WINTER 2014 LEHIGH BULLETIN A CREATIVE SPACE, REBORN With the Mountaintop project, Lehigh is bringing new life—and new creative energy—to a former Bethlehem Steel research space on South Mountain. cozy up & connect Photos that take you back and stories that keep you connected… CONgRATUlATiONS! Larry & Jami Miksiewicz ’81 Offensive lineman Larry Miksiewicz ’81 and cheerleader Jami (Frank) Miksiewicz ’81, lehigh pictured here after the 1980 victory over throwback Lafayette, met during their junior year and UNIVERSITY FRONT LAWN. NOV. 6, 2013 A crowd of approx- were married in Packer Memorial Church imately 1,600 students, faculty and staff gathered to condemn almost 29 years ago. Larry and Jami sent intolerance and foster unity in the wake of a racially motivated photo contest vandalism at the UMOJA House. At the rally, the University WINNER! two of their three children to Lehigh. community showed their unity and willingness to tackle important issues related to diversity and inclusion. (See story, Page 8) This photo submission received the highest number of votes on Facebook during the contest voting period. 2014social_winter_fullpg_ad-fp.indd 1 1/10/14 2:05 PM “I challenge us to challenge each other and to challenge ourselves.” Jovan Campbell ’14 WINTER 2014 | 1 UP FRONT UP FRONT STAFF Volume 100, Number 1, Winter 2014 STAFF DEPARTMENTS EDITOR 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT Tim Hyland 5 Correspondence ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kurt Pfitzer, Karl Brisseaux ’11 80 TRIVIA A Rivalry Beyond Any Other CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Unger, Carla Prieto ’14 6 ON CAMPUS Brian M. Schleter, Linda Harbrecht, 6 The Consummate Newsman Up on the Mountain Robert Nichols, Dawn Thren 26 The buildings once were home to the industrial engineers of mighty Bethlehem Steel. Today, the 7 FOUR QUESTIONS Seymour Hersh DESIGN vast empty spaces that have been left behind represent an unprecedented opportunity for Lehigh— Pentagram and may even offer a glimpse into the future of higher education.by the Bulletin Staff 8 A Call to Action DESIGN DIRECTOR 10 Decrying ‘Generational Theft’ Kurt Hansen 11 LENS ART DIRECTORS The Struggle and the Glory The Comforts of Home David Pryor, Michelle Boehm 30 Nothing about writing has ever come easy for Stephanie Powell Watts. But after years of struggle 12 Is There a Way Forward PHOTOGRAPHER and more than a few doubts, Powell appears on her way to becoming a literary star. by Tim Hyland for Syria? Christa Neu 14 RESEARCH BUSINESS SUPPORT Sue Gaugler 34 Attacking from All Angles 14 Malaria’s Big Surge 15 SCHEMATIC CONTACT US Lehigh University Alumni Association From computer science to data imaging to molecular research, Lehigh researchers are using their The Power of Solar Power 27 Memorial Drive West unique perspectives and varied expertise to crack the code of cancer. by Brian Schleter Bethlehem, PA 18015-3734 16 Small But Mighty Time for a Change (610) 758-3135 Fax: (610) 758-3316 17 A Journey into the Hotline: (610) 758-alum ‘Proof of Islam’ Editor Tim Hyland on the ever-evolving face of the Lehigh Bulletin, and how the CLASS NOTES AND REMEMBRANCES 18 CULTURE magazine’s new look serves the confident, dynamic Lehigh of today. Jessi McMullan ’05 (610) 758-3675 18 For Sametz, a New [email protected] and Difficult Commission SUBSCRIBERS For address changes, send 19 EXHIBIT Since my arrival here at Lehigh late last spring, that fit perfectly with the new brand image we the mailing label, along with Is It Art? your new address, to: I have been continually amazed by this university. have cultivated around the theme of “Redefining Alumni Records / Lehigh University 19 ‘First Four’ Wins Top Honors From the ambitious and inquisitive students What It Means to Lead”—an image of confidence 125 Goodman Drive to the brilliant faculty, the dedicated staff to the and dynamism that has helped shape everything Bethlehem, PA 18015-3055 20 Freestyle Furniture Design deeply committed alumni, I have found Lehigh to from our new University website to our marketing 610-758-3015 [email protected] be a wholly unique place—a university that knows efforts to the magazine you hold in your hands. 22 SPORTS what it is and what it stands for, and knows, too, After months of work, and after gathering input ADVERTISING just how great it can be when it’s at its very best. from key stakeholders including our alumni, we Sue Gaugler 22 The Countdown to 150 This is a truly special place, and you are rightfully ultimately came up with the design and content Lehigh University 125 Goodman Drive proud to call yourself alumni. that you see in this issue today. We believe we have Bethlehem, PA 18015-3754 23 STATS I hope you will be proud, too, of the magazine created precisely what we wanted to create, way (610) 758-3015 Adelou ‘Lou’ Adesida ‘15 that you now hold in your hands. back when we began this process: A magazine wor- [email protected] When we decided to pursue a redesign of the thy of representing Lehigh. 