April 13, 2001

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - A science enrichment program he attended after ninth grade was the catalyst that spurred Herb Kennedy to explore chemistry.

"We did some interesting experiments. I figured I wanted to major in chemistry, because of the different things you can do," says Kennedy '03, now a student at Lafayette College. "You can see how chemistry affects the things around you, its daily use. You realize how it's in our everyday life."

A Lafayette football player and track athlete, Kennedy is currently facing down the challenge of organic chemistry as he aims to go to medical school, with plans on a career as a pediatrician or general practitioner.

Pursuing athletics and such a demanding academic path "is time-consuming, but I'm trying to balance it," says Kennedy, who comes from Troy, N.Y., and graduated from Troy High School. "My roommate's an economics major. I think I may do more work than he does."

The labs in the college's new science center, with separate hoods for each student and no lines for waiting to do experiments, go far in making organic chemistry more palatable, he says.

"The equipment seems to be very nice," says Kennedy. "And my dorm is right behind the center. It's conveniently located!"

He calls the Lafayette chemistry professors "pretty educated people. They all have different ways of teaching. Some of them are more interesting while others frustrate you. But that's the way of the world."

Of Lafayette in general, Kennedy comments, "I can work with it. It's academically very good. It challenges you." And the other students are "pretty cool." he says. "I'm laid-back and I can get along with everyone. And when there's not much to do, I make my own fun."

Aside from his science studies and athletics, Kennedy is a member of the Association of Black Collegians, the Brothers of Lafayette, and Minority Scientists and Engineers.