Chinese student receives first Levy Scholarship

Huilai Gu ’19 has yet to set foot on Lehigh University’s campus but already knows that she made the right decision to attend next fall as an Integrated Business and Engineering major.

Huilai was accepted through the Early Decision process and was awarded the Karen and Paul S. Levy ’69 International Scholarship. The full scholarship, which, in addition to room and board, includes financial support for undergraduate research, international internship opportunities, and round-trip transportation so Huilai can visit her family each year.

The scholarship was established by alumnus Paul S. Levy ’69 and his wife Karen to support bright international scholars.
According to Morgan Volkart ’06, ’10G, director of International Recruitment, the Levy Scholarship is an exemplary package that provides much more than typical scholarships at other universities.

“Most packages rarely go beyond tuition, room, and board, which does not support the whole student,” explains Volkart. “This prevents some of the brightest international students from attending college in the U.S. and adding to our campus community. The Levy scholarship enables students like Huilai to take advantage of all the opportunities that Lehigh has to offer, regardless of their financial situation. I do not know of a more comprehensive scholarship offered by another university in the U.S.”
Huilai was chosen as the first Levy Scholar for her academic performance and leadership capabilities.

“Huilai is the best of the best and is stellar in all regards – academics, extracurricular involvement, maturity, leadership, and personal characteristics – the full package.” says Volkart. 

Huilai is currently a member of the fencing team at her high school, vice president of the math club, and founder and president of the Chinese language club. She served as team captain for the math Olympiad during her junior year. Community service is also a top priority for Huilai, who gives back to others by teaching basic French and English to children of peasant workers in her hometown each summer.

Drawn to Lehigh for its interdisciplinary programs, Huilai explains that she is interested in all types of learning. “I believe that interdisciplinary learning helps to mobilize my brain and enables me to approach and solve problems from new perspectives,” says Huilai. “Lehigh University, especially its integrated engineering programs, is a perfect fit.”

Huilai was shocked and surprised when she learned that she was chosen as the first Levy Scholar. “I was so excited and grateful beyond words. I immediately shared this wonderful news with my parents, and they felt so thrilled and proud for me. It truly is a generous gift and a great honor.”

Story by Jill Spotz