WISE WORDS A swirl of applause, happy tears and hopeful anticipation, Lehigh’s Commencement marks the end of one chapter and the confident first page of graduates’ larger stories. Alumni who once sat in the same rows of chairs and ambitiously stepped into the world offer advice grounded in lived experience, having navigated the winding path ahead and moments of profound growth. For this issue, the Lehigh Alumni social media accounts asked alumni to share one piece of helpful advice for the Class of 2026. Keep an eye on our social media channels for future questions and let us know your thoughts to possibly be featured in an upcoming issue of the Bulletin.
“Be yourself. Don’t ever sell yourself short. Live the life that was meant for YOU. Be happy.”
—Steve Lane ’89 P’27
“‘Be where your feet are.’ Meaning we can get so wrapped up in what’s next, our five-year plan, how we are going to be successful … ground yourself in the present moment!”
–Maddie Schott ’24 M’25
“Think and breathe for yourself, regardless of a path once desired. Times change and you can, too. Block out the noise or something that feels like a path your current self wants to veer away from, while searching for new spaces. Lean into those news spaces and search for the light in it. There will always be friction of some sort, but try and remain true to yourself and over time, you will find this new path.”
–Chris Pailas ’25
“Believe in yourself! You got this!”
–Jack Janowski ’25
“‘A good engineer is … always looking for a better way to do things.’ From the Dean of Engineering, 1960.”
—Douglas Quayle ’64
“Always tell your story in your own words. Don’t let anyone else define who you are and where you’re going.”
—Julie Wright ’25 M’26
