The Liners Live On

Environmental Studies, Business Minor

What skills have you gained or strengthened through your work with the Liners? To confidently be able to speak to tons of incredibly accomplished alumni, share my experiences, and hear about theirs is what makes being a Liner so cool. You learn about rejection when calls might not go as planned, and you experience the success of huge donations, knowing those funds are going to the next generation of Lehigh students.

What do you think alumni enjoy most about calls from the Liners? I think a lot of alumni go about their lives after graduating and Lehigh sort of becomes this distant memory for them. Sometimes people have moved far away and lost their connection to Lehigh. When the Liners call and ask about past experiences, I think it can be very nostalgic for an alum. I’ve been on the phone for 20-30 minutes at times discussing memories with alumni who haven’t been able to connect with the university in a long time. We try to be that yearly person-to-person reminder that Lehigh is still looking out for them.

How do you feel your work contributes to the university's larger development goals? The Liners program is so unique in that we get to actually hear from alumni and share stories as well as update them on what the campus looks like today. We try to keep that connection to campus alive, and most times, alumni really love sharing their stories with us. We get to hear about what they were passionate about and how it made a difference for them during their time at Lehigh.

What is your one message to alumni about supporting the university? That your gifts really do make a difference and that we appreciate you! Every gift counts, no matter the amount. These gifts help the next generation of Lehigh students have an amazing experience.

Creative Operations Associate, Omnicom Media Group

What motivated you to join the Liners team? The combination of networking and earning a little extra income really drew me in as a second-year student. A friend from my sorority described being a Lehigh Liner as “getting paid to network,” and that hooked me! It felt like a win-win where I could build relationships with alumni, learn from their experiences, and contribute to the Lehigh community — all while making a bit of money.

What do you think alumni enjoy most about calls from the Liners? Alumni love hearing what’s happening on campus and how Lehigh is evolving. They often feel a sense of nostalgia and enjoy connecting with someone who’s experiencing what they once did — college life at Lehigh. Many of them genuinely appreciate the opportunity to share career advice and insights, and I think they also enjoy knowing that their contributions are still making a direct impact on today’s students.

How does your role help you understand the importance of alumni giving for the university? Being a Lehigh Liner has really helped me understand just how crucial alumni support is for the university’s future. It’s not just about the money — although that's obviously super important — it’s about keeping the Lehigh community strong. Donations help fund scholarships, internships, and other programs that make a real difference. It’s clear that alumni want to see Lehigh continue to thrive, and they’re eager to support the next generation of students.

What is your message to alumni about supporting the university? No matter the size of your donation, it truly makes a difference. Even if you think your gift might be small, it will absolutely have a lasting impact. Every bit of support goes toward scholarships, career resources, and opportunities that help students — students just like we once were — succeed. Giving back is about ensuring that future generations of Lehigh students have the same opportunities and experiences that helped shape who you are today.

Commercial Real Estate Rotational Analyst, Principal Asset Management

What motivated you to join the student call center team? When applying to Lehigh, one thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on how important the alumni network is. I wanted to experience that for myself while in school and thought the best way was to be part of that effort that connects with them.

What do you think alumni enjoy most about connecting with current students through these calls? Many alumni have told me that they will only donate through Liners, as they love to receive these annual calls. These calls not only act as fundraising but also a way for alumni to reminisce about their time while also sharing their knowledge with current students. [...] Lehigh cares about the alumni by making an effort to reach out to them individually. 

How do you feel your work contributes to the university's larger development goals? While much of the donations will go to the annual fund, alumni often choose to give back to specific organizations that they were a part of. These calls have allowed smaller groups to receive additional funding so current and future students can continue to participate in activities alumni loved [as students]. There are hundreds of student groups on campus, and even one small donation to one of these groups can make the difference.

What skills have you gained or strengthened through your work here? The biggest skill you will strengthen while working as a Liner is the ability to communicate with anyone. You need to be able to hold a conversation with alumni from the ’60s all the way to the Class of 2024. The diverse range of alumni you speak to really hones that skill, which I believe has helped me with my current job. 

Assistant Director of the Lehigh Fund

As the staff member working closest with the Liners, what is the most impressive or inspiring thing you recognize about the group? Their drive, ability to learn quickly, and commitment to fostering an uplifting environment for everyone in the program.

What can you say about the value the Liners bring to Lehigh Development? As the only student organization engaging with the largest number of alumni in our database, Liners play a critical role in securing the highest volume of small gifts each semester — supporting the Lehigh Fund, clubs, organizations, athletics, and more, collectively contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars each fiscal year. These interactions often lead to valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the close-knit Lehigh community. What Liners value most, however, is the advice and guidance they receive — insights that help shape their own paths at Lehigh and beyond.

What excites you about seeing Liners like Lucie and Dane join the alumni community? Lucie and Dane are incredibly talented, hardworking, and driven individuals. During their time in the program, I saw firsthand how they developed essential skills and a passion for driving support for Lehigh — skills that will undoubtedly propel them forward in their careers and have already since [they] graduated from Lehigh in May 2024. It’s inspiring to see them thriving in their dream roles so soon after graduating. What excites me most is knowing that individuals like Lucie and Dane remain part of the Lehigh alumni community — committed to excellence and dedicated to working towards their goals. As alumni, they have a special opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with future Liners, helping the next generation navigate their own paths and relive the journey all over again.