Named after the late Dean David A. Portlock, the Portlock Black Cultural Center (PBCC) has been a beacon within the Lafayette College community for generations. The physical space and the programs facilitated in the house support the intellectual, academic, and social experiences of students, especially from historically marginalized communities. The PBCC and the residents of the building regularly collaborate with the Office of Intercultural Development and student organizations to enhance cultural awareness, support community-wide programs, and provide a forum for networking.
The Office of Intercultural Development annually partners with the Office of Residence Life to facilitate a housing selection process for three students to reside in Portlock. Students interested in living in the house for 2023-2024 will have strong character, ethics, and integrity and are dedicated to uplifting the community. The ideal residents will be those who are fully committed to academic excellence and providing leadership with genuine care for this revered space on campus.
The competitive application, interview, and selection process will reflect the desire to assign the students who most closely represent these attributes to live in the house next year. A part of the selection process will include a review of each applicant’s academic performance and student conduct history. While not required, applicants are encouraged to submit references who can attest to the applicant’s character, leadership, and academic achievement.