Frank Lomax '27

Q: What is one thing you would want a prospective student to know about Lehigh?

A: Working in the Admissions Office has allowed me to meet different people from various and diverse backgrounds, but there were some commonalities I noticed. One of the most important things I have learned is that the students I meet who are the most confident and prepared for college are the authentic ones. The students who fully or even partially understand who they are as a student and person are able to sell themselves as the product to Lehigh. It’s not about why they deserve Lehigh, it’s about why Lehigh deserves them. I always encourage prospective students to be their authentic selves. Find what you love and do it to the best of your ability. Don’t put on a mask that you think Lehigh wants to see; you are your best sales point.

Q: As an Admissions Ambassador and Tour Guide, you’re one of the first people in our community that a prospective student meets. What have you learned from connecting with people from all different backgrounds?

A: Being able to meet prospective students and families is one of my favorite things I get to do as a part of the Lehigh Admissions team. A very common phrase I hear all the time and use personally is the idea of a “cultural melting pot”. Lehigh is a cultural melting pot. I believe it is a place that is strengthened by the diversity of its people and the differences of perspectives. However, beyond that, one of the most important things that I have learned from connecting with all different people from a variety of backgrounds is: your values are what make you who you are. Whenever I get the chance, I ask students who they want to be in life, how they want to act, and who they want to be around. It is always interesting to hear the variety of answers they come up with. Some talk about a specific passion they have had for years, where they want to make money and be the best at what they do. Some talk about ideas they have to revolutionize an industry, so they can be known. Some talk about being happy in whatever they do as long as they are surrounded by the right people. Through all these different stories, dreams, and destinies, I have realized that every student knows what is important to them and knows what they need to do to be satisfied. At the end of the day, we are all human and it is built into our DNA to survive and thrive by whatever means. Every student has something that motivates them to their definition of success and if we as a community can make the effort to understand those values, well then we can be the ones to help direct them towards wherever they hope to go.

Q: Coming from Phoenix to the Lehigh Valley is a major shift. What was it about Bethlehem, or the greater region, that made this feel like the right place to spend your college career?

A: I like to joke that my siblings and I all tried to one-up each other with distances, with my brother going to school in California, my sister in St. Louis, and now me at Lehigh. However, when it came to decisions for college location, I wanted to experience something new and different. I wanted a place where I felt like I was in a vibrant community that was constantly growing and full of new and different people. I wanted a place that didn’t feel like a city I could drown in with so many other people, where I could still have the college experience but know there was a community just outside as well. I can go for hikes, runs or bike rides in the surrounding areas when the weather is nice. Even if it is not, I have always loved a little type-two fun, spending time with my friends in a blizzard or a thunderstorm. I can travel to NYC or Philadelphia for concerts, sporting events, or just to see old friends. Most importantly for me, it was a place I could experience the beauty of nature, the business of a city, and a strong community centered in between all of it.

Q: You’ve curated a Lehigh experience that fosters various parts of your well-being. Greek life and Admissions for the social, Malismetics for the creative and Club Swim for the physical. How does this holistic experience make you a more effective and grounded student?

A: It is no secret that Lehigh is a place where students are encouraged to find what they love and do it. When I first arrived at Lehigh, I was beyond thrilled to get involved in a hundred different things from athletics to academics to the arts, and everything in between. As a student, I believe it is important to find what you truly love and enjoy, and then give it the time and effort that it deserves. This allows students to find joy not only in the classroom but also outside of it. Maybe if you are not having the greatest work day, your extracurricular will reinvigorate your work ethic and support your productivity. It gives you some level of purpose and commitment that you volunteered to do. Personally, I also like to be busy. When I am busy, I am productive. The chaos of my schedule forces me to manage my time, plan ahead, and organize my work to stay ahead. This has allowed me to be a student who doesn’t just do, but anticipates, plans, and acts.

Q: What’s one goal you’ve achieved during your time at Lehigh that went from “just an idea” to something real and impactful?

