2018: Year in Review

 

It was the year that Lehigh kicked off a historic, comprehensive fund-raising campaign to support and grow student access and opportunity, learning experiences, and research and distinction, with huge celebrations on campus and in New York and San Francisco. A Lehigh professor helped discover a new geometric shape, a distinguished alum returned to campus to deliver an inspiring Commencement speech, a new five-story residential facility rose and took shape and Lehigh wrestlers demonstrated their proud legacy of success. As the year comes to an end, here are the five biggest stories of the year.

1. Lehigh launches public phase of $1 billion+ campaign with a $20 million gift announcement.

President John D. Simon speaks at the Campaign launch event

Lehigh Launches Public Phase of $1 Billion+ Campaign with $20 Million Gift Announcement
GO: The Campaign for Lehigh kicked off its public phase on Oct.25 at the university. The campaign includes many initiatives including growth in student programs, financial aid, a new residence hall and the new College of Health. Lehigh Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Clayton and Lisa Clayton’s donation will go toward the University Center renovations.

 

2. Deloitte CEO Cathy Engelbert ’86 encourages graduates to balance work with their passions in Commencement address.

Cathy Engelbert

Deloitte CEO Cathy Engelbert to Graduates: 'Do What Hasn’t Been Done'
The Lehigh alumna shared three life lessons to the class of 2018 at Lehigh’s 150th commencement.

 

3. Lehigh wrestlers have another outstanding season.

Two wrestlers

Lehigh Wrestling: A Legacy of Success, and a Special Season in the Works
The Mountain Hawks had multiple noteworthy moments including 10 wrestlers out of 10 weight classes attend the NCAA Championship and five of the athletes won Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association titles.

 

4. A Lehigh professor helps discover the scutoid, a new geometric shape used by nature to pack cells efficiently.

Study Reveals the Scutoid, a New Geometric Shape Used by Nature to Pack Cells Efficiently
Team of researchers discover a new shape present in epithelial cells that minimizes energy and maximizes packing stability during tissue bending. The new research can lead to advancement in tissue engineering.

 

5. A new five-story residential building rises.

University leadership break ground at SouthSide Commons

Lehigh Breaks Ground for SouthSide Commons
The construction of SouthSide Commons took off this year. Once open, the residential building will allow new interactions with the surrounding Bethlehem community and will be home to more than 400 students.

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