Staying connected to Lehigh doesn’t end at graduation — and for 12 recent alumni, joining the Young Alumni Council (YAC) is the next step in giving back. Together they work to foster connections, offer mentorship, and support the Lehigh community.
Here’s what the newest members have to say about joining YAC.
Michaela Lewis ’21 | Ryan Chang ’24 | Caitlyn Kratzer ’26 M.Ed.’27 | J.P. Neubert ’23 | Theodora Chacharone ’25 | Elan Rom ’20 | Tyler Lahey ’25 | Vanessa Hajduga M’26 | Maanik Singh ’23 | Genevieve Jacobson ’24 | Daniel Bramah ’23 | Erik Glasthal ’23
The New Faces of YAC
Michaela Lewis ’21
What made you decide to join YAC?
A big reason that I joined YAC was seeking connection. When I entered the workforce post grad right after the pandemic, the world was weird. I had a hard time figuring out what I should do next and who I wanted to be. I had a good experience at Lehigh, but I regretted not networking enough. Today, I’m better at putting myself out there, and I’ve done a lot of work over the past few years to meet people and engage. I went back to speak on a panel at Lehigh, and it reignited my interest in the Lehigh network.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
Moving into my dorm freshman year. I lived in Taylor House in a room that was fairly close to the bathroom. When I walked in that first day, another girl was in there on the opposite end of me. I said hello to her, and we fell into conversation. She ended up being my neighbor across the hall and we became great friends; we still are. I think that demonstrates the easy connections you make with people at Lehigh.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
Extremely nice and genuine. When I was looking for colleges, I would get on campuses and it felt like people were putting on a performance. Lehigh felt different. Lehigh people love Lehigh. They make an effort, are quick to assist, and everyone is always looking out for each other. During my time at Lehigh, I founded My Natural Crown, an organization dedicated to promoting self-love and self-care through hair care, and served on several executive boards, including the National Society of Black Engineers. Since graduating, I’ve continued supporting Lehigh students by participating in alumni panels and offering career guidance. I see my role in the community as helping create the same sense of belonging and support that made such a difference in my own experience. I hope to expand that involvement by joining YAC.
Ryan Chang ’24
What made you decide to join YAC?
I joined YAC because I wanted to stay connected to Lehigh after graduation and continue building relationships within the alumni community. After moving to New York, I realized how many Lehigh alumni were in the area and how willing they were to connect, share advice, and support one another. YAC seemed like a great opportunity to meet alumni across different industries and class years, stay engaged with the university, and give back to a community that has played an important role in my personal and professional development.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
One of my standout memories was participating in Startup Academy. There were only about 12 students in the cohort, so it was a unique experience, and we quickly became a close group. We spent an entire summer working together, meeting with entrepreneurs, learning about startups, and even had the opportunity to ring the Nasdaq opening bell.
What I appreciated most was that it combined professional development with the chance to learn from people who had actually built and invested in businesses. We regularly met with founders, investors, mentors, and guest speakers who shared their experiences and perspectives. I learned a lot about entrepreneurship and early-stage companies, but what I remember most are the friendships that came out of the experience. Even today, many of us still keep in touch.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
I found the Lehigh community to be close-knit and highly engaged. One of the things I appreciated most was the variety of opportunities available to students, whether through student organizations, professional development programs, athletics, Greek life, or other campus activities. There was always something new to get involved in and a way to meet people with different interests and backgrounds.
I tried to take advantage of as many of those opportunities as possible. I was active in organizations such as the Asian Business Community and Phi Sigma Kappa, and I also participated in Wall Street Council events, worked at the Small Business Development Center, and studied abroad. Looking back, being involved in a variety of activities gave me the opportunity to learn from different experiences and connect with people across many parts of the university.
Caitlyn Kratzer ’26 M.Ed.’27
What made you decide to join YAC?
I decided to join Lehigh's Young Alumni Council because of how much Lehigh has given, and continues to give, to me throughout the past four years. The genuine adoration that I have for this university is something I want to try to give back in the greatest capacity that I am able.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
I wouldn’t say that I have one single standout moment from Lehigh, but if I had to pick one of my favorites, it would be from my first weekend at Lehigh in 2022. I was, and am, the flagbearer for the Class of 2026. Receiving the flag from Yogi Perry ’76 was a core memory during my first-year orientation. It’s something I hold so close to my heart because it was my first interaction with our amazing alumni and my class in general during such a special time in my Lehigh experience.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
During my undergraduate years at Lehigh, I was heavily involved in organizations such as Break the Silence Peer Educators, Gryphon Society, Greek Life, and other clubs. Since I was so involved as an undergrad, I wanted to carry that over into being an active alum and as an active master's student during this year at Lehigh.