A: If you had told me that I would be singing with an a cappella group at Radio City Music Hall in high school, I would have called you insane. When it comes to musical experience, let’s just say I am light on the experience and heavy on enthusiasm. In high school, my time was pretty limited and even though I always wanted to sing in an a cappella group, I put it off saying there was no way someone with very little experience and time should be involved. However, when I got to college, I realized I had a chance to reinvent myself a little bit. My first year I was browsing around the club fair on the first day of classes when I heard someone around me mentioning a cappella groups and their audition process. I thought, “Sure, why not?” To my friends, I made it seem like just something I could be interested in but wouldn’t be upset if it didn’t turn out; to myself, however, this was my chance to fulfill a dream I had on hold for too long. One of my favorite feelings is getting goosebumps or chills from powerful chords or moments in music, and this was my opportunity to be the one who produced that feeling. I chose a very ambitious audition song but spent lots of time refining it and putting as much effort I could to make it great. That year, I was denied. On the outside, I was careless; on the inside, devastated. I moved on, focused on other clubs and organizations like club swim and Admissions Tour Guides, but secretly, I always felt disappointed in myself. Sophomore year rolled around and this time I had two friends who were a part of the Melismatics already. They mentioned auditions to me and I was anything but confident. I didn’t want to risk the embarrassment of denial two years in a row. I did promise those friends I would attend their first concert but didn’t promise I would sign up. After feeling those goosebumps from one of their performances, I was sold. I needed to try again and give it my all. I chose a different audition song this time, one I had a little more experience with and disregarded the fear of embarrassment. That year turned out to be my year and I was accepted by the Melismatics to be a tenor. This experience is one I could never have expected but am so grateful for. I learned how to deal with rejection and that it is more important how you respond than what has happened. Being a member of the Melismatics, I have felt what true camaraderie is: showing resilience through the difficult moments we face, putting the goals of the group above my own, and taking risks even when it feels impossible.

Q: Where have you found support and mentorship at Lehigh? How has it shaped your experience so far?

A: I have found support and mentorship from students, professors, and staff alike. Working in the Admissions Office has allowed me to become great friends with various admissions counselors and directors. Every week, I know I can just walk into their offices and ask them how life is or what they have been up to. I can tell them the challenges I am facing or ask for life advice. Academically,  professors, TAs, and upperclassmen have been huge resources for me. Whether it’s going to office hours to cover material in more depth or planning my coursework in an organized manner, I know I can always reach out. These experiences have led me to say “the doors here at Lehigh are never closed”. People here are always willing to listen. This has not only made me a more authentic and vulnerable person, but also allowed me to feel more comfortable in asking for help.
 

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lehigh?

A: Lehigh has and always will be this amazing of a place because of the people. It is the people who make the experience truly special. I love that I can walk to class every day and see ten faces I know and ten I don’t. It is something I cannot explain, but Lehigh just attracts the right people. Students here are ready to anticipate, adapt, and act. The students here are excited to be a part of the Lehigh experience. It is a collaborative and caring environment where students feel encouraged to break boundaries, tackle difficult challenges, and brainstorm new solutions. Your fellow students will be your biggest supporters and your most trusted advisors. They will challenge you to take risks and try new things with the sole goal of helping you achieve your goals. The professors and staff are the same way. They are excited to share their knowledge while also learning from you. The professors want you to come up to ask questions, participate in discussions, and talk to them after class. At the end of the day, Lehigh is the place for me because it is the place for everyone.
 

Q: If you had to sum up your Lehigh journey so far in three authentic-to-you words, what would they be?

A: Not enough time!
 

Q: Where is your study spot of choice on campus?

A: Although I enjoy studying in a variety of different spots in order to give myself a change of scenery every so often, I would say my favorite spot is on the third floor of the STEPS building in the atrium.

Q: What is your favorite food spot, either on campus or in SouthSide Bethlehem?

A: Wonder Kitchen.