Most students can remember arriving on campus, discovering a passion, participating in experiential learning, and making a bucket list of things to do before leaving South Mountain.
Moments like these matter to Lehigh students. But for some, these moments are made even more meaningful because they were made possible by the generosity of scholarships and financial aid.
These moments were part of the focus at the 2025 Scholarship Celebration, a dinner and program that unites scholarship recipients with their donors.
Four Soaring Together scholars took the stage with President Joseph J. Helble ’82 to discuss the power of their Lehigh experience.
The evening also included mingling, a meal, and conversations between alumni and students, helping to uncover deep connections and a love for Lehigh that thrives across generations.
“What makes this event so special is the legacy of opportunity,” said Carol Packard, vice president for development and alumni relations. “When you look around this room, you see the impact of scholarships in action — living proof of the difference donors are making for incredible students who are future makers, innovators, leaders, athletes, and change agents.”
Eighty-nine scholarship recipients, including many of the 31 Soaring Together scholars, were on hand to chat with donors during dinner about experiences and aspirations. The Soaring Together Scholarship Program was established in 2023 to honor 50 years of co-education at Lehigh.
Soaring Together Scholars Samantha Sandhaus ’28, Aidan Oliver ’28, Amelie Fry ’27, and Forum Patel ’27 joined Helble for an informal panel discussion that highlighted the amazing work these students are doing across campus and the world.
Sandhaus shared her excitement about her role as a global impact social fellow through the Office of Creative Inquiry. She will travel to Sierra Leone as a member of a team to address malnutrition.
Oliver discussed his deep involvement with music on campus as a member of the University Choir and Glee Club as well as serving as music director for his a cappella group.
Fry mentioned a summer internship at Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Boston that she secured via alumna connections.
Patel reflected on her experience at LehighSiliconValley, where she was inspired by the Lehigh alumnae who continue to show up and make their marks in the male-dominated tech venture space.
Helble also reflected on his time at Lehigh.
“My Lehigh education would not have been possible without aid,” he said. “In those days, we did not think of financial aid beyond tuition dollars, so I had to find other ways to make ends meet — loans, summer jobs where every dollar of earnings went to my education, being a Gryphon, running review sessions and tutoring students in science and math classes to earn extra cash.”
Today’s financial aid and scholarships work to support a fuller experience, beyond tuition. That’s good news as Lehigh continues to see a surge in applications this year and knowing that 58% of its undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, with the average aid award set at roughly $50,000.
Helble closed by thanking those in attendance. “Who Lehigh is can only be made possible because of who you are,” he said. “Scholarships elevate the entire community. The best students, like those you have met tonight, come to Lehigh, find each other, and inspire each other.”
Scholarships remain a top priority of GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers. Learn more about how to impact the lives of students through a scholarship.
Meet the Soaring Together Scholars from the Class of 2027 and Class of 2028.