J.P. Neubert ’23
What made you decide to join YAC?
I was already involving myself with Lehigh as a graduate, so it made sense to join YAC. I’ve stayed in touch with the rowing coach and connected with other alumni, helped with fundraising, and remain involved with The Center for Career & Professional Development. I’ve already helped three Lehigh students secure internships with the company I work for in our Virginia offices, and I recently spoke on an engineering alumni panel. I knew YAC would be a great place to connect with other like-minded graduates and continue to foster a sense of community.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
My time on the rowing team was defining. I spent as much time training as I did in my classes, and that’s where I met my fiancée, Bailey Lipset ’23. In my senior year, we won the regional championship for the first time, and that was a huge accomplishment for the team.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
Because of Lehigh’s size, the community is extremely close-knit. Lehigh defined my fundamental years, and I’d love to stay involved in that, as well as helping maintain it for others. Outside of the other work I’ve done with the school, I’ve stayed in touch with my engineering professors and helped The Center for Advancing Community Electrification Solutions submit a research study for potential grants. I want to keep doing more of that — helping, connecting, and doing my part as an alumni.
Theodora Chacharone ’25
What made you decide to join YAC?
Lehigh afforded me countless leadership opportunities in both academics and extracurriculars. I wanted to give back by joining YAC and encourage continued involvement with the Lehigh community. I’m especially excited to connect with alumni that I may not have had the chance to interact with while on campus.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
Watching Lehigh beat Lafayette in my senior year Rivalry game. Fans stormed the football field to tear down the goalpost, an old Lehigh tradition that was retired in the ’90s. Rushing the field with my dad, Meletios Chacharone ’96 ’25P, and experiencing a beloved Lehigh tradition was a memory I will never forget.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
The Lehigh community is strong. I’ve found that Lehigh alumni are extremely proud of their alma mater, which contributes directly to the strong networking presence of the school. In joining YAC, I hope to help foster stronger connections between young alumni and the Lehigh community.
Elan Rom ’20
What made you decide to join YAC?
It came from a desire to give back to the Lehigh community a bit more. Lehigh gave me a ton, including my future wife, Sonya Priven-Grinblat ’21, incredible lifelong friends, and my career. I’m grateful for that and looking to return to the community.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
Rivalry, for sure! Spending that with my best friends and building the lasting bonds that came from that.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
Lehigh is a wonderful community to be part of, and we support each other in meaningful ways. I've experienced that firsthand throughout my career; I've been fortunate to be helped and mentored by other alumni along the way. The network has been powerful for me, and it's opened doors on both sides of the mentorship relationship. That's something I take real pride in, which is why I got involved with the computer science and business mentorship program. It lets me pass on what I was lucky enough to receive as a student. Last year was my first time serving as a mentor, and I'm still in touch with my mentees, which I think says a lot about this community.
Tyler Lahey ’25
What made you decide to join YAC?
For me, it's kind of a funny story. When I graduated from Lehigh, my dad started working here a month or so after, and my whole family moved here from the Midwest. It's a fun, full-circle sort of moment to watch my family start to be involved with my alma mater. Getting involved felt like the natural next step.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
Something I reflect on often are the different types of people I met. I played sports, which allows you to have a great built-in friend group. However, the friendships I made both in and outside of lacrosse mean a lot to me and are one of the things that I really appreciate about Lehigh.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
As a student, I developed a lot over my four years. At first, I just felt like a lacrosse player, but I branched out and got involved in a finance organization on campus. As an alum, I'm realizing how closely knit the community is. I've moved to Dallas for work, and people either don't know Lehigh or they have extremely passionate friends that went to or worked there.
Vanessa Hajduga M’26
What made you decide to join YAC?
