During a special evening at Lehigh University, six alumni from across the country were honored for their extraordinary achievements and impact while leading lives of consequence. In addition, donors were inducted into the 1865 Society, which recognizes those who have made philanthropic gifts to the university of more than $1 million.
Extraordinary Generosity
Vice president of Development and Alumni Relations Carol Packard thanked the 1865 Society inductees, calling them “a community of extraordinary philanthropists. Your gifts are the foundation upon which we stand, and we are grateful to you for your commitment to Lehigh University.”
New inductees were Anne R. Kline ’81 and Geoffrey P. Pohanka; Mary T. Kush ’88; Ann Lewnes ’83 ’22P and Greg Welch ’22P; the late Lillian T. Savage; Pamela Sebastian ’96P and the late John Sebastian ’96P; Mark C. Stutzman ’81; and Deborah J. and Clifford A. White ’82. All inductees have their names engraved on the stone benches of Leadership Plaza outside the Alumni Memorial Building. They shared their thoughts on Lehigh, the importance of generosity, and the transformative power of education in statements of impact in the event program.
"I’m proud to give back to Lehigh, supporting scholarships and the arts, because my education, faith, and the arts shaped who I am today," Kline’s statement read.
Kush shared, "I’m dedicated to giving back to Lehigh, hoping to provide opportunities for students like those I received, and supporting the future leaders who will make a difference,"
The statement from Lewnes read, "We give to Lehigh to support its academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to an inclusive community, ensuring it remains a top launching pad for students’ futures.”
"My Aunt Lillian believed in the power of education and the opportunity Lehigh provides to motivated students," Karen Savage offered on behalf of the late Lillian T. Savage. “She was proud to support scholarships that honor its legacy."
Speaking about her late son and on behalf of her late husband, John, Pamela Sebastian said, "Through the Lehigh Choir, our son Bear formed lifelong friendships and cherished memories. We created the Michael C. 'Bear' Sebastian Choral Arts Endowment to ensure future students have the same enriching experiences."
"As a student supported by financial aid, Lehigh transformed my life,” Stutzman’s statement read. “Now, I’m committed to giving back, ensuring future students have the same opportunities I had."
Clifford White said, "Attending Lehigh was the most consequential decision of my life, leading to lifelong friendships and a commitment to support first-generation students and diversity."
Honoring Distinguished Alumni
President Joseph J. Helble ’82 presented the Stacy Sawin ’14, Maria L. Chrin ’87 ’10P, Jeff Parks ’70, José P. Arencibia Jr. ’74 ’80G ’90G ’03P, Cathy Engelbert ’86 ’23P, and Jane P. Jamieson ’75. The awards program recognizes alumni in categories that uplift people, programs, and industry.
“We are proud that these award recipients are part of our very distinctive Lehigh community,” Helble said. “Since 1879, that community has come together to honor Asa Packer and to celebrate the leaders who are elevating the reputation of their alma mater and paving the way for the next generation of proud Lehigh students.”
The Lifetime Commitment to Lehigh Award was presented to Jamieson, who graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa in Lehigh’s first class of women. Her service to the university includes nearly two decades on the Board of Trustees, where she held key leadership roles, including vice chair and chair of several committees. Jamieson co-chaired the Presidential Search Committee and was instrumental in various initiatives that shaped the university’s direction. Her dedication was recognized with the Eugene G. Grace 1899 Award, and she continues to support Lehigh through her role on the Art Galleries Advisory Council. "As we honor the past, it's vital to focus on the future, embracing change and evolution for both individuals and institutions to meet new challenges ahead,” Jamieson said.
Sawin, a nonprofit executive and entrepreneur who founded FinAbility in 2020 to empower survivors of domestic violence through financial education and support, received the Young Alumni Award. Drawing from her experience as a stalking survivor, she has led the organization to assist over 50,000 individuals and raise more than $900,000 in four years. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in integrated business and chemical engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from London Business School.
"My journey from fear to safety highlights the critical need for financial resources to support survivors of abuse, as many are unable to leave dangerous situations due to financial instability," Sawin said.
Chrin received the Dr. Costel Denson ’56 Award for her exceptional leadership in promoting diversity in the workplace and educational institutions. As the founder and managing partner of Circle Wealth Management, she has dedicated her career to empowering women investors and enhancing financial literacy, following a successful tenure at Goldman Sachs. Chrin's advocacy for women's financial independence extends to her leadership roles on the Lehigh University Board of Trustees, where she chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and helped establish initiatives for underrepresented students. A first-generation student from Honduras, she remains committed to supporting education and gender equity through various philanthropic efforts.
"Lehigh has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to make an impact,” Chrin said, “and I dedicate this award to first-generation students, reminding us that inclusivity is essential for success."
The Public Service Award went to Parks for his outstanding contributions to community revitalization through the arts. As the founder of ArtsQuest, he played a pivotal role in transforming Bethlehem by establishing popular festivals like Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt, as well as developing key cultural venues such as the Banana Factory and SteelStacks. With a background in government and law, Parks has also served as chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and received multiple accolades for his leadership in local economic development. His book, Stronger than Steel: Forging a Rust Belt Renaissance, underscores his commitment to showcasing the impact of arts on community transformation.
"The revitalization of our community stems from our ability to come together, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and attracting young talent back to our region," Parks said.
Arencibia received the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award for his significant contributions to industrial-scale technology through Arencibia Associates Inc., which he founded to enhance process efficiency and reduce carbon footprints for various industries, including pharmaceuticals and aerospace. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1986 as part of a Lehigh University incubator program, leading to innovative developments such as recycling valuable gasses. His company designed systems for producing the active ingredient in the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor, resulting in two registered patents. With degrees in mechanical and chemical engineering from Lehigh, Arencibia is committed to sustainability and innovation in engineering.
"Lehigh provided the foundation for my journey,” Arencibia said, “teaching me that sound engineering and customer relationships can drive innovation and sustainability in business."
Engelbert received the Excellence in Industry Award for her groundbreaking leadership as the first commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), a role she assumed in July 2019. Under her guidance, the league executed a historic collective bargaining agreement that significantly increased player salaries and benefits. Engelbert has transformed the WNBA's economic framework, successfully navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and raising $75 million from investors to enhance league operations. Previously, she made history as the first female CEO of Deloitte, where she led over 100,000 professionals. Engelbert's numerous accolades, including being listed among Fortune's Most Powerful Women and Forbes' "50 Over 50," highlight her influence in both the sports and corporate sectors.
"My time at Lehigh transformed me from a shy freshman into a confident leader, teaching me the importance of teamwork and the value of education as the language of business," Engelbert said.
