Studying and interning abroad is transformative for many students, and Lehigh University is committed to ensuring that all students have access to this opportunity. Lehigh is excited to announce the establishment of the Maida Education Abroad Grants, an initiative to make global education opportunities more accessible to students with high financial need. This $2 million endowment from Sharon and James Maida ’85 ’17P ’19P through the James and Sharon Maida Foundation, Inc., will enable more Lehigh students to study, intern, research, or engage in service abroad.
The gift brings great momentum toward unlocking the $4 million matching gift from the Iacocca Family Foundation to endow the Iacocca Institute and an additional $1 million to support Lehigh’s overall global initiatives.
“Global education is a cornerstone of Lehigh’s undergraduate experience,” said Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “It prepares our students to lead in a fast-paced, interconnected world. The Maidas’ generous endowment will help us honor our commitment to empower even more global scholars.”
“It’s important to Sharon and me that every student have the opportunity to learn about the world through international education,” Maida said. “We were inspired to create this endowment after talking with Dr. Henry Odi about the Passport to Success program. And we structured it in such a way that the Iacocca Family Foundation will match the gift.”
“It’s important to Sharon and me that every student have the opportunity to learn about the world through international education.”
“The Maidas’ unwavering commitment is transforming education at Lehigh University,” said Odi, deputy vice president for equity and community and associate provost for academic diversity. “They both believe that the next generation of leaders, regardless of their background, must have a well-integrated education that includes global experience.”
“James and Sharon are opening doors for students who may have never dreamed of experiencing the world through international education,” said Carol Packard, vice president of development and alumni relations. “Their dedication to creating opportunities that foster personal growth, cultural understanding, and global leadership is inspiring, and their impact on the Lehigh community will be felt for generations. We are so grateful for their enduring service and generosity.”
Enriching Opportunities
The grants will create a seamless pathway for students. It starts with Lehigh’s established Passport for Success program, which introduces first-generation, high-need, and underrepresented students to high-impact educational opportunities. Students who complete Passport to Success will then be eligible to apply for a Maida Education Abroad Grant. Following their international experience, they may also be named Iacocca Global Leadership Scholars, deepening their engagement with Lehigh’s prestigious international leadership programs. The grants will allow 10 to 16 Lehigh students to experience an educational opportunity abroad annually.
Cheryl Matherly, vice president and vice provost for international affairs at Lehigh, emphasized how this grant will integrate with existing programs: “The Maida Grants will help us create a pivotal connection among our programs that will encourage students to engage in international learning experiences throughout their time at Lehigh.”
This endowment will significantly expand opportunities for students lacking access to such experiences, ensuring that Lehigh continues to foster global leaders prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.
James and Sharon Maida are long-standing benefactors to Lehigh and members of the 1865 Society. They have provided for the Lehigh Fund and launched numerous initiatives to benefit students, including the Maida House residence hall, several scholarship funds, and an international internship fund. They also helped transform historic Williams Hall into the university’s global hub with the Sharon O. Maida and James R. Maida Family Terrace.
James Maida holds a degree in computer science engineering from Lehigh. He has served as a member of the Lehigh University Board of Trustees since 2015 and is chair of the board’s External Engagement Committee. Sharon Maida founded Maida Mobility, a private practice specializing in children with visual impairments. Also a Lehigh volunteer, she is an emeritus member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for Lehigh’s College of Education.
The Maidas have four children, two of whom are Lehigh alumni.
