Renovations to the iconic Clayton University Center (UC) at Packer Hall have created a dynamic environment for student life while preserving the building’s historic grandeur. Thank you to all the generous donors helping to make the Clayton UC a vibrant space for everyone in the Lehigh community.
A Lifelong Connection to Lehigh
For Kevin ’00 and Jaimie (Abt) Shmelzer ’00, Lehigh University has always held a special place in their hearts. Their connection to the school goes beyond the degrees they earned — it's where they met, where they grew as individuals, and where their paths converged. The couple recently made a generous gift to support the renovation of the Clayton University Center (UC), a space that shaped much of their college experience. In recognition, a plaque bearing their names will be installed outside the Office of First-Year Experience associate director’s office.
"Lehigh was the foundation for so much of what we've achieved," Kevin says. "It’s not just about academics — it's about personal growth, relationships, and the community we built there."
Jaimie shares a similar sentiment. "College is the best time of your life," she says. "It wasn’t just about the classes or the majors; it was about learning how to think independently, how to make lasting connections, and how to become an adult."
In fact, Lehigh continues to play a prominent role in their lives. Their eldest son, Andrew, was recently accepted as a member of the Class of 2029. For the Shmelzers, the decision to give back was deeply personal — especially as they look forward to watching their son experience the same joys they once did.
College Sweethearts Giving Back
Both Kevin and Jaimie have diverse professional backgrounds shaped by their time at Lehigh. Jaimie, who majored in sociology with a focus on social psychology, went on to earn her master’s in education at New York University and worked as a teacher before transitioning into a role focused on membership engagement at their synagogue.
Kevin, originally from New York, arrived at Lehigh with a focus on accounting. "I knew I wanted to go into law, but I thought accounting would give me a good foundation," he explains. After passing his CPA exams and working at PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York for two years, Kevin earned his law degree from Temple University and immediately joined the prestigious international firm Morgan Lewis. Today, he’s a partner in their corporate and business transaction practice and co-leads the firm’s private equity practice. While they had different academic paths, the Shmelzers’ time at Lehigh was instrumental in shaping their careers and the values they now pass on to their three sons.
"When we first started talking about a gift for the UC renovations, it just felt like the right time," says Jaimie. "We’ve been giving annually to Lehigh, but this particular project was so meaningful because of what the UC meant to us and what it represents — the heart of the campus, where students can study, meet, and create lifelong friendships."
A Hub for the Next Generation
When Kevin and Jaimie reflect on their time at Lehigh, they both recall the importance of spaces like the UC. "For me, the UC was always the place where you went to eat, grab a coffee, or meet up with friends," says Jaimie. "But there were limited spaces to truly hang out and make it your own. It’s incredible to see the transformation happening there."
Kevin echoes her thoughts. "The UC was always stately, but it never felt like a true gathering place. It was mostly just for meals. But now, seeing all the new spaces being created — like the lounges (and bar), study areas, and even the outdoor fire pit — it’s exciting. It’s going to be the heart of the campus for students."
The Shmelzers' vision for the renovated UC is clear: a vibrant, inclusive space where students can gather, relax, and grow. "I hope it becomes the true hub of Lehigh," says Jaimie. "A place where students want to hang out, study, have fun, and create memories. Lehigh is beautiful, but there wasn’t always a great community space. Now it will feel more like a gathering spot."
Kevin adds, "For Drew and his classmates, I want the UC to be a place where they not only study but also feel connected to the larger Lehigh community. I think it’s going to be a game-changer."
Looking to the Future
The Shmelzers’ commitment to Lehigh is more than just financial. It’s about ensuring that future generations of students have access to the same kind of enriching, community-oriented experience they had. "When we visited Lehigh as a family and saw the changes underway, we felt like this was the time to make a bigger contribution," says Kevin. "We want Drew to have a space that’s not just for eating or passing through but one that fosters connection, growth, and a sense of belonging."
Their gift to the UC renovation is a part of their broader vision to give back to a university that has given them so much. It’s also a testament to their deep-rooted connection to Lehigh, which continues to be a source of pride and inspiration in their lives.
As Jaimie says with a smile, "It’s not just about giving money — it’s about supporting a place that has been so important to us and now watching our son carry that torch forward."
