Alison R. Byerly, a Glenside native and Lafayette College president, is finding inventive ways to raise money for student financial aid, writes Susan Snyder for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

One year, Byerly dressed as college namesake Marquis de Lafayette, one of the fastest rapping characters in the mega-popular musical Hamilton, and lip-synced his songs.

Another year she cannon-balled into the college swimming pool clad in a black business suit and another she beat Los Angeles Angels manager and school alumnus Joe Maddon in a pitch, hit, and run contest.

The ongoing “The President’s Challenge” has helped boost the money the college raises for aid from around $7 million annually to $12 million.

Each year, the college releases a humorous video intro for Byerly’s latest challenge, leading up to the March 9 one-day fund-raising push.

The effort has brought in close to $3.6 million over the last three years.

“It’s something that feels mildly embarrassing to do,” Byerly said, “and that’s kind of the point, that people realize you’re willing to put yourself out there and then that suggests that you think it’s really important.”

Read more about Alison R. Byerly at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

[uam_ad id=”64837″]