24 Another Measure of Success Bulletin months ago, our goal was simple: We I invite you to share your thoughts and com- LEHIGH ALUMNI BULLETIN wanted to create a magazine that would directly ments on our new design. You can reach me at Vol. 100, No. 1, Winter 2014 44 CLASS NOTES mirror all of the characteristics that make Lehigh the address at the right, or email me at any time at one of the best (according to our peers) and most [email protected]. Published three times a year by the 59 Choral Arts Reunion beloved (according to our alumni) universities Thank you for your support. And thank you, as Lehigh University Communications and Public Affairs Office, in coop- in the world. We wanted a magazine that would always, for reading the Bulletin. eration with the Lehigh University ON THE COVER An aerial view look and feel classic yet contemporary, historic Alumni Association, Inc. of Buildings B and C at Moun- yet modern, literary yet cutting-edge. We wanted The Spirit of Spirit Week taintop, where Lehigh is moving 38 forward with a plan to open up a magazine that would reflect the impressive and amazing history of this place, yet also conveyed Sure, the game is important. Really important. But in the end, Spirit Week isn’t just about exciting new opportunities for the energy and excitement that pervade our cam- Gratefully, football. It’s about a tradition that has tied generations of Lehigh students and alumni together. students. (See story, Page 26) pus every single day. And we wanted a magazine Tim Hyland, Editor photos by Christa Neu Photo by Christa Neu 2 | LEHIGH BULLETIN WINTER 2014 | 3 UP FRONT UP FRONT STAFF Volume 100, Number 1, Winter 2014 STAFF DEPARTMENTS EDITOR 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT Tim Hyland 5 Correspondence ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kurt Pfitzer, Karl Brisseaux ’11 80 TRIVIA A Rivalry Beyond Any Other CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mike Unger, Carla Prieto ’14 6 ON CAMPUS Brian M. Schleter, Linda Harbrecht, 6 The Consummate Newsman Up on the Mountain Robert Nichols, Dawn Thren 26 The buildings once were home to the industrial engineers of mighty Bethlehem Steel. Today, the 7 FOUR QUESTIONS Seymour Hersh DESIGN vast empty spaces that have been left behind represent an unprecedented opportunity for Lehigh— Pentagram and may even offer a glimpse into the future of higher education.by the Bulletin Staff 8 A Call to Action DESIGN DIRECTOR 10 Decrying ‘Generational Theft’ Kurt Hansen 11 LENS ART DIRECTORS The Struggle and the Glory The Comforts of Home David Pryor, Michelle Boehm 30 Nothing about writing has ever come easy for Stephanie Powell Watts. But after years of struggle 12 Is There a Way Forward PHOTOGRAPHER and more than a few doubts, Powell appears on her way to becoming a literary star. by Tim Hyland for Syria? Christa Neu 14 RESEARCH BUSINESS SUPPORT Sue Gaugler 34 Attacking from All Angles 14 Malaria’s Big Surge 15 SCHEMATIC CONTACT US Lehigh University Alumni Association From computer science to data imaging to molecular research, Lehigh researchers are using their The Power of Solar Power 27 Memorial Drive West unique perspectives and varied expertise to crack the code of cancer. by Brian Schleter Bethlehem, PA 18015-3734 16 Small But Mighty Time for a Change (610) 758-3135 Fax: (610) 758-3316 17 A Journey into the Hotline: (610) 758-alum ‘Proof of Islam’ Editor Tim Hyland on the ever-evolving face of the Lehigh Bulletin, and how the CLASS NOTES AND REMEMBRANCES 18 CULTURE magazine’s new look serves the confident, dynamic Lehigh of today. Jessi McMullan ’05 (610) 758-3675 18 For Sametz, a New [email protected] and Difficult Commission SUBSCRIBERS For address changes, send 19 EXHIBIT Since my arrival here at Lehigh late last spring, that fit perfectly with the new brand image we the mailing label, along with Is It Art? your new address, to: I have been continually amazed by this university. have cultivated around the theme of “Redefining Alumni Records / Lehigh University 19 ‘First Four’ Wins Top Honors From the ambitious and inquisitive students What It Means to Lead”—an image of confidence 125 Goodman Drive to the brilliant faculty, the dedicated staff to the and dynamism that has helped shape everything Bethlehem, PA 18015-3055 20 Freestyle Furniture Design deeply committed alumni, I have found Lehigh to from our new University website to our marketing 610-758-3015 [email protected] be a wholly unique place—a university that knows efforts to the magazine you hold in your hands. 22 SPORTS what it is and what it stands for, and knows, too, After months of work, and after gathering input ADVERTISING just how great it can be when it’s at its very best.