The Students Behind the Spirit

Role: President
Major: Business Analytics & Management Consulting
Hometown: Paramus, New Jersey

Why Lehigh?
My sister, Elizabeth Haines ’22, attended Lehigh, so I had visited Bethlehem a few times and was already familiar with the area. I was initially waitlisted and committed to another university, but when I was accepted to Lehigh, I jumped at the opportunity. Funnily enough, my twin brother decided to go to Lafayette. My sister and I had thoughts about that, but mostly it makes for a fun Rivalry week and keeps us close in a lot of ways.

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?
I actually participated in Bed Races during my first year before I heard of the organization, and someone on my team encouraged me to join. As an Eagle Scout, community service has always been important to me, and joining ASA challenged me to put myself out there in new ways while giving back to the campus community.

What does being an ASA mean to you?
It’s about making a positive impact on the Lehigh community. We bring the energy and connect people across campus. Our traditions aren't centered on one person or group, which makes them really unifying. You can be anyone, with any interests, and show up to an ASA event and feel like you’re part of something.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?
My first Bed Races as an executive board member stands out the most. I was stationed at the crosswalk, directing people the way airport traffic controllers do. I wore a neon vest and everything. It was hilarious, and I could barely take myself seriously.

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh
Getting recognized everywhere! Whenever you wear Lehigh merch and leave your house, there’s a good chance someone will approach you and strike up a conversation. Once, while my family was visiting Georgia, my sister happened to be wearing a Lehigh shirt when an older alum smiled and said, “Go Lehigh!” It was such a cool moment.

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?
In a way, we've already done this with Brown and White Fridays through collaborating with other student organizations. I would love to amplify it even further with something like 10 student organizations every time to really bring the energy.

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?
I'm a huge New York Giants fan, so Sundays are reserved for football. My grandfather is a season ticket holder, which means I’m lucky enough to be in the stands pretty frequently. I also love playing video games — Red Dead Redemption and Expedition 33 are two of my favorites.

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?
I was a pole vaulter in high school!

Role: Vice President
Major: Accounting & Finance
Hometown: Oradell, New Jersey

Why Lehigh?

I actually hadn't heard of Lehigh until a friend of mine was wearing an LU hoodie. I asked him about it, looked the school up, and it immediately felt like a good fit. I wanted a medium-sized university with a strong reputation in business and a beautiful campus, and Lehigh checked all those boxes. When I came to Lehigh Fest in April, I made so many meaningful connections with people I’m still friends with to this day. That sealed the deal. 

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?

I went to a Sendoff during my senior year of high school, and once the semester started, I got an email saying I qualified to join ASA. I went to a meeting, helped out, and it felt like something I would enjoy. I loved the idea of preserving traditions and immersing yourself in the community.

What does being an ASA mean to you?

To me, being part of ASA means representing the student body and serving as a liaison between students and the university. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to join was the opportunity to support traditions and contribute to what makes Lehigh so special. It’s rewarding to be involved in that way.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?

MCing The Rally last year is easily my favorite ASA memory. It was so much fun speaking to incoming first-year students and feeling their excitement. There’s something really cool about being part of a tradition that you experienced yourself.

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh

Once the spring weather hits, everyone gathers on the field between the Clayton University Center and Packard Lab. With picnic spots and hammocks set up, it becomes the perfect place to relax and spend time with friends. 

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?

One tradition I’d want to see is intramural teams getting the chance to play varsity teams. Maybe the intramural champions could face off against the varsity squad. I think it would be a fun way to build school spirit and bring more visibility to Lehigh’s athletic programs.

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?

I’m really into rock climbing and pickleball, so when the weather’s nice, you’ll find me outdoors. I also took a film class with a friend, and now we have an unofficial club that watches movies together every Sunday. It’s a great way to unwind!

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?

I’m left handed but right footed. 

Role: Director of Traditions
Major: History
Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania

Why Lehigh?

I come from a family of teachers, so I’ve always known I wanted to be an educator. Most schools require you to major in education and minor in your area of interest, but through Lehigh’s 4+1 program, I’m able to major in what I’m passionate about and then earn a master’s in teaching. It’s a unique option that fits me perfectly.

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?

