Each story we shared in 2023 reflects the tenacity, camaraderie, loyalty, and ingenuity of the Lehigh community. Students, faculty, entrepreneurs, athletes, mentors, families, and future makers all comprise this dynamic group that is connected by shared experiences, traditions, and lessons on South Mountain.

We invite you to revisit the stories that piqued your interest the most in 2023, ranked by unique user views, and enjoy your favorites again — or discover something you missed the first time around!

The Stories You Loved!

Top 10 Stories of 2023

The Kappa Alpha Society poses outside Petes Hot Dog Shop

Saying Goodbye to the Greeker

When Pete’s Hot Dog Shop permanently closed its doors, a group of Kappa Alphas returned to Southside to relish in a final Greeker.

Ariella Scalese '14 at AccuWeather

Ariella Scalese ’14 — From Lehigh Cheerleader to AccuWeather Meteorologist

She was once the "Crying Cheerleader." Now Ariella Scalese ’14 is senior on-air meteorologist at AccuWeather.

Liz Edmiston

CEO of Clothes

Liz Edmiston ’93 leads Lane Bryant, a pioneer in women’s clothing, after decades of experience at Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, and Calvin Klein.

Zoellner Arts main stage

Theater After Lehigh

Stars of stage and screen — both big and small — these Lehigh alumni are making Broadway and Hollywood happen.

Three photos side by side of Kate Schartel Novak being crowned at three different pageant events

Ms. Serendipity

When Kate Schartel Novak ’04 ’05G realized there were separate pageant systems for married women, she entered and won ... many times!

The lobby view of the Center for Career and Professional Development Office at Lehigh University

2023 Graduates: What's Next

Meet a few members of the Class of 2023 and hear about their amazing journeys, outcomes, and career support.

Eliza Wastcoat waits to take a towel from a tennis player

Ball Girl Boss

Eliza Wastcoat ’19 serves an inside scoop as a former ball girl at Wimbledon.

Raquel Sosa stands in the lobby of the Iacocca Center

College of Education Standouts

Meet some of the standout students from the College of Education who are transforming the way we nurture, support, and educate tomorrow’s leaders.

Coach Bryant Appling walks down the field, calling plays to his football team with Buford players beside him on the sidelines.

The Coaching Call

Bryant Appling ’01 pivoted his career plan and answered the call to teach and coach, impacted by the coaching philosophies he encountered on the gridiron at Lehigh.

Vase Ware leans on the counter in her lab

Women in Science at Lehigh

As the world honors the women who work in science, meet a few remarkable women who are teaching and researching at Lehigh.