campus social life. 

Faculty and Staff Reconnect for New Academic Year

F&M faculty and staff are nationally recognized as scholars, mentors, and leaders. To welcome them back and celebrate the start of the new academic year, we gathered at Nevonia, the president’s residence, for a casual outdoor gathering. 

Registration is open for True Blue Weekend, Sept. 19-21, 2025. Join fellow F&M alumni and families for a weekend of celebration and F&M spirit. 

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