Every space was filled with energy, vibrancy and focus. Students studied and brainstormed ideas on dry erase boards in the meeting rooms, coworkers caught up over lunch in the dining spaces and friends gathered for a game of table tennis in the Great Room.
I had the opportunity to speak with several students about how they are utilizing the spaces within the Clayton University Center. From studying to dining to working, students shared the ways in which the building supports their academic goals and enhances social experiences. In just one year since its reopening, the building has already made a positive impact and will continue to serve as a thriving hub of community for years to come.
That progress and future focus can be found across many of the stories in this issue of the Alumni Bulletin. Among the pages, you’ll learn about the incredible work of faculty, students and alumni driving research momentum forward in the first year since Lehigh was named an R1 research university. From advancing infectious disease prediction to strategizing AI literacy, these Future Makers are solving challenges and developing innovations that continue to shape our world.
You’ll meet Julie Wright ’25 M’26 and Rhema Hooper ’26, who received Distinguished Future Maker Awards at the inaugural Future Makers Convocation and built a friendship and record of global impact through research, advocacy and community. Additionally, you will read about the recently hired head coaches of women’s tennis, women’s lacrosse, women’s wrestling and volleyball who are bringing fresh leadership and momentum to Lehigh women’s athletics.
We hope you enjoy these stories celebrating the Lehigh community and the exciting moments shaping the university’s bright future ahead.
Lauren Thein
Editor
