Chemical engineer Kelby Anderson '22 and environmental engineer Nora Abbott '22 reflect on how 'Lehigh helps students achieve their outstanding potential'
On December 3, students, family and friends gathered in the Diamond Theater of Zoellner Arts Center for this year’s Honors Convocation recognizing seniors who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 or higher out of a possible 4.0. The ceremony, which celebrated 154 undergraduate students for high academic achievement, was originally scheduled for Parents’ Weekend in September but was postponed due to a spike in COVID cases on campus. The Fall 2020 convocation was held virtually.
“These last two years, especially, have taught us many lessons, but perhaps the most important lesson is that none of us is alone,” said Nathan Urban, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who reflected on the role of community in the students’ success.
“We are tied to the communities we live in and the company that we keep. When one of us succeeds, it is always because of the support, guidance and mentorship of others. Parents, family, faculty, and friends are key members of the support system. We all take great pride in the work that you've done and the milestones that you have accomplished.”
Student speakers included Rossin College seniors Nora Abbott ’22 and Kelby Anderson ’22.
Abbott, who will graduate with a BS in environmental engineering, a minor in global studies, and a certificate in population health, plans to attend graduate school to study public health and environmental health and science. She is president of Lehigh’s club ultimate frisbee team, is engaged in research in environmental engineering, and serves as a student sustainability advisor in Lehigh’s United Nations Partnership and as president of the Rossin Junior Fellows.
“When asked to speak, I was tasked with discussing what makes Lehigh students outstanding, both in their classroom and co-curricular activities,” Abbott said. “However, I don't think I need to convince anyone that the students here tonight are outstanding. Everyone sitting here tonight has achieved great feats in ways uniquely their own, and this is why you're being recognized. So, instead, I decided to flip the script. I'm going to discuss how Lehigh helps students achieve their outstanding potential.”
Abbott described her Lehigh experience, and how she developed relationships and found her place on campus. She noted the care and support of her parents, friends, and her friends’ parents, as well as Lehigh professors and staff, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I recall [College of Arts and Sciences] Professor Kelly Austin canceled class one day because a few students mentioned being overwhelmed,” she said. “[College of Health] Professor Thomas McAndrew chatted with myself and my friends over coffee on Zoom. When I tested positive for COVID, unfortunately, [civil and environmental engineering] Professor Kristen Jellison offered to purchase groceries for myself and my roommates if we needed assistance.
“These are the actions of professors who view their students as more than just a [number], but as extended family. Lehigh's faculty and staff believed in me and taught me how to believe in myself. I know that the Lehigh community will always be there, even as I graduate from student to alumni,” she said.
Anderson ’22, a chemical engineering major, is president of Lehigh’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, has served as president of the Newman Council for Lehigh’s Catholic ministry, has traveled to India with the Lehigh Global Citizenship Program and is the recipient of the Robert C. Hicks Prize in Chemical Engineering. Anderson intends to pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering at Lehigh.
Anderson recalled arriving early on campus as a first-year student for the PreLUsion program, and feeling a wide range of emotions: “... I tried to engross myself in the activities and events but I was too filled with emotion, sad about leaving home, terrified of what was to come and excited to meet my new roommate.”
Her early exchanges with her roommate, she said, were “awkward,” but things started to shift over time. She made many friends, including her roommate, and got involved in a variety of activities.
“That first semester was truly a whirlwind of trying to try new things, facing my fears, talking with as many people as I could, and trying to find my place on campus,” she said. “From then on, I have worked to hone in on exactly who I want to be and what I want out of my time in college.”
Anderson described a trip to the Dominican Republic with Engineers Without Borders, her experience as project leader on a project that aimed to design and implement an irrigation system for Lehigh’s Community Garden on Goodman Campus, and her trip to India through the Global Citizenship Program. These experiences, she said, prompted her decision to pursue environmental engineering in graduate school.
“Undoubtedly, Lehigh has granted me access to experiences and shaped me in ways that I could not have dreamed of otherwise,” she said. “In fact, it has allowed me the opportunity to speak in front of all of you incredible individuals. I wish I could hear all of your stories, accomplishments, endeavors and trials. But I know that you have worked just as hard as I have and overcame so many obstacles to be here. Just know that I'm proud of you.”
Read the full story in the Lehigh University News Center.
Story by Kelly Hochbein
