When Ken Voorhees ’87 P’28 arrived on Lehigh’s campus, he wasn’t sure where life would take him. He soon found a family in the university’s storied wrestling program, a community that would change his life forever.
Originally from New Jersey, Voorhees attended Blair Academy for a postgraduate year and joined its national championship wrestling team. There he met fellow wrestler Keith Turner, son of legendary Lehigh wrestling coach Thad Turner ’61 P’83. From 1970 to 1988, Turner led the team to a 171-104-5 record and national prominence.
“I really didn’t know much about Lehigh before Blair,” Voorhees recalls.
But after meeting Turner and coach Tom Hutchinson ’72 M’79, he saw Lehigh as the obvious choice. “One thing led to another, and it just fell into place.”
More Than a Team
Over the next four years, Voorhees recalls, “We became a family,” Though a knee injury at the end of his freshman year cut short his time on the mat, it did not diminish his sense of belonging because of the support he received from Turner and his teammates.
“Coach Turner treated me like I was a national champion even though I wasn’t,” Voorhees says. “He got me tutors, he let me live in his house on Hillside Avenue, and he believed in me. I’ll never forget that. Thad Turner made a real difference in my life.”
Voorhees laughs at how often he still hears from former teammates and classmates.
“We were like a little fraternity,” he says. “Even though I was injured, I stayed close to the team all four years. We worked out together; we supported each other.”
Strength in Numbers
It’s no wonder Lehigh boasts a powerful professional alumni network.
“After 40 years in business, I’ve seen how important that is. You can’t underestimate it. So many of my friends from Lehigh are extremely successful — finance, restaurants, manufacturing — you name it. And we all still look out for each other.”
Voorhees advises Lehigh students — including son Garretson Voorhees ’28 — to take advantage of this career resource.
“You’ll have a lot of successful people to reach out to when you’re looking for a job. The network will take you far.”
Finding His Path in Business
Voorhees began at Lehigh as a chemical engineering major until an early exam changed his trajectory.
“My first Chem E test, I got an 11 out of 100 — and it was a C!” he laughs. “It was discouraging, but it also made me realize maybe that wasn’t my path.”
He switched to industrial engineering, then to finance, where he found his stride. After graduation, Voorhees joined his family’s New Jersey-based company, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, and essential oils.
“It was fascinating work,” he says.
After the business was sold, Voorhees didn’t slow down. His entrepreneurial spirit led to interests and research in wellness products.
Lessons That Last
Looking back, Voorhees credits wrestling with teaching him discipline, accountability, and focus — qualities that shaped both his business career and personal life.
“Wrestling keeps you grounded,” he says. “You can’t be out late drinking if you’ve got to make weight the next day. It forces you to have structure and control — things that carry over into every part of your life.”
He hopes more students experience that sense of purpose.
“Being part of a team — any team — teaches you responsibility. You can’t just sleep in; you’ve got to show up, work hard, watch your diet, be consistent. Those habits stay with you forever.”
Voorhees’ Lehigh pride has only deepened as he’s watched his son walk the same paths he once did.
“It’s funny. Academically, when I started going to class and paying attention, I got straight As,” he says. “When I go back for Parents Weekend, I tell the kids the same thing: Go to class, pay attention, and you’ll be fine. That’s the key.”
Giving Back and Staying Connected
Voorhees takes pride in seeing Lehigh wrestling regain its momentum — and he’s helping to keep it that way.
“When I was there, the program was in the top 10 almost every year,” he says. “It dipped for a while, but it’s coming back strong.”
He credits Joe Gnall ’99, executive director, major gifts of the eastern region, for inspiring his continued support.
Voorhees says, “He keeps me informed about what the program needs, and every time he comes back with an idea, I try to help if I can.”
Voorhees has endowed the Thad Turner Wrestling Scholarship and the Summer Tuition Fund, which enables wrestlers to stay on campus year-round.
Voorhees is proud to honor his coach, mentor, and friend, ensuring future wrestlers can have the same life-changing experiences he did.
“I’m glad to be a small part of that,” he says.
