Lehigh Alumni Pride Association (LAPA)

The Lehigh Alumni Pride Association (LAPA) exists to bring together Lehigh alumni who are members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual community (LGBTQIA), and our allies. Our efforts focus on keeping LGBTQIA and allied alums connected to one another and connected to Lehigh in order to foster an inclusive environment for all gender identities and sexual orientations.

The Lehigh Alumni Pride Association works to do the following:

• Provide a voice and presence in the alumni community for LGBTQIA+ and allied alums
• Build community and foster relationships for alumni, students, staff, and faculty in the LGBTQIA+ and allied community
• Advise the university and provide support for programs, policies, and practices that build and sustain an LGBTQIA+ inclusive community at Lehigh

Help Lehigh LGBTQIA+ students take the next step in their career. Join the Pride Center and LAPA on Lehigh Connects to make it easier for students in your field to find you! Sign up for a Lehigh Connects profile or update your bio to include how you can help LGBTQIA+ students, then make sure to write “Pride Center” or “LGBTQIA+” in your “More About You” section. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or are an ally, this is a great way to help Lehigh students find their way. 

Christina Diggs ’07

At Lehigh University, Chris Diggs received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and religion studies in 2007 and completed her Master of Education degree in educational leadership in 2008. While at Lehigh, Diggs was involved in Spectrum and Break the Silence and served as a Gryphon. She has pursued a career in higher education administration and currently works at the Fashion Institute of Technology as the director of residential life. Diggs is excited to continue to build a strong LGBTQIA+ community among Lehigh alumni through LAPA.

Chelsea Crisafulli ’09 

Chelsea Crisafulli received her Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture from Lehigh University. While at Lehigh, she was a member of the women’s rowing team and was involved in Spectrum, Break the Silence, and BALANCE. Upon graduating, she moved to New York City and completed her Master of Architecture degree at Parsons the New School for Design. She is currently pursuing her professional architecture license and is working in a firm specializing in Landmarks Preservation work and adaptive reuse. Crisafulli is glad to be a part of LAPA, and she is eager to join the efforts in continuing to grow and support the LGBTQIA+ community for both current students and alumni.

Daniel Bahner ’09

Daniel Bahner received his Bachelor of Arts degree in classics and religion studies from Lehigh University in 2009 and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. While at Lehigh, he served as a Gryphon and was involved in Spectrum, Kaleidoscope Social Justice Peer Education Program, and Leadership Lehigh. Upon graduation, Bahner moved to New York City and completed his master’s degree in higher education administration from New York University. He has worked to further diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives throughout his career, serving as the National Director of Education and Training for Keshet, an LGBTQIA+ Jewish nonprofit, and most recently as the DEI contractor for the American Dental Association. In addition to his work in the DEIJ field, Bahner is pursuing a second master's at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in counseling psychology to focus his work on the intersection between the self, society, and mental health.

Meet fellow LGBTQIA+ alumni and allies across the country. Support students, attend events, and deepen your connection to Lehigh in the Lehigh Alumni Pride Association. Become a member, or find out if you can be one of the club’s next leaders.