2 | LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN | PRESIDENT’S LETTER Lehigh Alumni Bulletin Vol. 110, No. 1, Spring 2025 Executive Editor Kristen DiPrinzio Editor Lauren Thein Art Director Beth Murphy Senior Writer Stephen Gross Staff Writer Christina Tatu Contributing Writers Emily Collins Class Notes Editor Jessi McMullan ’05 Creative Director Kurt Hansen Senior Designers Kate Cassidy, Neha Kavan Photographer Christa Neu Videographer Dan Collins Business Support Traci Mindler Send class notes and remembrances to alumni@lehigh.edu or call (866) 758-2586 Email address changes to askrecords@lehigh.edu or send the mailing label, along with your new address, to Alumni Records/Lehigh University 306 S. New St., Suite 500, Bethlehem, PA 18015, (866) 517-1552 Lehigh University Communications and Public Affairs 301 Broadway, 4th Floor, Suite 400, Bethlehem, PA 18015, (610) 758-4487 Email: communications@lehigh.edu Published three times a year by the Lehigh University Communications and Public Affairs Office, in cooperation with the Lehigh University Alumni Association Inc. Facebook.com/lehighu Facebook.com/lehighalumni Instagram.com/lehighu Instagram.com/lehighalumni youtube.com/lehighu linkedin.com Follow Lehigh University on X @LehighU and @LehighAlumni The spring semester has brought many successes that advance the goals outlined in our long-term strategy, Inspiring the Future Makers. In February, Lehigh was designated as an R1 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a prestigious honor that places us among the nation’s 187 leading research universities. This designation strengthens our ability to attract top faculty, staff and students who want to be part of a university solving global challenges. We look forward to furthering our research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, and drives real change. Consistent with our growth in research, Lehigh recently launched two new University Research Centers (URCs): the Center for Community-Driven Assistive Technologies (CDAT) and the Center for Advancing Community Electrification Solutions (ACES). CDAT will explore novel ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities, while ACES will focus on creating efficient, reliable and self-sustaining energy systems. They join our Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience, which was established last year. Together, these URCs will focus on addressing critical needs and challenges in society. Prior to those exciting advancements, we welcomed students, staff and faculty into the revitalized Clayton University Center at Packer Hall, which reopened in January a full semester ahead of schedule. The reopening reflects Lehigh’s commitment to strengthening the sense of community and connection within the walls of this reimagined iconic core of our campus. An official Building Dedication is planned for fall 2025. Looking ahead, we are eager to launch Explore Lehigh this fall, an exploratory first-semester program consistent with our goal of expanding opportunities for deeply interdisciplinary learning. This pilot program will allow students to enter Lehigh without selecting a specific academic college in advance, giving them opportunity to explore the breadth of the curriculum. Through all of this, our focus and commitment remains clear: advancing Lehigh’s educational and research mission, being nimble and innovative, and fostering a community of belonging that welcomes and supports every individual. I thank you for your continued support. Joseph J. Helble ’82 President of Lehigh University SCAN TO WATCH PRESIDENT HELBLE’S VIDEO MESSAGE. Successes Advancing Lehigh’s Mission The revitalized Clayton University Center at Packer Hall reopened in January, serving as a vibrant hub for the Lehigh community. CHRISTA NEU
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