I was introduced to ASA through a peer of mine, Ethan Riester '25. He was my orientation coordinator and, at the time, also the president of ASA. He completely sold me on the organization by talking about how fun it was and the purpose it serves. When I showed up, everyone was incredibly welcoming. I love the tradition aspect, and beyond that, we’re involved in other great initiatives like Giving Day + March Mania.

What does being an ASA mean to you?

I try to be a role model on campus for what the university hopes the student experience can be, while also being an approachable peer. Through ASA, we learn a lot about career development, alumni relations, and other campus partnerships that many students wouldn’t hear about otherwise. I see my role as helping facilitate information and connection. Whether you’re on the executive team or not, we all share that responsibility and work to bring people together.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?

Definitely when I MCed Bed Races. As director of traditions, it’s fulfilling to see all of our hard work come together on that day. Our team is so strong and committed that I was able to focus on hyping up the crowd without worrying about anything else. 

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh

South Bethlehem is the perfect location for Lehigh. It's a great, diverse community with so much food and culture to explore, and if you step just a block off campus, there’s even more to discover.

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?

I’d love to get President Helble into a dunk tank. Whether it’s tied to Giving Day + March Mania or something else, it would be a fun way to engage students while raising money. 

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?

I’m definitely someone who likes to stay busy! I play acoustic and electric guitar, make sure to get outside, and I’ve recently really gotten into cooking.

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?

I’ve thrifted some high-value art pieces by complete accident from various Goodwills. One of them was actually in the Carnegie Museum of Art!

Role: Director of Senior Class Engagement 
Major: Electrical Engineering
Hometown: Ambler, Pennsylvania

Why Lehigh?

When I was looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to stay relatively close to home while attending a school with strong athletics and plenty of opportunities to get involved. I'm also a triplet, and both my siblings go to school in Pennsylvania. Lehigh is the perfect fit because I’m close to them without going to the same school.

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?

I met the previous president of ASA, Ethan Riester, through orientation, and he influenced both me and Matt Schafer to get involved. I loved learning the behind-the-scenes work that goes into events.

What does being an ASA mean to you?

For me, it’s about looking at the bigger picture and making sure we’re fostering a strong sense of school spirit and connection. When I think about alumni coming back and seeing students having the same experiences and opportunities they once did, it motivates me even more to help preserve them.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?

Last year at Bed Races, I got to see Ethan Riester calling all the races. I was near the end of the course with him and the other ASAs, and it was fun to watch him in that role — especially since he was the reason I learned about the organization. I was a sophomore, but it was my first year being an ASA, so it was also my first time playing a role in a large, university-wide event.

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh

At the beginning of fall semester, circular tables are set up throughout Farrington Square. Grabbing a seat around there is a great way to watch people walk through the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market, making it an awesome spot to do homework with the hum of campus life in the background.

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?

We’ve been considering a new 5x10 where first-year students would write letters to their future selves and receive them right before graduation. The years go by so fast, and you don't always realize how much you’ve changed in the moment. I think it would be meaningful to look back on who you were before you found your footing and grew into the person you became.

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?

I love reading science fiction. Jurassic Park actually sparked my interest in engineering. It introduced me to ideas like math and chaos theory, which ultimately led me toward STEM and my major. I especially enjoy when authors weave real-world science and theory into their stories in compelling ways.

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?

I can solve a Rubik's Cube!

Role: Director of Marketing
Major: Population Health
Hometown: Monmouth County, New Jersey

Why Lehigh?
At first, I didn’t know much about Lehigh. My mom suggested visiting because it was close to my hometown. Even though the weather was terrible that day, I loved the school anyway. Plus, the College of Health was relatively new, and I was drawn to the opportunity that comes with being part of the beginning of something.

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?
I didn't officially come to campus until October of my first year because I sprained my ankle and had to stay home. I worried I’d missed that key time when everyone was meeting and forming friendships, so I was looking for an organization that felt approachable and fun to kickstart my time at Lehigh. I had already met Sam Perry G’25, ASA’s advisor, through first-year experience events, and when I saw her at the club fair, I knew ASA was the right choice.

What does being an ASA mean to you?
Serving as a liaison between students and alumni and keeping spirits high, whether that’s during Rivalry Week or stressful times like finals. Supporting and celebrating traditions is at the core of what we do.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?
I really love our Little Brown Box events, but MCing The Rally is hard to beat. My roommates recorded me, I met the people who make everything happen, and even President Helble knew my name. It was an unforgettable experience.

