Discovering Purpose and Possibility
Lehigh360 preLUsion Welcomes New Students to High-Impact Learning
This August, 22 incoming students took their first steps into the Lehigh experience through Lehigh360 preLUsion, a powerful three-day program designed to introduce new Mountain Hawks to the university’s vibrant ecosystem of high-impact, beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities.
Throughout the immersive experience, students explored social enterprises across the Lehigh Valley working in mental health, disability rights, anti-human trafficking, and affordable housing. A campus-wide scavenger hunt introduced them to the leaders and staff behind Lehigh’s signature experiential learning programs. Reflective discussions and journaling helped students connect their personal values and strengths with meaningful opportunities at Lehigh.
At Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, a café that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, students witnessed inclusive employment in action. The visit was especially meaningful because one of the café’s owners, Kathi Eichman ‘1986, is a Lehigh alumnus. Her story shows how Lehigh graduates are using their education to create change.
At Café the Lodge, students met with Ian Panyko, Director of Cafe the Lodge, Kate Jackson, assistant professor of community and population health at Lehigh, and Chuck Weiss, associate executive director for housing at Community Action Lehigh Valley. They discussed ways that their work impacts South Bethlehem and how students could begin collaborating with the community they will call home for the next four years.
At Bloom Creative Studio, a nonprofit supporting survivors of human trafficking through art therapy and vocational training, students saw how creative expression can offer healing, purpose, and empowerment.
Students also took part in a plant therapy session led by Veronica Moore, director of student access and success. During the session, Moore encouraged students to reflect on what it would take for each of them to thrive at Lehigh. The hands-on activity helped students think about the importance of self-care as they begin their college journey. It also challenged them to take responsibility for both their personal well-being and the passion-driven work they hope to pursue at Lehigh.
For transfer student Chancey Smith ’27, who has not yet declared a major, the experience was a key reason for choosing Lehigh. “To me, the most valuable part of college is having opportunities to build something meaningful, connect with communities, and start shaping a purposeful future,” Smith said. “PreLUsion helped me begin that journey on day one by showing how purpose, community, and impact come together, and helping me realize I can be part of that now.”
Among the 22 participants, nine are part of the first cohort of Explore Lehigh. This new program introduces first-semester students to a range of academic fields across Lehigh’s four undergraduate colleges.
Emily Ford, director of coordinated advising and academic advisor to the Explore Lehigh cohort, emphasized the importance of giving students space to explore without falling behind.
“Many students arrive on campus feeling pressure to have everything mapped out from day one,” Ford said. “Explore Lehigh offers both the permission and the structure to discover what fits. Through integrated advising, a specialized intercollege course built on the Design Your Life curriculum, and access to faculty mentors and career coaches, students are supported every step of the way.”
As the semester begins, these 22 students carry with them a deeper understanding of Lehigh’s mission and the many paths they can pursue to turn their passions into purpose. Through Lehigh360, they are not just starting college—they are stepping into a future grounded in exploration, collaboration, and impact.
Michelle Spada, Program Manager for Lehigh360 shared “Each of these 22 students came to campus with a unique skill set and a passion to utilize their education to impact the world. It was inspiring to hear the range of issues they are passionate about – from preventing human trafficking and homelessness to tackling mental health challenges and climate change to advocating for communities impacted by crises around the world. These students are fighting for brighter futures for our world and we look forward to working with them over the next four years to develop the skills they need to tackle these complex challenges. One of the most powerful takeaways I heard from the group is that mission-driven work isn’t mutually exclusive from financial stability. Through the programming, site visits and guest speakers we wanted students to see the myriad of ways that someone can both sustain a good life for themselves and make an impact with their career.”
Michelle Spada, program manager for Lehigh360, shared that the program’s site visits, guest speakers, and hands-on activities were designed to help students see the many ways a meaningful, impactful career can also support a sustainable life.
“As a group, these 22 students brought incredible energy, diverse interests, and a strong desire to use their education to make a difference,” said Spada. “It was inspiring to hear the range of issues they care about—from human trafficking and homelessness to mental health, climate change, and global crises. They are already thinking critically about how to turn passion into purpose. One important takeaway that really resonated with students is the understanding that mission-driven work and financial stability can go hand in hand.”
