Students and alumni alike embody the spirit of giving back. Here are their stories.
Charles R. Smith, Sr. Scholarship Fund
Established in 1993 by Dr. Charles R. Smith and Mrs. Christine D. Smith in honor of Charles’ father, Chuck, to support mechanical engineering students.
Charles is an emeritus professor of mechanical engineering at Lehigh, and Christine served for many years in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, including in a leadership role as associate vice president for advancement.
“I owe my future to you. I did not think I would be able to go to college, but Lehigh, while reading my application and the story of my life, decided to reach out a hand. Thank you.”
— Joseph Dermond ’22
Pictured: Professor Charles R. Smith and son, Christopher Norwood Smith ’99, at his Commencement ceremony.
Saydah Family Scholarship
Jocelyn Buchheister ’22, from New Oxford, Pennsylvania, is a dual major in mathematics and music theory in the College of Arts and Sciences.
As a saxophonist for the Marching 97, Jocelyn performs at many major Lehigh events.
“Without your support, college was only something I could dream about doing, and you all are helping to create the next generation’s scientists, engineers, professors, and doctors.”
— Jocelyn Buchheister ’22
Pictured: Jocelyn performing at one of the many Marching 97 Eco Flames in 2019 on the STEPS lawn.
Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship
Class president and loyal donor, Gus Gustafson ’74, is joined by many of his classmates in supporting their class scholarship.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to Mr. Gus Gustafson because of the internship opportunities he has given me. He has been such a great mentor to me over the past year, and I will always be grateful!”
— Piyasha Sarkar ’21
Pictured: Gus Gustafson ’74 with his father at the 150th Lehigh-Lafayette Game at Yankee Stadium.
Link Family Scholarship
Established in 2000 by Roderick W. Link ’44, Ruth H. Link ’85P ’91P, Stephen P. Link ’85 ’91MBA, and Kathleen Link ’91MBA.
“Because of your scholarship, I am able to fulfill my goal of coming to this fine institution, and I am incredibly thankful and grateful for this support. I acknowledge how generous your scholarship is, and I will make the most out of this opportunity by succeeding academically and socially to fully optimize my experience here.”
— Andrew Alikakos ’24
Pictured: Stephen Link ’85, Kathy Link ’91MBA, Marc Falato ’87, and Rob Baser at the 2018 Bach Festival at Packer Chapel
Steven Escobar Mendez
Steven Escobar Mendez ’22, from Waldorf, Maryland, is studying political science in the College of Arts and Sciences. Steven traveled to five countries through study abroad and the Global Citizenship Program.
“Through scholarships and financial aid, I am able to be more focused on my studies rather than how I can afford them. Because of my scholarship, I was able to work towards studying abroad, as I had never been to other continents.” — Steven Escobar Mendez ‘22
Pictured: At Giving Day 2019 on the Front Lawn with Clutch
Clinton F. Miller ’34 Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in 2015 by Penny Miller, in memory of her father Clinton F. Miller, who attended Lehigh and graduated in the Class of 1934.
“I am immensely grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given, especially in regards to your scholarship. Thank you.”
— Margaux Petruska ’22
Pictured: Penny Miller and with her father, Clinton Miller ’34
Kayla McMillan
Kayla McMillan ’22 from Rolesville, North Carolina, is studying bioengineering in the Rossin College. Through a Global Social Impact Fellowship, a Mountaintop program, Kayla had the opportunity to create ventures to address malnutrition in children and travel to Sierra Leone to implement them.
“I appreciate my scholarship beyond what words can describe because it has opened all of these doors for me. It has given me the chance to explore the world and everything that I am passionate about, and I am so grateful for that. Thank you.”
— Kayla McMillan ’22
Pictured: From left to right, Gabriela Alves ’22, Kayla McMillan ’22, and Maddie Malone ’22 at the Lehigh-Lafayette game in 2019 at Goodman Stadium.
