One of our hopes in redesigning the Lehigh Alumni Bulletin was that we would be able to share more stories of alumni from across class years. We also wanted to be able to capture your online posts and reflections, since so many of us now communicate and connect online.
At least two of our newest features allow us to do just that: “Ask the Expert” and “Squawk.” Last issue we connected with Ann Newberry ’79, who provided tips on downsizing. And for this issue we spoke with Carol (Cochrane) Kankelborg ’86, a retired engineer, who has a sought-after talent for making pies. If you have advice to share, we’d love to hear from you.
With NBA star CJ McCollum ’13 returning to campus to deliver the Class of 2023 undergraduate keynote address, and Salesforce President and CFO Amy Weaver ’23P delivering the address at the graduate ceremony and doctoral hooding, we asked for your reflections on your Lehigh graduation day. “Squawk” is filled with your remembrances, both poignant and humorous. Stay tuned to Lehigh’s social media channels for more questions to be featured in future issues.
One of my favorite sections of the Bulletin—and we know it’s yours too—is Class Notes. That’s where we first read about the interesting turn in Donna Esposito’s life path and were compelled to learn more. Esposito ’94 received a degree in molecular biology from Lehigh. A lifelong fascination with the Pacific campaigns of WWII inspired two novels and a trip to the Solomon Islands, where she helped with the repatriation of an American soldier missing in action.
Also in this issue, Mark Connar ’84 MBA discusses his passion project—a years-long effort to preserve a piece of history and create a heritage park on Lehigh’s Stabler Pathways property. Connar and Lehigh have forged a partnership with the aim of restoring the President Pumping Engine House, the only pumping engine house still standing in the United States that was built in the style of the Cornish from Great Britain.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine, which brings you many more stories on faculty and student research, Lehigh initiatives and alumni. We’d love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Alu
Editor
