Building a network of high-impact achievers
The Future Makers Society welcomes Lehigh students from all class years who have demonstrated high-impact, externally validated achievements. The society gives students valuable opportunities to connect with one another, faculty mentors and industry leaders. It also hosts regular industry seminars.
Future Makers Society Application
Apply Here
Recognizing the Real Impact of Lehigh Students in the World
Join us at the Future Makers Convocation to celebrate exemplary senior students and their high-impact, externally-validated accomplishments. The event will showcase excellence, measurable impact, and the value of a Lehigh education, both within and alongside the curriculum.
2025 Future Makers Convocation
2025 Distinguished Award Winners
Knowledge Creator Award - Chingiz Tuleubayev
For advancing the frontiers of understanding through original research, inquiry, and the creation of knowledge that enlightens and empowers.
Purposeful Scholar Award - Callie Higgins
For scholarly excellence in pursuit of purpose — turning research into meaningful action for humanity’s good.
Design Futurist Award - Malayna Leopold
For imaginative design that blends creativity, technology, and social insight to shape the future of human experience.
Global Changemaker Award - Rhema Hooper
For advancing global well-being through innovation, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration that transcends borders.
Sustainable Futures Architect Award - James Frerichs
For designing creative, sustainable solutions that build a more resilient and responsible future for all.
Inclusive Leader Award - Zelalem Ayalew
For championing equity, empathy, and belonging — ensuring that progress includes every voice and vision.
Visionary Entrepreneur Award - Cedrique Wafula
For entrepreneurial courage and imagination — transforming bold ideas into ventures that create lasting change.
Civic Catalyst Award - Julie Wright
For igniting positive change in our communities through leadership, advocacy, and the courage to act locally for global impact.
Trailblazing Innovator Award - Dulra Amolegbe
For pioneering new ideas with fearless creativity — setting the pace for what’s next in discovery and design.
Application & Nomination Process:
Are you a student with senior standing, or do you know one, whose work and insights are shaping the future of our community, economy, and planet?
Have you/Have they:
➤ Published a research paper
➤ Co-authored a patent
➤ Presented at a national or international professional conference
➤ Created a new policy, process, or product
➤ Led sustainable, community-focused impact
➤ …or created significant value beyond Lehigh University in other ways?
FAQs
1. What is a Statement of Support?
A statement of support is a brief statement from an organization verifying a student’s accomplishments within an organization or community. Statements of support can be 2-3 sentences written by a supervisor or community partner verifying that the student has accomplished the work he/she is submitting for recognition. Statements do not have to be as detailed or lengthy as a letter of reference. Students are describing their work and its impact – statements of support are serving as third-party validation of that work.
For questions, please email Michelle Spada, Lehigh360 Program Manager, at mcs619@lehigh.edu.