'We have Delivered Exactly as We have Been Promising,' Helble Says During London Trip to Share Lehigh’s Strategic Plan

Hundreds of Lehigh alumni live in the greater London area, and Helble has vowed to visit the city at least once each year. Helble also had dinner on March 13 with seven students studying in London through Lehigh’s education abroad program, and on the morning of March 14, he hosted one of his Pace the Prez runs with both students and alumni based in the city. Also in attendance at Future Makers for London were Cheryl Matherly, Vice President and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Lehigh; Mark Erickson, Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations; and John Leiner, Associate Director of International Development.

Helble discussed the Lehigh Commitment, in which undergraduate students from families with a total income of less than $75,000 receive a grant covering their full tuition, making a Lehigh education accessible to talented students who will strengthen the campus community. The program drew a round of applause from the audience.

He also discussed ongoing renovations and investments in new facilities at the Lehigh University campus. This includes the 2022 opening of the Health, Science and Technology building which houses the College of Health, as well as last year’s expansion of the Lehigh Business Innovation Building.

Helble also highlighted the fact that The Wall Street Journal has ranked Lehigh the 14th best college in the United States, and described new initiatives at Lehigh like the Compelling Perspectives event series, which has featured such guest speakers as former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Theresa May and former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

“I think at this moment of conflict and polarization across the world, higher education has never been more important,” Helble said. “As an alumnus, and as the president, I truly believe that a grounded, face-the-challenges-head-on education at a university like Lehigh has never been more important.”

Will Vu ’19, who earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics at Lehigh and now lives in London, was among those who attended the Future Makers event. He said he was excited to hear about everything Lehigh has done and what’s in store for the future.

“I agree that this seems like an inflection point for Lehigh, as well as a very exciting time for the university,” Vu said. “It’s great to hear about the expansions, the strategic plan, and Lehigh’s continued commitment to excellence.”

Story by Colin McEvoy.