Built-in best friends. Occasional rivals. Lifelong constants. This National Siblings Day, we’re spotlighting Lehigh siblings who made the most of their time together, proving there’s nothing quite like sharing the college experience with family.
Jamal Connelly ’19 and Jamir Connelly ’19
For most people, birthdays come once a year.
For Jamir and Jamal, they happen every day at 1:21 p.m., when they send each other a “happy birthday” text. The simple ritual reflects a lifetime of shared experiences.
When a Lehigh representative visited their high school, the university’s caliber immediately appealed to their competitive nature. They applied, were accepted, and quickly began making waves on campus.
As co-presidents of the Black Student Union, they organized community-centered events, including Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that brought students together. From campus involvement to performing in Lehigh Idol and being recognized in 10 Under 10 (in 2024 and 2025, respectively), the two left an indelible mark.
They also took full advantage of opportunities beyond campus. Through the Passport to Success program, they traveled to Ghana together. They later wrote and performed pieces for the 10-year anniversary show of Lehigh’s hip-hop theatre class, Act Like You Know.
“Lehigh helped shape us into the men we are today,” Jamal says. “The university poured into us, and while the journey wasn’t always perfect, I hope my brother and I did our part in leaving the campus better than we found it.”
Jessica Fayans ’09, Max Fayans ’13, and Allison Fayans ’15
When Jessica arrived at Lehigh, her younger siblings, Max and Allison, visited every chance they could.
“By the time my brother enrolled at Lehigh, it already felt like a second home,” Allison says. “My siblings paved the way for me. When I came to Lehigh, I didn’t feel like a newbie. I’d been coming here my whole life.”
Over the years, the trio made a tradition of taking photos on the Clayton University Center lawn and attending Lehigh-Lafayette games and other sporting events together.
One of their most memorable moments came during Hurricane Sandy. Jessica had already graduated and was pursuing a graduate degree in Philadelphia, while Max and Allison were still on campus. When the university lost power, they regrouped at Jessica’s apartment and rode out the storm together.
Now, whenever they return to campus, they revisit their favorite spots and share photos in the family group chat. No visit is complete without a stop at The Goosemen, where a magazine cover featuring all three still hangs on the wall.
“We're a very close-knit family,” Max says. “Lehigh gave us another way to bond.”
Karina Fuentes MA’22 & Kayla Hernandez ’26
“My sister is a mentor to me,” Kayla says of her older sister, Karina. “She’s helped me through everything. She’s my best friend, too.”
Despite a 10-year age gap, the two have always been close. Their different perspectives have only deepened their appreciation for one another.
When Karina pursued her master's degree at Lehigh, the experience introduced Kayla to everything the university had to offer.
After Kayla was accepted, Karina took her to a Lehigh After Dark event, offering a glimpse into campus life that made a lasting impression.
“We’re a strong family of women raised by a single mother,” Karina says. “Kayla grew up watching us break down barriers and stereotypes. She’s seen our struggles and everything we’ve accomplished, and she knows she can go even further.”
The sisters share simple but meaningful traditions, like “sweet-treat side quests” for bubble tea or quick Saxby’s runs.
Whether it’s a late-night snack run or serious advice, they know they can always count on each other.
Emily Bailey ’98 and Cannon Bailey ’06
Not every pair of siblings can grow up together, attend the same university, and work together full-time — and still consider themselves best friends. For Emily and Cannon, it just works.
“I remember my younger siblings visiting during Family Weekend,” Emily says. “Cannon was so little then, but he still remembers it.”
After his freshman year at another university, Cannon interned at BMW in Munich, Germany. Over the course of that summer, he decided to transfer to Lehigh. Before he left Europe, Emily came to visit him.
One night at a crowded beer hall, they struck up a conversation with a lively group seated nearby, only to discover they were Lehigh students studying abroad. One of them would later become Cannon’s fraternity brother.
“Lehigh is such a specific experience,” Emily says. “You can go anywhere in the world and somehow run into someone from Lehigh. When you do, there’s an instant connection.”
Today, their bond to Lehigh lives on through the friendships they built.
“I have a group of friends from Lehigh that I talk to almost every day,” Emily says. “So many of us have siblings who also went there, it’s almost uncanny. We celebrate every milestone of life together.”
Sarafina Huck ’15 and Santana Huck ’18
“I followed in my sister’s footsteps when I came to Lehigh,” Santana says of his older sister, Sarafina.
For them, attending Lehigh meant more than leaving home. It required moving from Hawaii and taking a leap into something entirely new.
Hearing about Sarafina’s experiences ultimately convinced Santana to make the same journey.
“She told me, ‘At Lehigh, you’re going to be able to have intelligent conversations with anyone,’” Santana recalls. “She was right.”
For first-generation college students, the application process was unfamiliar territory. Sarafina made sure her brother was prepared for what lay ahead.
“I didn’t have anyone to guide me,” she says. “So I helped Santana understand what life would really be like beyond the brochure.”
During their year together on campus, they made the most of their time: studying, taking a course together, and attending events side by side. Even after Sarafina graduated and moved to D.C., their connection remained constant. With just a look or a word in Swiss German, the two can share entire conversations between them.
Lehigh also played another meaningful role in their lives: It’s where both siblings met their spouses, Olivia Bogdanffy ’20 and Christopher Klopfer ’15.
“This past Christmas, all four of us were back home in Hawaii together,” Sarafina says. “We had four Lehigh grads under one roof. We all have shared memories and moments that anchor us back to Lehigh and each other. I really appreciate that.”
Chris Ramondelli ’17, Joseph Ramondelli ’17, and Nick Ramondelli ’21
The Ramondelli brothers describe their relationship simply: They’re best friends.
Twins Chris and Joseph applied to many of the same schools, knowing that if they were accepted to Lehigh, they would attend together. The combination of strong academics and the opportunity to continue playing ice hockey made it the perfect fit.
As the youngest, Nick often attended their games and became familiar with campus early on.
“I got to know their teammates, coaches, and the campus,” Nick says. “Lehigh was always at the top of my list.”
Sports have remained a constant thread in their relationship, from competing on the ice to attending games and events together today.
One memory that still makes them laugh is storming the field during Nick’s freshman year Lehigh-Lafayette game.
“Going to Lehigh gave us a shared connection,” Chris says. “Through sports, friendships, and experiences, we understand each other in a deeper way.”
