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Alexandra Milspaw

Alexandra Milspaw ‘07, a sociology and anthropology major, had never heard of Lehigh University before her grandmother asked her to visit in memory of her deceased husband. 

“When I arrived on campus I fell in love with the old, gothic stone buildings, especially Linderman Library, whose window sills turned into my home during my entire first year,” says Milspaw, who is a Harrisburg, Pa., native.  “The trees and scent of the air grabbed my heart and attention as well. It smelled like home.  It was perfect for me.”

Since that time, Milspaw has continued her love affair with Lehigh, passionately taking up causes like diversity, sexual violence prevention, women’s studies and others close to her heart through a variety of Student Affairs departments and student organizations.

“Activities outside the classroom are the perfect way to meet new friends that share your same interests and passions,” she says.  “I love being involved in so many different activities because this means that I am always surrounded by so many different people, which in turn combines multiple worldviews and ideas.”

Milspaw was a member of Leadership Lehigh for two years and is currently a member of: Break the Silence, a sexual violence peer education group and 24/7 Crisis Line; Echoes, the all-female a cappella group; Progressive Student Alliance; The Movement; and the Mustard and Cheese Drama Society.  She is also a Women's Center staff member. 

Lehigh, says Milspaw, along with her experiences of studying abroad, has helped form who she is today.  “Having my ideas and worldview challenged and encouraged helped me realize how important it is to be aware of the world's diversity.  Awareness of diversity and RESPECT of that diversity is key to any and all success in this world, no matter what your career path may be.”

She adds, “Furthermore, when you're enveloped within so much thought diversity, that is when the greatest change and progress takes place.”

Her strong involvement with Lehigh’s Women’s Center and the Break the Silence peer educator group has contributed most to Milspaw’s personal growth and well-being, she says.

“I love being surrounded by such empowering, amazing, and strong-willed women and men fighting for the same passionate cause we all share: egalitarianism and respect,” says Milspaw.   “All-in-all, I believe that the only way individuals can absorb all of the personal growth that takes place during their college careers is to surround themselves with diverse people, diverse cultures, diverse beliefs, and diverse ideas.  The more open one's mind and the more respect that is brought to each conversation, the more positive his or her transformation and personal growth will be.”

Milspaw also attributes her leadership skills to her activities because, “through my involvement I am forced to learn to be respectful and open to new ideas as well as learn to mediate within a group environment when ideas clash and a person’s sense of self gets challenged.”

Says Milspaw: “College is the time to expand your mind and that is not possible if you limit yourself to your own small bubble of friends and scenery.  I strongly encourage all students to get involved with whatever they are passionate about, especially because when you are surrounded by other students that share the same passion the energy soars through you and gives you strength, hope, and courage to keep up the good fight or enjoyment of whatever that passion may be.”

Milspaw also stresses the importance of getting involved with the surrounding community.  “The community of South Bethlehem is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen,” she says.  “Most residents have lived here for generations and have so many great stories about the history of the Lehigh Valley and Bethlehem Steel. If you are privileged enough to come to Lehigh University, I would hope that you would be humble enough to help those that aren't so lucky.  Get involved and help jumpstart your personal growth through helping the community grow.”