Joey Knight (graduated in '07): Advancing Toward the Future

Casual Convo with Joey Knight '07, Lehigh's Basketball Legend and Associate VP

From the Basketball Court to Leading Lehigh's Fundraising Efforts

Joey Knight, the man who made a name for himself by scoring an impressive 45 points in a single game, has returned to Lehigh as an Associate Vice President for Development in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Fond Memories of Playing for Lehigh

Although a couple of accolades, like Second Team All-Patriot League and Lehigh Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2005-2006, were a source of great pride, Knight shared that being named the inaugural recipient of the Patriot League Sportsmanship Award was a personal highlight. The strong bonds he made with teammates, some of whom he still considers close friends, were his most cherished memories of playing for Lehigh.

Back to His Alma Mater

Lehigh's forward-thinking strategy, Inspiring the Future Makers, and the strong vision the leadership presented piqued Knight's interest. With his passion for the university and the years spent creating unforgettable memories on the campus, he couldn't resist the opportunity to make a difference.

A Love for Fundraising

From building connections with people to uncovering personal stories that drive generous philanthropy, Knight is captivated by the intricacies of fundraising. As a scholarship recipient himself, he understands the profound impact generosity can have on a journey. Now, as part of the GO Beyond: Campaign for Future Makers efforts, he's looking forward to working towards Lehigh's ambitious goal of $1.25B.

The Impact of Lehigh on His Career

The demanding academic life as a student-athlete set the stage for real-world rigors. The tight-knit Lehigh alumni network also played a key role in his career, helping him land his first job in development/fundraising.

Advice for Lehigh Student-Athletes

Savour every moment of being a Lehigh student-athlete. Challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and engage in activities that ignite your intellectual curiosity. Building genuine connections and being authentic are key to unlocking a rich and fulfilling network.

While extensive details about Knight's time with Lehigh's basketball team or his journey back to Lehigh are hard to come by, his passion for the university and its core values—integrity, commitment to excellence, leadership, and intellectual curiosity—shine through. And judging by his achievements both on and off the court, it's clear that Lehigh played a pivotal role in shaping him into the successful individual he is today.

Joey Knight, an alumnus of Lehigh University, is now an Associate Vice President for Development, using his passion for the university to foster education-and-self-development and personal-growth among its students.
Knight's involvement with Lehigh sports, particularly basketball, has not diminished, but now extends beyond the court as he advocates for funding to enhance educational opportunities and research on campus.
His personal highlights include being named the inaugural recipient of the Patriot League Sportsmanship Award, a testament to the values of sportsmanship and team spirit he cultivated during his time as a player.
After being captivated by Lehigh's vision, Knight chose to contribute to its education and fundraising efforts, drawing on his own experiences of the university's impact on his career and personal growth.
As a former student-athlete, Knight advises current students to immerse themselves in learning experiences, build genuine connections, and engage in activities that foster intellectual curiosity, essential traits for long-term personal development, much like his journey from the basketball court to Lehigh's leadership.

Joey Knight (graduated in '07): Advancing Toward the Future