To remain a truly great university, Lehigh must also become a truly global university.
Times are changing in higher education, and as leaders in academia face up to these new and challenging dynamics, forward-thinking universities are increasingly making smart, strategic investments in programming around the globe. More than ever before, American universities are seeking to cultivate new research collaborations with top universities worldwide. They are working to open doors for more bright young minds from more diverse backgrounds. They are strengthening ties with their overseas alumni, and they are developing new industry partnerships to create value and positive outcomes for students, faculty and alums.
Lehigh, I am proud to say, is doing all of the above, and I am certain that all of our investments will help us create a stronger university.
Earlier this fall, we were proud to announce the latest important milestone in our efforts to expand our presence in India. By putting dedicated staff on the ground in-country for the first time, we will be better positioned to recruit top students from one of the most important economies in the world and to engage in a more meaningful way with our already loyal India-based alumni.
This latest step builds on our many other global initiatives, including our growing partnership with Ashoka University, one of India’s most respected and innovative universities; our many immersive global programs for students, including the Global Citizenship Initiative, the Global Social Impact Fellowship program and the Iacocca International Internship Program; and our ongoing efforts to recruit top faculty and students from around the globe.
These are exciting times at Lehigh. With several major building projects underway, with our College of Health preparing to launch, with an ongoing expansion of our student body, change here on campus is apparent. But important changes are also happening off campus—from the Lehigh@NasdaqCenter in San Francisco to our new base of operations in India, and in so many other important and emerging markets, as well. This progress is significant, and will allow us to extend the impact of our teaching, research and service like never before.
I thank you for your continued support as we collectively work to push Lehigh forward.
Sincerely,
John D. Simon '19P
