Reunion Awards 2009

The Undergraduate Merit Award

To honor undergraduates for their exemplary character, personality, scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities, and for representing the highest traditions of Lehigh University.

Lisa Sweeney '09
Scott Wojciechowski '09

The Friend of Lehigh Award

Pat Girke '55W
Shirley Quier-Davies '56W

In grateful recognition of his significant generosity and continuous support of the Lehigh community.

The Good Neighbor Award

Betty Fisher
Paul Sicinski

For consistent support and neighborly interest in Lehigh University, he is appreciated and warmly regarded by the Lehigh community.

The Paul J. Franz Award

Stephen J. Guttman, Jr. '82G
Director, Budget Office

The George F.A. Stutz '22 Award

Winner to be announced

The Young Alumni Awards

Steve Rittler '99
Michael Schaefer '04

The Alumni Awards

Class of 1944

Alvin Newton Bugbee Jr.
B.S. Civil Engineering  1944

Affectionately known as “Newt,” this dedicated alumnus is proud of his three-generation Lehigh family, which began with his father, Alvin Newton ’19, and continued with his two sons, James ’79 and Peter ’80. Newt is a loyal volunteer who has served Lehigh in many ways, including two terms as class president, as a longstanding invaluable member of the Reunion Committee, and as a loyal phonathon volunteer. His generous spirit extends to his community of Catasauqua, where he has served on the boards of several organizations that have benefited from his expertise.

Class of 1949

Leonard Dimmick
B.S. Business Administration 1949
MBA 1955

Len is a Lehigh gentleman with a distinguished stature, who is easily spotted at the many volunteer events and alumni activities he attends. Len has worked tirelessly in numerous roles in service to his alma mater. Some highlights include longtime phonathon caller, results-oriented class agent, and effective Reunion Committee member. During the academic year, Len works at the visitor’s desk in the Alumni Memorial Building, where he welcomes prospective students and their families to Lehigh.

Class of 1954

Bert Schweigaard-Olsen
B.A. Geology 1953
B.S. Industrial Engineering 1954

Bert has served in many roles: president of the Lehigh Club of New York; regional vice president for alumni clubs on the Alumni Association Board of Directors; and president of the Kappa Alpha Alumni Board. He has been a dedicated class correspondent for 46 years. Bert founded and served as president of the John Hart Hunter Foundation, which funds scholarships, educational programs, and lodge improvements for the Kappa Alpha Society. He also facilitated Lehigh’s acceptance into the Davis United World College Scholars Program that provides significant funding for scholarships.

Class of 1959

W. Beall Fowler
B.S.  Engineering Physics 1959
Ph.D. (University of Rochester) 1963

Beall’s exemplary career as a professor of physics and well-respected faculty member has brought honor to himself and to his alma mater. A Lehigh education became a tradition in the Fowler family with his sons, Wyman Beall III ’84 and Cameron H. ’89, ’01G—and the tradition continued when his wife, Linny, received an honorary degree in 2003. Beall’s service includes: class fundraising; a leadership role in planning the 50th Anniversary of the Gryphon Society; publishing the annual physics department newsletter for 19 years and counting; and a life spent as an alumnus and professor, during which he has helped Lehigh in some way every single day.

James B. Swenson
B.S. Business Administration 1959

Jim’s longtime volunteer support includes: Reunion Fund Committee member; president of the Lehigh Club of Washington, D.C.; president of the Alumni Association; Alumni Trustee of the Board of Trustees; Appointed Trustee; and honorable Trustee Emeritus. After retirement, Jim transitioned to a second career at Lehigh as a development officer. His extensive Lehigh knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and talent for engaging alumni in the life of the university have resulted in significant financial commitments to Lehigh’s vital programs.

