6 | LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN | FROM THE NEST Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble ’82 traveled to four countries in Latin America, delivering the esteemed Chancellor’s lecture at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador and connecting with alumni, students, families and international colleagues. It was his first overseas trip as president. The trip included stops in Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala and Panama. Held at the end of the Fall 2023 semester, it continued Lehigh’s long history of engagement and collaboration with Latin American nations. It also aligned with Lehigh’s strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, which calls for broadening the university’s global perspective and impact. “Lehigh is a truly international campus, and global engagement is crucial for our graduates to thrive professionally and personally in today’s international arena,” he said. The Trip Itinerary Helble kicked off the tour with the Chancellor’s lecture, as he addressed the importance of interdisciplinary education and Lehigh’s commitment to deliver the broadest education possible to students. At his next stop at the Galápagos Islands, he met with Lehigh students who were participating in Lehigh Launch, an experiential, integrative learning experience for first-year Lehigh students. Next year’s program will move to Chile. “I was very impressed with the thoughtfulness, curiosity and maturity of the Lehigh Launch Ecuador students and their knowledge of the complex environmental issues and research projects they were undertaking,” Helble said. In each country he visited, Helble attended events hosted by alumni living and working overseas, and he held discussions and provided updates on what’s happening at Lehigh. Cheryl Matherly, vice president and vice provost for International Affairs, said it was appropriate that Helble’s first international trip as president was to INTERNATIONAL A Visit to Latin America In his first overseas trip as president, Joseph J. Helble ’82 connects with alumni and students. At left, President Joseph J. Helble ’82 at the El Chato Tortoise Reserve with Lehigh students. Above, from left, Cheryl Matherly in Panama City with former Global Villagers Tabea Esser ’10 and her husband, Gabriel Wong; and Arlene Dutari. Esser and Wong met in the Iacocca Global Village in 2010. “LEHIGH IS A TRULY INTERNATIONAL CAMPUS, AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT IS CRUCIAL. ...” —JOSEPH J. HELBLE ’82 TAYLOR STAKES
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