Class of 2020 Names Erik Chaput as Faculty Speaker

History Master Erik Chaput has been selected by current Fifth Formers as the class’s faculty speaker. Chaput will address the Class of 2020 during the School’s virtual Alumni Induction (“Pinning”) Ceremony on May 23.

“There are so many incredible members of this faculty and to be selected to deliver this address is a true honor. It is one that I will cherish for the rest of my teaching days. I have had such a deep connection with the Class of 2020 through the Admissions process four years ago and the current college process,” said Chaput. “With tremendous grit and a touch of grace, this class has left a mark on this campus that will not be forgotten. Their academic, athletic, artistic accomplishments — so many of which I had the chance to witness in person over the years — will leave a lasting mark.”

Chaput joined the History Department in the Fall of 2013. In addition to his role as a History Master and running the Honors U.S. History curriculum, Chaput serves as the co-chair of the Interdisciplinary Program and runs the senior Capstone course with fellow History Master Cara Hyson. On the athletic side, Chaput heads the Big Red Track and Field Program and also serves as a head of the girls’ track teams. In terms of residence life, Chaput has served as the Griswold Assistant Housemaster for the last four years.

In 2011, Chaput received his doctorate in early American History from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. In 2013, the University Press of Kansas published Chaput’s biography of the nineteenth century reformer Thomas Wilson Dorr. Chaput is the co-editor of “The Select Letters of Thomas Wilson Dorr.” He has published over 12 scholarly articles in academic journals. Chaput is also a member of the teaching faculty in the School of Continuing Education at Providence College and writes regular book reviews and commentary pieces for The Providence Journal.

For additional information, please contact Lisa M. Gillard Hanson, Director of Public Relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.