My experience at Lehigh has been incredibly meaningful, particularly because of how welcomed and supported I felt as an international student. I truly value the sense of community that Lehigh has created and the connections I have made along the way. Joining YAC felt like a natural opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much. I hope to contribute to that same welcoming environment and help strengthen the connections between Lehigh and its alumni.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
One of my most memorable experiences was coming to campus for the first time as a fellow through the University Alliance Ruhr. Arriving on campus and experiencing Lehigh firsthand was an exciting moment. It gave me the opportunity to connect with the university beyond an academic setting, meet new people, and experience the unique sense of community that makes Lehigh special. Looking back, that first experience on campus remains one of the highlights of my time connected to Lehigh.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
I would describe the Lehigh community as welcoming, collaborative, and deeply connected. What stands out to me is the genuine sense of belonging that exists across the Lehigh network, regardless of where you come from or when you were part of the university. As an international member of the community, I have especially appreciated how open and inclusive Lehigh has been. Through YAC, I hope to play a role in maintaining and strengthening those connections while helping create opportunities for others to feel the same sense of belonging and engagement that I experienced.
Maanik Singh ’23
What made you decide to join YAC?
YAC felt like a great opportunity to strengthen camaraderie within the Lehigh community, with both students and alumni alike. I’m excited to work with the team and find ways to help engage fellow alumni and create long-lasting connections.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
One of my favorite memories of Lehigh was LeLaf, which I still try to go to every year. Being from the Lehigh Valley, I’ve noticed the importance of the rivalry in the local community, and it’s only become more impactful as I’ve been a student and now as an alumnus. Looking forward to going to more games in the future!
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
One thing that stands out about the Lehigh community is the willingness to give back, whether it’s volunteering in the local Bethlehem community, giving career advice to alumni, or simply donating to future initiatives. Since graduating, I’ve done my best to support Lehigh students by participating in alumni panels or simply providing guidance in my career field. I’m hoping to expand this pillar further by joining YAC.
Genevieve Jacobson ’24
What made you decide to join YAC?
I decided to join the YAC because I had a great experience at Lehigh. I grew in knowledge and skills. I was guided and mentored by great professors, and I formed lifelong friendships. I identified a career path and prepared to pursue it. In short, Lehigh was a place of learning, growth, and friendship. YAC allows me to give back to an institution that has done so much for me.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
A standout memory for me from my time at Lehigh was giving my youngest brother, Daniel Jacobson ’27, a tour of campus. As I walked through campus, I showed Daniel some of the many places where I had great experiences, and I encountered a few of the many people who helped make my Lehigh years so meaningful. Daniel ended up deciding to apply early decision, and he will be graduating this spring!
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
The Lehigh community consists of many components — current, past, and future students, faculty, trustees, as well as, obviously, alumni. I am a member of the community as a recent alumnus who values and deeply appreciates all that I learned at the university, and I look forward to contributing to the community on the YAC and otherwise.
Daniel Bramah ’23
What made you decide to join YAC?
I wanted to join YAC to better connect with other Lehigh alumni and be pushed to engage more with the university. I saw all of the cool events that get put on throughout the year to help our community network, foster new friendships, and find professional support, and thought it would be really fun and rewarding to be a part of it.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
Becoming friends with the other students in my major, international relations and economics. We spent a lot of time together in the library, in class, and going to F&A Grog House every Tuesday night. They were a really great group to have and definitely helped me get through tough moments personally and academically.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
I would describe the Lehigh community as supportive and diverse, with my role in that being to support fellow Lehigh alums personally and professionally, and to keep an open mind to new perspectives and possibilities.
Whenever I meet a Lehigh alum I don’t know, they are always so supportive professionally and interested in my story. It’s great to have such a strong and successful community to draw on. What matters most to me is how diverse the community is. Everyone is unique, and yet you can always find someone who shares the same interests as you.
Erik Glasthal ’23
What made you decide to join YAC?
I’m grateful for having attended Lehigh, and even more so now as an alum. In my short professional career, I’ve leaned on alums in New York City that I unexpectedly encountered, and each of them supported me in my career and professional development in one way or another. I joined YAC to give back, support, and grow the Lehigh community and to show current students that being a Mountain Hawk doesn’t end at graduation.
What’s a standout memory from your time at Lehigh?
My summer as a Social Impact Fellow. I worked alongside talented, ambitious students, and it was the first time I felt like I could connect classroom knowledge to an actual impactful project. The experience felt like an incubator of ideas, and that level of autonomy and entrepreneurship has continued to shape my professional development.
How would you describe the Lehigh community and your role in it?
I’d describe the Lehigh community as collaborative and giving. It’s a place where I can reach out to any alum for advice, regardless of their title, and get a real answer. Even though my own career is still early, I try to hold up my end of that. I make myself available to current students and fellow alums and try to give back the same kind of advice and support that helped me early on.
