Planting a row of peppers. Picking up litter along the roadside. Delivering meals. Reading to children. There are an endless number of ways to give back to people, communities, and organizations in need.
Dedicated volunteers do just that!
In 2021, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 23% of people age 16 and over, about 60.7 million, formally volunteered, giving more than 4.1 billion hours of service with an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion.
Volunteers who join hands and serve their communities deserve a collective round of applause. Cue the clapping!
National Volunteer Week kicks off on April 21 to recognize and thank those who lead lives that reflect their values through community engagement. Lehigh also relies on the leadership and contributions of volunteers. Let’s meet a few shining stars.
Meighan Meeker ’88
Owner, Simply Put Organizational Solutions for the Home, LLC
How you help Lehigh
I enjoy planning events for the Lehigh in Colorado club (and encourage others in different states to do the same)! Bringing together alumnae from different age groups and backgrounds to participate in various activities and events not only fosters a sense of community and nostalgia but also creates opportunities for networking and forging new friendships. Building these kinds of connections and clubs can have a lasting impact, enriching the lives of everyone involved.
Love for Lehigh
Lehigh has had a profound impact on many lives, creating lasting bonds and connections that extend beyond the campus years. The sense of community, mentoring, and strong job connections are invaluable.
Why volunteer?
I left my job at The New York Times to start my own business in Denver. Transitioning to a new city was a significant change, and I wanted to actively work to maintain and strengthen my connections with fellow Lehigh alumnae now living on the West Coast. Distance can make maintaining those connections a bit more challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding being able to bridge that gap and create a sense of community many miles away from campus.
Troy Romanowski ’07
Cyber legal analyst, N.J. Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
How you help Lehigh
I serve on the Lehigh University Alumni Association Board of Directors and as president of the New Jersey regional chapter, where we worked to combine the many independent clubs from across the state into one, coordinating more alumni opportunities to interact and engage. It is fun to interact with alumni across generations who are wildly different but amazingly similar. I also am an alumni volunteer for admissions, helping with in-person and virtual interviews. I recognize today that I would have a 0% chance of being accepted. I am a member of the Lehigh Lawyers Association and sat on the Young Alumni Council for five years.
Love for Lehigh
College is an important four years, but it goes on for a long time after graduation — what you learn in classes, the friendships, and opportunities. The weddings I have been in and to. My children’s godparents. The jobs I’ve held. Lehigh is tied to all of it. A degree is as strong as the people in front of you willing to help you out. Lehigh has a lot of people in front, and I now get to be one of them.
Why volunteer?
As a family, we are actively engaged in our community. As a member of a community, you have to participate in it and take care of it. As the parents of two children under three years of age, we get lots of requests and have limited time, so we pick what feels the most important. Lehigh is a benefactor. We also help our church, local food bank, and a statewide organization called Clean Ocean Action.
Caroline Weisstuch ’19
Senior consultant, Total Workplace at Cushman & Wakefield
How you help Lehigh
I serve as the vice president of communications for the Young Alumni Council, and I’m helping to run the revamped Lehigh Club of New York.
Love for Lehigh
I love Lehigh because of all that it’s given me — alumni connections that helped me kick-start my career, lifelong friends, and a sense of community in NYC. Being involved with Lehigh both as a student and an alum has provided me with opportunities to be a leader and to connect with some amazing people, so for that I’ll always love Lehigh.
Why volunteer?
Lehigh has opened up so many doors for me, so it only made sense for me to give back! I’m passionate about bringing people together, so I’m glad that the work I’ve done with the Club of NY has helped local alums connect with each other. My role on the Young Alumni Council is running our social media (@lehigh_youngalumni on Instagram), and it’s been fun to make our 13,000+ young alumni community feel like they’re able to stay connected to Lehigh and to their classmates. It’s volunteer work that I truly enjoy, so it’s easy to love doing it!
Diana Nicholas '19
Co-founder, Anetac
How you help Lehigh
I am an active member of Young Alumni Council and co-president of Bay Area Alumni Club. I am also active with Lehigh Silicon Valley, hosting and mentoring students through the innovation internships, summer start-up academy, and winter intensive.
Love for Lehigh
As a Bethlehem native, I've always had a deep love and appreciation for Lehigh. Attending school just minutes from home was a unique experience compared to my friends who were traveling far. Initially, I was concerned it may not present the same growth and challenges, but I constantly found ways to challenge myself and establish valuable connections for my future career. The "work hard, play hard" mentality that Lehigh instills is a practical one and has enabled me to grow and prosper in my career after graduating.
Five years on, I am still so proud to be a Lehigh alum! As a co-founder of a start-up, I continue to receive support from Lehigh at every stage of my journey. I instantly connect with fellow Lehigh graduates because, in the end, Lehigh is home.
Why volunteer?
I feel highly motivated to give back to Lehigh. Lehigh is the reason I was able to move to the West Coast, meet the love of my life and some of my best friends, and ultimately build the connections that enabled me to be a co-founder of a cybersecurity start-up. The exceptional education and support that Lehigh provided and continues to provide on my post-grad journey have been invaluable. Without Lehigh, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Sarah Markham ’06
Dispatch team lead, Starry, Inc.
How you help Lehigh
I am a volunteer and unofficial leader for the Alumni Club of Boston.
Love for Lehigh
I have great memories of my time at Lehigh and friendships that last until today. I've really enjoyed getting involved with my local club and meeting other alumni because I always find we have something in common.
Why volunteer?
I discovered my local club through the Women's Professional Alliance a few years ago at a time when support from other women was very helpful to me. I knew I enjoyed networking but had not been to any Lehigh events other than the Rivalry telecast. I realized it was a great opportunity to start reconnecting with Lehigh. I enjoy seeing other alumni make personal and professional connections at these events.
Feeling inspired?
Then get plugged in! Lehigh has a range of options based on what you seek and where your passions lie. It could be as simple as mentoring students on the exclusive networking and career platform Lehigh Connects. Maybe you want to join some regional fun, be part of another book club, or roll up your sleeves and help Lehigh in Action.
