Hello Lehigh!

My first day as your assistant vice president for alumni engagement was January 25, which the East Coasters will remember as Snowstorm Jonah. The university closed (!), so I spent my first day of work on the couch in my (temporary) apartment, which is in the “Lower Cenns” complex.

Since then I’ve had face-to-face meetings with about 75 alumni in Central Jersey, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York City, Bethlehem, and Boston, and I’ve talked with several dozens more at virtual and in-person events and meetings. I also fielded a quick survey to speed my understanding of the essence of Lehigh and heard from 1,500 alumni!

Here’s a bit of what I’ve learned or observed so far:
•    An entrepreneurial spirit is in the DNA: no matter what your profession, you all seem to have a “sure, let’s try it!” and “just get it done” attitude. Love this!
•    You feel you got a high quality education that prepared you well, both professionally and personally.
•    You want more virtual and more quick-hit volunteer opportunities.
•    Tremendous alumni/student connections happen here.
•    The Lehigh network is 80,000-alumni strong, and for those who tap into it, it surpasses your expectations.
•    For those who weren’t in a sorority/fraternity, on a team, or in the Engineering or Business schools, it may have been tough to find your place here.
•    We are producing fabulous social and athletic alumni events but could do more intellectual and professional networking events.
•    The online engagement experience needs to be expanded and improved.

In future columns, I’ll share some of my team’s action items and plans (hint: we too have a “sure, let’s try it!” and “just get it done” attitude!).

Until then, I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow me @jenlynham. My email is Jennifer.Cunningham@Lehigh.edu if you’d like to comment on any of the points above or just tell me what’s on your mind.

Jennifer Cunningham
Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement