This spring, the Lehigh Wall Street Council (LWSC) and the Lehigh Lawyers Association (LLA) brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community members for two events centered on connection, mentorship, and celebration.
On April 21, the LWSC honored Sarat Sethi ’92 with the James A. Greenleaf Award, presented annually to an alum who has achieved success in finance while remaining strongly committed to engaging with Lehigh.
“I’m deeply honored to be the recipient of this award,” says Sethi. “I’m indebted to all the friends I’ve made over the years through Lehigh and all the mentors that have led me to where I am today both personally and professionally. Lehigh has been an integral part of my life since graduation and will be for many more years to come.”
President Joseph Helble ’82 and Dean Manoj Malhotra also addressed attendees, reflecting on the importance of alumni mentorship and the opportunities these connections create for students preparing to enter their own careers.
Just weeks later, the LLA gathered on May 5 to recognize Christopher Porrino ’89 with the Lehigh Lawyers Association Award for his contributions to the legal profession across both the public and private sectors.
“The LLA is very proud of Chris — not just for his exemplary accomplishments in the law, but also for his character, fairness, and sense of justice that he has become known for,” says Mark Hanna ’00, president of LLA.
Porrino reflected on the unexpected journeys that often lead students toward careers in law, including his own.
“So many [future] Lehigh lawyers arrive on campus with a different career path in mind, myself included,” he said. “I thought I was headed to medical school — that is, until I took organic chemistry. My friend Laura Willensky ’90 gave me some life-changing advice at that moment. She said, ‘Play to your strengths; think about law school.’ Back then, there was no LLA. Today, the LLA is there for Lehigh’s lawyers and law students, providing real support, networking, and mentoring opportunities. I am grateful to the LLA for its generosity.”
For young alums in attendance, the events provided a firsthand look at the support and encouragement that continue long after graduation.
“Attending events like [these] has really shown me how generous the Lehigh alumni network is,” says Grant Thornburgh ’25. “I have been surprised in the best way by how willing alumni are to share their experiences, offer advice, and make meaningful introductions. It makes me genuinely proud to be part of a community that is so invested in supporting one another.”
