Jim Toia, executive director and curator of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, and KSAT board member Gladstone “Fluney” Hutchinson participated in a panel discussion hosted by Lafayette College recently on the transformational impact of Easton’s partnership with the College over the past two decades.
The event was one stop on a three-day tour by members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development Committee to learn more about the Lehigh Valley’s thriving economic, cultural, and educational collaborations. The arts trail was one of several areas enhanced through Commonwealth grants that was toured by the group.
“[T]he College’s partnership with Easton reflects mutual benefit,” noted Maurice Luker, executive director of corporate, foundation, and government relations at Lafayette. “From designing recreation spaces that bolster community engagement and offering engaging and creative arts programming to solving real-world problems through our Technology Clinic, our faculty, staff, and students contribute their time and talents, which result in lasting community impact. Projects like the Karl Stirner Arts Trail and support for the Easton Farmers’ Market exemplify this synergy, blending experiential learning for students with tangible benefits for residents. These efforts underscore the power of collaboration in fostering growth.”
