Distinguished Alumni Awards

Dr. Hyo S. Lee’s expertise in lasers and optics has led to innovations in science, engineering, and defense systems as well as medical optics and remote sensing technology. He founded Science and Engineering Services, LLC in 1988, serving government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and NASA. Through the H.S. Lee Family Foundation, Lee is advancing AI readiness for Lehigh graduate students and faculty.

About the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award
The Outstanding Entrepreneur Award is presented to an individual or team who has demonstrated professional achievement of the highest caliber in the management of an enterprise.

Jennifer Long’s experiences volunteering with local organizations while at Lehigh led her to a career in law and public service. Today, as a co-founder and chief executive officer of AEquitas, she is an expert on the prosecution of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and human trafficking and works locally and internationally advancing justice for survivors of these crimes.

About the Public Service Award
The Public Service Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated either outstanding success in a career in the public sector or extraordinary contributions in the charitable, nonprofit, or civic arena.

Education and advocacy are at the heart of Jessica Huertas’ impact on her community. As a registered nurse and clinical manager for the women’s health team at Accolade, Inc., she mentors new managers and supports the delivery of care. At Lehigh, Huertas co-founded BALANCE (Black and Latinx Alumni Network for Community and Excellence), an alumni network that encourages engagement with Lehigh’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

About the Dr. Costel Denson ’56 Award
The Dr. Costel Denson '56 Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership in increasing diversity in the American workplace and educational institutions.

Kate Kiewel is shaping the next era of innovation, working across Silicon Valley's deep tech ecosystem, New York's global equity capital markets, and Latin America. She founded Khora, a platform elevating entrepreneurship and innovation in Latin America, and is currently head of investor relations at Archer Aviation. Her work builds trust among founders, investors, and communities to turn breakthrough technology into lasting progress.

About the Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award is presented to an individual who has graduated within the past 15 years and has achieved extraordinary success or recognition by colleagues and peers for outstanding leadership and professional accomplishments.

President of the Ford Motor Company and later CEO of the Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca is remembered as a symbol of American ingenuity and resilience. His sweeping legacy includes the introduction of the Mustang and the financial rescue of Chrysler from bankruptcy, as well as Lehigh milestones including the acquisition of Mountaintop Campus, the founding of the Lee Iacocca Institute for Global Leadership, and the launch of the Iacocca International Internship Program (IIIP).

About the Lifetime Commitment to Lehigh Award
The Lifetime Commitment to Lehigh Award is presented to an individual whose integrity, dedication, and engagement demonstrates lifelong leadership and service to Lehigh University.

Lewis Hay served as chairman and chief executive officer of NextEra Energy, Inc., one of the nation’s leading electricity-related companies and the largest generator of renewable energy in North America. Under his leadership, NextEra Energy earned numerous awards for its innovations and corporate sustainability and was lauded for its clean energy growth strategy. Today, he continues to lead as independent chairman of the board for L3Harris Technologies.

About the Excellence in Industry Award
The Excellence in Industry Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated professional achievement of the highest caliber in the management of a for-profit organization.