Distinguished Alumni Awards

Stacy Sawin ’14, a nonprofit executive and stalking survivor, founded FinAbility in 2020 to empower survivors of domestic violence through financial security. The organization has supported over 50,000 individuals and raised over $900,000 under her leadership. Sawin holds degrees from Lehigh University and an MBA from London Business School.

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.

Maria L. Chrin ’87 ’10P is a pioneering financial professional and philanthropist, founding Circle Wealth Management to support ultra-high net worth families. With a career spanning Goldman Sachs and advocacy for women’s financial independence, she has also led initiatives at Lehigh University and Columbia, focusing on education and gender equity.

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.

Jeff Parks ’70, COO of Alibi Music LP, has greatly influenced Bethlehem’s arts scene by founding ArtsQuest and festivals like Musikfest. An attorney with a B.A. from Lehigh and a J.D. from Penn, he received the Frank L. Marcon Award and published Stronger than Steel, highlighting Bethlehem's cultural transformation.

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.

José P. Arencibia Jr. ’74 is the founder and retired president of Arencibia Associates Inc., which develops technology to enhance process efficiency and reduce carbon footprints for industries like aerospace and pharmaceuticals. His company designed systems for Pfizer's Lipitor production and holds two registered patents. He resides in Denver, Colorado.

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.

Cathy Engelbert ’86 ’23P became the first commissioner of the WNBA in July 2019, tasked with transforming the league. She negotiated a landmark collective bargaining agreement that tripled player salaries and secured benefits. Engelbert raised $75 million for league initiatives, navigated the pandemic, and previously served as Deloitte's CEO, making history as the first woman in that role. She is recognized among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women and has received numerous accolades for her leadership and impact.

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.

Jane P. Jamieson ’75 has a distinguished legacy of service and commitment to Lehigh University, graduating as a Phi Beta Kappa in its first class of women. She retired as executive vice president of marketing at Fidelity Investments after a 28-year career. From 2002 to 2019, Jamieson served on the Lehigh Board of Trustees, holding leadership roles including vice chair and chair of several committees. She currently sits on the advisory council for the Lehigh University Art Galleries and is a trustee for several nonprofit organizations, including Lincoln School and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Eugene G. Grace 1899 Award for distinguished service.

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.