Reflections from Two Alumni Leaders

The Lehigh University Alumni Association (LUAA) Board of Directors is composed of a group of passionate individuals. Our role is to represent the interests of alumni as the university plans its future. LUAA’s goals are “to build a vibrant and mutually beneficial alumni network” and “to mobilize alumni to elevate Lehigh’s visibility and reputation.” We work in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations, headed by Jennifer Cunningham, to optimize the alumni engagement experience. Programs under way include regional networks, webinars, diversity, Greek, professional networks, admissions, career services, legacy commencement celebrations, class affinity, reunion, volunteer engagement and ambassadorship with alumni, parents and students.

Alumni play an important role in ensuring the success of Lehigh going forward. The future is exciting, and there is much we as alumni can do. It is not just about monetary contributions; as important is the engagement of our 80,000 alumni in bringing their knowledge, skills and experience to the benefit of Lehigh. Being connected and involved with Lehigh is an extremely gratifying experience. I have had numerous opportunities to interact with fellow alumni, Lehigh staff and faculty, students, parents and friends of Lehigh. I encourage you to get involved. You will find it fulfilling and fun. There are numerous volunteer opportunities. Please check out the Lehigh Volunteer website at mylehigh.lehigh.edu/volunteer or contact Shannon Jaeger, director of volunteer engagement, at shj211@lehigh.edu for more information.

Lehigh holds a special place in my heart. Our daughter, Laura, recently graduated from Lehigh. Her Lehigh experience was remarkable, and she blossomed beyond my wildest imagination—one more reason I am eternally grateful to Lehigh. I am sure you have wonderful stories to tell regarding your experience, and I would love to hear them. My email address is gkchan80@alum.lehigh.edu.

Sincerely and Forever in Brown and White,

Gary Chan ’80 ’17P
Outgoing President, LUAA Board of Directors
Incoming Alumni Trustee

While it seems like we just finished celebrating the 150th anniversary of Lehigh’s founding, in two years we will hit another milestone: the 150th anniversary of the first graduation at our alma mater. Yes, members of the Class of 1869 became Lehigh’s first alumni, but they also did something to ensure that alums’ spirit and passion stay embedded in the institution’s DNA: They formed the Lehigh University Alumni Association (LUAA), and class members became the first alumni trustees. The Board of Trustees is the governing body responsible for ensuring that Lehigh relentlessly pursues its mission of education and service and stays true to the ideals established by Asa Packer, William Bacon Stevens and the university’s other founding fathers.

Packer and these young alumni set in place a practice that stands to this day. There are six alumni trustees, selected by LUAA and serving simultaneously on the LUAA Board and the Board of Trustees, and they carry on their predecessors’ work: bringing alumni’s interests, insights and passion to the university’s governance and acting as ambassadors of Lehigh to fellow alumni and the world. I have been honored to hold one of these positions for the past three years, and it has been a marvelous experience. I have learned so much about what has happened, is happening and will be happening on South Mountain and the many Lehigh touch points around the world. Board members engage with great commitment in a wide spectrum of issues and challenges, from the growth of Mountaintop, to the increasing global reach of our programs, to efforts to attract the best students, faculty and staff from around the world.

I hope you will take some time to learn about the marvelous things going on at your alma mater. President John D. Simon has set an ambitious agenda for us. He has had solid support from our outgoing board chairman, Brad Scheler, and this will continue with our incoming chair, Kevin Clayton. We have added to our impressive leadership team with people such as Cheryl Ann Matherly, vice president and vice provost for international affairs; Donald Outing, chief diversity officer; and Ricardo Hall, vice provost for student affairs. Stay tuned. It’s going to be a glorious ride.

Sincerely,
Michael J. Connor ’80 ’14P
Outgoing Alumni Trustee