Our enduring Lehigh community

The Lehigh University family is an enduring, proud community of thinkers and leaders. We share in our success and unite in the face of our challenges. And so it is natural that my thoughts have recently turned to friends and alumni in Boston and in Texas. In the aftermath of the terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon and the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, I have heard many stories of people coming together to help others in need. Some of these caring individuals are from within our own Lehigh community.
Jack Foley, director of sports medicine at Lehigh, was a first responder after the blasts at the Boston Marathon. With decades of experience treating injured athletes, he was attending the race as an athletic trainer when the attacks occurred. Jack reacted to the cries for medical assistance at the marathon finish line and tended to wounded spectators. NBC10’s Rosemary Connors met on campus with Jack to talk about his experience helping those traumatized by the blasts. ESPN also featured Jack in an article about the athletic trainers who attended the marathon.
Jack’s assistance to those in need demonstrates the steadfast perseverance of the Lehigh community. All of us at the university are keeping everyone in Boston and West, Texas, in our thoughts and prayers.
Lehigh alumni continue to make their mark on the world as they demonstrate leadership and global perspective. I’m pleased to applaud one of our esteemed alumni, Jill Anderson ‘91, who was recently featured in a Morning Call article on hybrid cars and gas levies. In addition to being a Lehigh alumna, Jill Anderson provided 12 years of tremendous service to the Lehigh University Alumni Association. Jill is now Drew University’s assistant vice president for alumni and parent relations. If you would like to learn more about Jill’s switch to a hybrid vehicle, you can read the article and watch the video online.
Additionally, I would like to congratulate Donna Goldfeder ‘90G on her retirement as Lehigh’s director of career services. In 24 years of impressive service to the university, Donna has changed the lives of thousands of Lehigh students. She has been interviewed by the New York Times, Businessweek and other leading publications on career topics. Her enthusiasm for helping students develop the knowledge and connections they need for success has been a cornerstone of her career services philosophy. Donna’s accomplishments and legacy will have a lasting effect for decades to come.
Reunion is fast approaching and Commencement is less than a month away. Lehigh graduates are embarking on a new phase in their lives where they will build upon their great university experiences. Alumni are welcome to congratulate new Lehigh graduates at our commencement celebration at the end of Reunion weekend. If you have not had the opportunity to register to come back for Reunion, you will want to note that registration closes May 3. Reunion is right around the corner and you will want to make sure that your reservations are in place.
As alumni are planning to visit campus, it is an excellent time to mention that April 21-27 was National Volunteer Week this year. As such, I’d like to thank all of our talented and dedicated volunteers who have made an impact over the past year. We are looking forward to working with everyone who recently responded to our online call for volunteers. It is a testament to the strength of our alumni community that we heard back from a dynamic group of interested candidates. If you would like to volunteer, please visit our volunteer interest form on MyLehigh.
I want to thank everyone for making the Lehigh University family a beacon of pride—your hard work, dedication and community spirit distinguish Lehigh as a leader in higher education.
Yours in Brown and White,
Bob Wolfenden