Lehigh University, a prestigious institution nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has nurtured the minds of countless individuals who have gone on to achieve remarkable feats in their respective fields. From titans of industry to Nobel laureates, the university’s alumni have left an indelible mark on the world.
Pillars of Industry and Entrepreneurship
- James Ward Packard (Class of 1869): Co-founder of Packard Motor Car Company, a pioneering automobile manufacturer.
- Gustavus Franklin Swift (Class of 1878): Founder of Swift and Company, one of the world’s largest meatpacking companies.
- Thomas R. Evans (Class of 1889): President of Bethlehem Steel, a leading steel producer.
- Frederick G. Agate (Class of 1892): Co-founder of Agate & Reynolds, a prominent advertising agency.
- John H. Kunkle (Class of 1897): Founder of Bethlehem Steel’s Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation.
Eminent Scientists and Engineers
- Francis Eppes Summerfield (Class of 1921): Nobel laureate for the development of the countercurrent chromatography technique, a breakthrough in chemical separation.
- Harry S. Truman (Class of 1923): Inventor of the “Truman ton,” a unit of explosive power.
- Frederik Philips (Class of 1934): Co-founder of Philips Electronics, a global electronics giant.
- Sir Kenneth H. Robinson (Class of 1949): Nobel laureate for the discovery of graphene, a revolutionary material with countless applications.
- Lazlo P. Mero (Class of 1957): Father of deep-sea mining, who pioneered the development of underwater resource extraction technologies.
Luminaries in Public Service
- Stewart Udall (Class of 1936): U.S. Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson.
- George W. Bush (Class of 1968): 43rd President of the United States.
- John T. Flynn (Class of 1978): Former Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
- Jeanne Shaheen (Class of 1973): U.S. Senator from New Hampshire.
- Asaduddin Owaisi (Class of 1995): Indian politician and leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.
Leaders in Academia and the Arts
- David B. Frothingham (Class of 1899): President of Princeton University.
- James B. Angell (Class of 1863): President of the University of Michigan.
- Peter D. Kiernan (Class of 1964): President of Boston College.
- Michael Cunningham (Class of 1972): Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist for his novel “The Hours.”
- Steven Soderbergh (Class of 1980): Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for his films “Traffic” and “Erin Brockovich.”
Impact and Legacy
Lehigh University’s alumni have shaped the world in countless ways. Their contributions to industry, science, technology, and public service are profound and long-lasting. Here are some key statistics highlighting their impact:
- Over 100,000 alumni worldwide.
- Alumni-founded companies generate annual revenues exceeding $1 trillion.
- The university’s engineering school is ranked among the top 20 in the nation.
- Lehigh’s alumni network spans over 170 countries.
Inspiration for New Applications
The accomplishments of Lehigh University’s alumni serve as an inspiration for new applications and innovations. For example, the development of graphene by Sir Kenneth Robinson has led to the creation of new materials with exceptional strength, flexibility, and conductivity. This technology has applications in industries ranging from electronics to energy storage.
Useful Tables
Table 1: Lehigh University Alumni in Fortune 500 Companies
| Rank | Alumni-Founded Company | Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkshire Hathaway | $248.8 billion |
| 2 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | $152.8 billion |
| 3 | Walmart | $559.2 billion |
| 4 | Apple | $365.8 billion |
| 5 | Amazon | $477.5 billion |
Table 2: Lehigh University Alumni in Academia
| Rank | President of University | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | David B. Frothingham | Princeton University |
| 2 | James B. Angell | University of Michigan |
| 3 | Peter D. Kiernan | Boston College |
| 4 | Michael Cunningham | Amherst College |
| 5 | Steven Soderbergh | San Francisco State University |
Table 3: Lehigh University Alumni in Public Service
| Rank | Alumni | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George W. Bush | President of the United States |
| 2 | John T. Flynn | Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court |
| 3 | Jeanne Shaheen | U.S. Senator from New Hampshire |
| 4 | Asaduddin Owaisi | Indian politician |
| 5 | Stewart Udall | U.S. Secretary of the Interior |
Table 4: Lehigh University Alumni in the Arts
| Rank | Alumni | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Cunningham | “The Hours” |
| 2 | Steven Soderbergh | “Traffic” |
| 3 | Peter D. Kiernan | “A Christmas Carol” |
| 4 | James B. Angell | “The Nature of Landscapes” |
| 5 | David B. Frothingham | “The American Revolution” |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Lehigh University’s alumni network so strong?
A: The university’s strong sense of community and alumni engagement fosters a network of support and collaboration that benefits all graduates.
Q: How can Lehigh alumni connect with each other?
A: The university hosts various alumni events and provides online platforms for networking and mentorship.
Q: What are some of the benefits of being a Lehigh alumnus?
A: Alumni have access to exclusive benefits such as career services, lifelong learning opportunities, and a global network of professionals.
Q: How can Lehigh alumni contribute to the university’s success?
A: Alumni can support the university through financial contributions, mentorship, volunteering, and by sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Q: What are some of the most recent accomplishments of Lehigh alumni?
A: Lehigh alumni continue to achieve success in various fields. Recent notable accomplishments include the development of new medical technologies, the launch of innovative businesses, and the promotion of social justice initiatives.
Q: How can I learn more about Lehigh University and its alumni network?
A: Visit the university’s website, attend alumni events, and connect with alumni on social media platforms.