Class of 1964

William W. Crouse
B.S.  Finance 1964
MBA (Pace University) 1971

As a member of the Board of Trustees since 1997, Bill displays his dedication to his alma mater in the level of his involvement and generous support. An Executive Committee member, he has served on several strategic committees, including academic affairs, finance, and nominating. He is also a member of the College of Business and Economics Board of Advisors and the Wall Street Council. An avid Lehigh athletics fan, Bill supports the student athletes who bring honor to Lehigh and a sense of pride to their benefactor. He also hosts gatherings at his home during the Florida Swing. Bill is the father of three sons, including Donald ’90. 

Class of 1969

Hal Fittipaldi
B.A. Finance and Economics 1969

Hal’s undergraduate experience prepared him well for life after Lehigh, and he learned the importance of giving back and transitioning to the role of an active alumnus. A dedicated volunteer, Hal served as class president for 35 years, led the planning for reunion events, and worked on the Reunion Fund Committee. A devoted leader of his class, Hal has encouraged others to maintain a close affiliation with each other and with their alma mater.

Class of 1974

William R. White Jr.
B.A. in Journalism 1974
M.A. (Ohio State University) 1981

Soon after graduation, Bill transitioned to the role of an involved alumnus when he became the ace reporter for the Class of 1974. He has loyally served as class correspondent for the Lehigh Alumni Bulletin for more than 35 years. His classmates can always count on him to report the news with a sense of humor. For the past 25 years, Bill has maintained a close connection to the journalism department as an adjunct professor, and students have benefited tremendously from his practical approach to reporting the news and his sage advice about embarking on a career in journalism.

Class of 1979

Lorene C. Southworth
B.S. Marketing 1979

As a student, Lori served as senior class treasurer, a member of the senior class gift campaign, a teaching assistant, a Panhellenic representative, and a sister of Gamma Phi Beta. Since graduating, she has demonstrated her devotion to Lehigh by serving in a variety of roles, including class vice president, president of the Lehigh Club of Baltimore, reunion planning chair, Reunion Fund chair, career advisor, and Gamma Phi Beta alumni representative. Lori has been elected to key roles on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and she was an alumni trustee of the Board of Trustees, serving on the Public Affairs and Student Affairs Committee.

Class of 1984

Kevin L. Clayton
B.A. Government 1984
MBA (St. Joseph’s University) 1988

Kevin’s leadership began when he was elected president of his class; his leadership roles have included club president, class agent, the Reunion Fund Committee, the College of Business and Economics Board of Advisors, Lehigh Leadership Council, the Wall Street Council, and Young Alumni Trustee. In 2005, he joined the Board of Trustees, where he has served on the University Endowment Investment Committee. Kevin’s family legacy at Lehigh is strong; he counts numerous alumni among his family, and he and his wife, Lisa, are parents to Patrick ’13.

Class of 1989

Tracy L. Frary
B.S. Marketing 1989; MBA (Loyola College) 1995

Tracy values her Lehigh education, including the time management and planning skills that help her each day. Her student involvement included her sorority, the University Committee on Discipline, the Marketing Club, and the Freshmen Orientation Planning Committee.  Tracy’s current volunteerism includes class vice president and president, reunion chair for the tenth, fifteenth and twentieth reunions, Reunion Fund Committee, and the Greek Life Communication Advisory Board. Of her many fond Lehigh memories, Tracy counts meeting her husband, Eric ’89, as the most precious.

Class of 1994

Michael B. York
B.A. English 1994
J.D. (Fordham University School of Law) 2002

As class correspondent for the Lehigh Alumni Bulletin, Michael has written informative and humorous columns for the past fifteen years. His reports on the latest news from classmates have done much to keep them connected with each other and with Lehigh. Michael’s Lehigh education paved the way to an extraordinarily varied career, including stints on the campaign trail for Senator Bill Bradley; in the entertainment industry, at NBC and the William Morris and IMG agencies; and as a lawyer. Michael was named partner with the Novins, York & Pagano firm this year. Michael is an active member of numerous legal and civic organizations, and he volunteers for several health-related charitable organizations. His father, Harvey York ’67, is an attorney in Toms River, N.J.