Class of 2012 shaping up to be one of the finest ever

On December 13, Lehigh University offered admission to students under the Early Decision I Plan. Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid J. Leon Washington indicated that this group of candidates represented “Lehigh’s largest and most selective early decision pool, and applicants presented exceptional academic and personal accomplishments.”

Next fall, we will welcome students to Lehigh who will fly across the country and across the ocean, students who come from America’s largest cities, and those who live within walking distance of campus. The incoming group includes students who have mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, teachers, neighbors, coaches, and mentors who are Lehigh graduates. Their academic passions range from the study of architecture to performing arts; from accounting to mechanical engineering and, for some, a combination of several disciplines.

Dean Washington indicated that the admissions staff enjoyed reading the applications of these students “because so many were compelling. They will bring vitality to this campus just as they have to their classrooms, athletics playing fields, artistic performance spaces, community organizations, and so many other arenas. Their presence at Lehigh next fall will be immediately apparent.”

Some of the notable accomplishments of this talented group include:

• A glassblower, who has been designing and creating pieces of art since the summer of 2003.

• An intern at the Nassau County Medical Examiner's Office who served as a forensic photographer.

• A self-taught woodworking artist who sees the potential of a piece of wood and enjoys carving and shaping it into something beautiful.

• A motorsport enthusiast and two-time class champion go-cart racer who aspires to work on the business side of the sport while being allowed to pursue a unique passion for racing.

• An EMT who saved a life using CPR.

• A member of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program with the US Air Force Auxiliary and leader of various service projects, including the rehabilitation of an elementary school in Southeast Washington, DC, and volunteer work at a Navajo reservation.

• A drum sergeant in the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps who performed for the Queen of England and NATO.

• A student who spent five weeks in Israel and gained a greater understanding of the conflict in that area of the world.

• A varsity swimmer and philanthropist who has broken numerous swimming records and helped raise over 4,000 dollars for autism by organizing and participating in the Endless Mountain Triathlon.

• A journalist who writes and edits for Cosmo Girl and several newspapers.

“With this extraordinary group of first-year students already in place, we are off to an excellent start with the class of 2012. We look forward to inviting many more outstanding students to start their academic careers here at Lehigh,” said Dean Washington.