Dolphins Don’t Swim Alone: Lifelong Bonds at Le Moyne

How friendship, faith, and service shape students—and the world beyond campus

At Le Moyne College, the phrase “Dolphins don’t swim alone” isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life. It’s woven into dorm conversations, late-night study sessions, and even decades after graduation, into friendships that last a lifetime. For Mike Cunningham ‘79, those words came to life when a group of college roommates turned into a 25-year tradition of attending the NCAA tournament together. And for Barb Karper, who’s been part of the Le Moyne community for over 50 years, it’s been her students who continue to inspire and energize her work every single day.

The Power of First Connections

When Mike first arrived at Le Moyne in 1975, he didn’t know it would change his life. But within that first year, he built friendships that not only carried him through college—but stayed strong for decades. “Every year, for the last 25 years, eight of us who lived together senior year go to the NCAA basketball tournament. Those friendships? They’ve lasted a lifetime.”

Those early connections don’t just shape college memories—they shape who students become.

Growing from First-Year to World-Ready

Every student’s journey at Le Moyne is unique, but transformation is a constant.

I think the college years are the best years of your life. It’s a time for self-discovery. I always encourage students to find their passion.”

Barb has seen generations of students arrive shy, unsure, even hesitant. But by the time they walk across the graduation stage? “They leave confident, capable, and ready to take on the world. Watching that transformation—that’s why I’m here.”  Whether it’s through academics, service opportunities, or the relationships that shape their experience, students at Le Moyne are encouraged to become the fullest version of themselves.

A Campus Built on Connection—and Purpose

At Le Moyne, service isn’t an add-on, it’s a way of life.

While buildings and programs have grown, what remains at the heart of Le Moyne is a commitment to serving others. That spirit came full circle for Barb Karper when she helped launch the Grace Center for Faith and Community—a hub for service, spiritual exploration, and campus outreach.

The Grace Center brings together all the ways students can serve, reflect, and grow during their time at Le Moyne. It’s about the faith journey, the commitment to others, and the community we build together.”

The Grace Center houses initiatives like campus ministry, mission integration, and The Le Moyne Way podcast; all united under one roof thanks to a generous gift from alumna Kathy Grace Purcell. Barb Karper reflected: “To me, Kathy represented what Le Moyne stands for: community and faith. Her gift created a space where students can come together in those values.”

This isn’t just about services: it’s about forming habits of compassion, reflection, and leadership that last far beyond The Heights.

Relationships That Stick

Le Moyne’s tight-knit community has always been part of its DNA. As Barb Karper says: “The one word I would use to describe Le Moyne is relationships… it’s so unique. Students don’t just graduate with a degree—they leave with a second family.” Whether it’s a chance encounter in New York City after 20 years or mentoring students through their personal and academic growth, Barb’s story shows how Le Moyne connections transcend time.

More Than a Campus—A Community

With new green spaces, modern buildings like the McNeil Firehouse, and academic growth through the Madden and Purcell Colleges, Le Moyne continues to evolve. But what hasn’t changed is its commitment to cura personalis—care for the whole person.

Dolphins don’t let dolphins swim alone, and that’s not just for students. It’s how we care for each other as faculty, staff, and alumni.”