Expanded Duration for President's Prestigious Fellowship
Lehigh University's President's Distinguished Fellow, Richard Verma, Extends Involvement Through 2025
Richard Verma, a former U.S. Ambassador to India and Deputy Secretary of State, has had his term as Lehigh University's President's Distinguished Fellow extended through December 2025. This extension will allow Verma to continue his active involvement with the university and its students.
In February, Verma stated during a mentoring meeting that Lehigh is a community that invites engagement for many years beyond graduation. This sentiment was evident in the program he hosted in April, which took students to New York City. The visit offered students the opportunity to engage directly with leaders, including former Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, and Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea.
The program, which Verma played a pivotal role in coordinating, also included visits to the Ford Foundation headquarters and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Verma emphasized the importance of people-to-people contacts, friendships, and relationships in a rapidly changing world.
As the President's Distinguished Fellow, Verma has led discussions on national and global issues, shared insights on leadership, guest lectured classes, hosted programs, and mentored students. By inviting leaders like Verma to share their expertise, Lehigh University continues to enhance its academic environment.
Verma's Fellowship underscores Lehigh University's dedication to preparing students for the complexities of a rapidly changing world. During mentoring meetings with students, Verma discussed topics such as global affairs and career development. The program provides students with opportunities to engage with influential figures shaping national and international policy.
Verma, who attended Lehigh University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship and earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering with a minor in international relations, delivered a Presidential Distinguished Fellow Lecture titled "From South Mountain to the State Department: A Diplomat's View of Global Challenges and Opportunities" at Zoellner Arts Center on April 18.
Verma has remained actively involved with Lehigh University through various roles, including as a trustee and Commencement speaker. He believes that the values shared within communities will be the glue that holds people together. Progress and the betterment of future generations, according to Verma, starts close to home within communities like the Lehigh Valley.
The program is an example of how Lehigh University continues to enhance its academic environment by inviting leaders like Verma to share their expertise. Verma will continue to engage with Lehigh students and the broader university community through various activities.
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