Jackie Joyner-Kersee, one of the most decorated female athletes of all time, will speak at the Soaring Together Women’s Summit on April 28-29, 2023, at Lehigh University.
Hosted by development and alumni relations, the summit will welcome alumnae back to campus for an inspirational weekend of events and networking as part of Soaring Together, Lehigh’s celebration of 50 years of undergraduate coeducation.
The summit will offer Lehigh alumnae and other women within the university community — mothers, students, faculty, and staff — from around the country the opportunity to reconnect, learn from breakout sessions led by a variety of Lehigh women, and expand networks with women who share interests and ambitions.
“The alumnae of Lehigh have always been extraordinarily successful, no matter when they were here on campus, no matter what they studied, no matter what they chose to do post-graduation. What we’re doing with Soaring Together is bringing extraordinary women together because we believe the sum can be even greater than its parts,” says Jennifer Cunningham, assistant vice president of alumni relations.
“The activities surrounding Soaring Together have connected women from across the country to intimate and impactful dinners and networking events,” says Morgan Nelson ’19G, senior director of alumnae engagement. “So many alumnae have built meaningful relationships from across generations and recognized the power of their shared experiences.”
“We are very excited to welcome alumnae back to South Mountain and let them revel in each other's success and the strength of their community,” says Maria Chrin '87 '10P, university trustee. “This summit will help them foster deeper connections with each other and build new connections with the undergraduates who seek their wisdom and guidance.”
“The power of this moment cannot be overstated,” says Joseph Buck, vice president of development and alumni relations. “That power will be captured perfectly by one of the greatest athletes of our lifetimes.”
Sports Illustrated for Women magazine named Joyner-Kersee the greatest female athlete of the 20th century while Track & Field magazine honored her as World Athlete of the Year on three occasions.
Joyner-Kersee dominated the track and field circuit for 16 years, winning three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals over the span of four Olympic games. At the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, she won a silver medal in heptathlon, and four years later at the 1988 games in Seoul, South Korea, she struck gold in both of her signature events — the heptathlon and long jump. In 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, she defended her title with another gold in heptathlon and a bronze medal in long jump. In her final Olympic appearance in 1996 at the Atlanta games, she won bronze in long jump.
Learn more about Joyner-Kersee and the summit, and register for the event in early March.