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh
The community in Singleton, Hitch, and Maida Houses is seriously underrated! Everything you need is right there: good food, great study spots, and friendly people that want to chat.

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?
I’d love to see a tradition where the students come together to watch the sunrise at the start of each semester. It would be a sweet, simple way to begin the new semester with good intentions.

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?

I recently got into knitting for a class, and now I love finding a cozy spot on campus to knit while I watch true crime.

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?
I can tap dance. I was a theater kid in high school, so I had to learn to tap for Anything Goes. Most of us had never done it before, but now it’s a fun little party trick.

Role: Bed Races Chair
Major: Biology and Political Science
Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Why Lehigh?

My high school counselor recommended Lehigh, and I flew out to visit just before Thanksgiving. I immediately fell in love. I’m pre-vet, and Lehigh’s strong reputation with East Coast schools drew me. 

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?

I had done similar event-planning work in high school, so after attending a Senior Sendoff, when I received an email about ASA, I knew it was up my alley. 

What does being an ASA mean to you?

Emphasizing Lehigh’s traditions so students feel excited and proud to be here. When I give campus tours, I always talk to families about the atmosphere — especially during Rivalry Week.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?

One of my favorite experiences was working with the executive team during Bed Races this year. We’re incredibly close, and the group works hard to make sure everything runs smoothly.

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh

The relationships you build with your professors. They're genuinely invested in students and offer valuable support. One of my professors, Larry Tartaglia, has been a wonderful mentor and the person I go to for advice. During my sophomore year, he actually introduced me to one of my best friends. That kind of connection stands out, and I don’t think it’s one you’d find elsewhere.

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?

I’d turn Bed Races into an event that winds across campus, with different checkpoints along the route. If not that, I’d want to create something cozy — like hot cocoa and time with the therapy dogs to mark the last day of fall classes. 

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?

I started riding horses when I was about nine or ten, and it’s something I do to this day. My love for all animals, but especially horses, has shaped my professional goals. I spent last summer working at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in California, and it affirmed that this is what I’m meant to do. 

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?

I have a black belt in martial arts. 

Role: Giving Day + March Mania Chair
Major: Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Montgomery, New Jersey

Why Lehigh?

My mom heard about Lehigh’s business program and convinced me to look into it. I didn't think I would enjoy a smaller school at first, but once I visited, I knew I belonged here. Participating in extracurriculars is really important to me, so I was excited by the wide range of clubs and organizations on campus.

What made you want to get involved with the Association of Student Alumni?

During the second semester of my first year, a few of my sorority sisters who are involved in ASA encouraged me to join. I’ll try just about anything, so I decided to go for it. I’m the kind of person who wants to be involved, and as an executive board member, I enjoy implementing new ideas and strategies to make our events even better.

What does being an ASA mean to you?

For me, ASA is all about community engagement. Lehigh has an impressive legacy, but traditions only continue if enough people are taught and excited to carry them forward.

Favorite memory from an ASA-led event?

I love Bed Races. It’s one of the few events where not only are we all working nonstop, but by the end, there's a huge sense of accomplishment. It's always so fun, and the hot chocolate and stash of hand warmers definitely help get us through.

A small, underrated thing you love about Lehigh

One of my favorite things about Lehigh is the sense of belonging woven into everything. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed with open arms. There aren’t cliques; people really are just that kind.

If you could design a new Lehigh tradition, what would it be?

I’d love to introduce a new spring tradition, since so much happens in the fall between Halloween and Leh-Laf. Something fun and outdoorsy —  maybe a campus-wide activity day or mini food fair to bring people out onto the Quad.

When you're not invested in your academics or clubs, what interests or hobbies are you pursuing?

Anything crafty! I crochet and dabble in painting and watercolor. Otherwise, I’m usually reading fantasy or romance. Fourth Wing is my favorite series right now.

What's a fun or unexpected fact about you that people might not know?

Last year, I performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with my dance team. We had the opportunity to perform and share South Asian culture, which was incredibly special. It did rain, so we were cold and wearing ponchos, but walking through Manhattan with my team was a surreal experience.