As I write this message, I am concluding my year as President of the Lehigh University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors. In my last couple months I’ve been thinking in particular about May’s Commencement and June’s Reunion, and how important these milestones are to our alumni.
Commencement marks the end of student life and beginning of alumni-hood, while June’s Reunion is the celebration and reconnection of the relationships we had created here. As I listened to the conversations from alumni of various graduation years, I realized how important it is that we seasoned alumni share our wisdom, and welcome our newest members into the alumni family. Here are some things you can recommend to new alumni to help them stay connected:
• Consider keeping in contact with your favorite professors, local legends (like Tony at the Goose) or older students who took you under their wing.
• Follow us. Lehigh is present on various social media platforms and has a few of its own for professional and career connections. Like and share content that resonates with you and encourage your Lehigh friends to do the same.
• Give back. Help mentor or tutor current students, consider supporting Admissions’ efforts in your home town or donate on Giving Day—it all matters and makes a difference.
• Stop by. When you are in South Bethlehem, or anywhere nearby for that matter, come visit campus and talk to current students. You will be glad you did. Tour a gallery, explore the sculptures and walk up some new paths on the Hill to take in the beauty, regardless of the season. Every time I come back I see change, development and innovation on campus, although it is still evident we are holding strong to our traditions, community and culture of excellence.
• Show up at a local or virtual Lehigh event. Regional Club social gatherings, Sendoffs for incoming students or Welcome to the Region events in the fall are great ways to meet alumni near you. Virtual book clubs, Mountain Talks and other speakers series options are just a few to choose from. Continue to share feedback on what you want to see and how you would like to reconnect.
• Wear your Lehigh gear! You will meet new friends and Lehigh family everywhere. You may also get a chance to encourage a family to consider Lehigh for their student.
As alumni, we have a lot to learn from the Class of 2022 as well. Their resilience and persistence in the face of a pandemic created a unique and challenging student experience that none of us can really understand. We welcome the Class of 2022 to join the larger alumni family and can’t wait to hear your stories and how you shape the world. We look forward to reading about ALL of our alumni here too. The number of years you spend as a Lehigh alumnus are far greater than those years you spend as a student. Continue to look for the Lehigh community where you are and we will be waiting to connect with you.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve in this role and to serve on the LUAA Board at large. Thank you for this opportunity!
Jessica Huertas RN ’94
Outgoing President of the Lehigh University Alumni Association (LUAA)
