Heroes, love stories, campus traditions, business owners, and major milestones — these are just a few of the click-worthy tales we told this year.
Ranked by unique user views, here are the stories that drew the most readers in 2025.
Did yours make the list? You can tell us what you want to see more of. We love learning more about our alumni, so share what you are up to or call out your friends who are excelling in their work or personal passions.
You might see your suggestion on next year’s list!
The Stories You Loved!
Top 10 Stories of 2025
1. Disrupting Healthcare at Vytalize Health
Three alumni created the fastest-growing company in America. It all began in a Lehigh dormitory.
2. Lehigh Announces Engineering Deanship
A $7.5 million gift from Lewis Hay III ’77 ’08P ’11P and Sherry A. Hay ’78 ’08P ’11P secures an endowed deanship for P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science.
3. Engineered by Love
A dad’s engineering skills and his daughter's strong spirit combine to confront ALS, finding unexpected joys and making a big impact through advocacy.
4. Lehigh Loves: Stories of Connection, Friendship, and Forever
On Spouses Day, Lehigh couples share enduring love stories that began on South Mountain.
5. At Home and Away: Meet the Telecast Hosts Spreading Rivalry Spirit Year After Year
From coast to coast, alumni gatherings turn game day into a celebration of Lehigh pride and shared memories.
6. Le-Laf Love
The many stories of Mountain Hawks who found love — even across rival team lines.
7. Lehigh’s Original CJ
CJ Skender ’76 was recruited to play basketball. While his hoop dreams didn’t pan out, his influence as a beloved Duke professor became legendary.
8. Old Mill Tavern — Chester, New Jersey
At the suggestion of his high school sweetheart, John Butkus ’80 continued a 50-year tradition by taking ownership of their favorite local tavern.
9. The Second Act of Kyle Greenberg ’85
Kyle Greenberg ’85 has always defined her path — from early career success to a mid-career shift — while keeping her Lehigh sisterhood close.
10. The Risks and Rewards of Jon Ballis ’91
Jon Ballis ’91 has taken three big risks in his life that changed everything. The first was choosing Lehigh.
Beyond the Top 10
More favorites from 2025:
Don't Rain on My Parade — Reunion 2025
A little rain couldn’t dampen the Reunion 2025 festivities!
Colors That Connect: Rally’s Class Adoption Tradition
A look back at one of Lehigh’s most cherished traditions.
Kevin ’00 and Jaimie Abt Shmelzer ’00: A Gift to the Clayton University Center
Kevin '00 and Jaimie Shmelzer '00 gave a generous gift supporting Clayton University Center renovations, helping create a vibrant hub for future Lehigh students, including their son, Drew '29.
A Perfect Match — in More Ways Than One
A series of perfect matches set up Danielle Spar ’10 and Brian Cunningham ’10 for success — and now they’re paying it forward through matching gifts.
Old Favorites
The ones you keep returning to:
ESPN Broadcaster Kayla Burton '17
Relying on grit, hard work, and perseverance, Kayla Burton ’17 has risen through the ranks of broadcast journalism.
Diving Into Books: Batfish Books Owner Michael Patrick O’Neill ’88
Author, publisher, and photographer Michael Patrick O'Neill ’88 turned a hobby — underwater photography —- into a career he loves.
Meet the Scholars
Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | Class of 2027
Lehigh’s signature Soaring Together scholarship program awards full-tuition scholarships, alumni networking opportunities, and experiential learning access through the Soaring Together Impact Fund. These stories remain perennial favorites as readers follow the journeys of each new class of scholars.
Ariella Scalese ’14 — From Lehigh Cheerleader to AccuWeather Meteorologist
Once known as the "Crying Cheerleader," Ariella Scalese ’14 is now a senior on-air meteorologist at AccuWeather.
