Written by Colin McEvoy | November 13, 2026 | SHARE
The Office of International Affairs highlights a year of global accomplishments as Lehigh prepares for a week of events and celebrations marking International Education Week.
As Lehigh prepares for a week of events and celebrations marking International Education Week (IEW), the Office of International Affairs (OIA) has released its 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting the university's continued efforts to expand international opportunities, strengthen global partnerships, and foster a more globally engaged campus community.
The annual report, released on Friday, Nov. 13, provides a comprehensive overview of the accomplishments from the 2025–26 academic year of students, staff, and faculty executing on Lehigh's vision to broaden the university's global perspective and impact.
The report highlights the many ways Lehigh is creating opportunities for its community to engage with the world, from international education and research to global leadership development and partnerships that generate meaningful impact both abroad and closer to home.
"At Lehigh, global engagement is not simply about reaching beyond our campus," writes Cheryl Matherly, Vice President & Vice Provost for International Affairs, in her report introduction. "It is about creating opportunities: opportunities to learn from new perspectives, to develop as leaders, to build communities of belonging, and to turn knowledge and relationships into meaningful impact."
Organized around four themes — Opportunity to Learn, Opportunity to Lead, Opportunity to Belong, and Opportunity to Create Impact — the report showcases accomplishments from across OIA's departments and programs.
Highlights include expanded education abroad opportunities, a new chapter for the Lee Iacocca Institute for Global Leadership, continued success among students and faculty earning nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, and growing efforts to support Lehigh's international student and scholar community.
The report also documents significant developments in Lehigh's global partnerships, major milestones for the Lehigh University/United Nations (LU/UN) Partnership, deepening engagement with India, and initiatives connecting international collaboration with positive impacts throughout the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania.
"The pages that follow tell a story not of international engagement as an abstract idea, but of what becomes possible because of it," Matherly writes. "They reflect a community that continues to learn, lead, belong, and create impact across borders and close to home."
The full report is available at global.lehigh.edu/annualreport. In the coming weeks, OIA will share additional stories highlighting specific accomplishments, milestones, and individuals featured in the report. The annual report was designed by Michelle Chrin
Celebrating International Education Week
The release comes as Lehigh prepares to celebrate International Education Week, taking place Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 20, with a series of events, performances, and activities highlighting the value of international education and cultural exchange.
IEW is an annual nationwide initiative celebrating the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This year's programming at Lehigh reflects many of the same priorities highlighted in the annual report, offering opportunities to explore global cultures, strengthen connections across campus, and learn more about international experiences available to students.
The week's festivities will begin Monday, Nov. 16, with the annual Flag Parade, during which students and other members of the Lehigh community will carry flags representing countries from around the world. The parade will begin at Coxe Hall at 4:15 p.m. and conclude at the University Center flagpole.
Additional programming throughout the week will include:
Together We Climb (Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 3 p.m.): An annual reception recognizing faculty and staff nominated by international students for their exceptional support, mentorship, and contributions to a welcoming campus community.
LETs Get Global! (Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m.): An interactive event exploring global cultures and international learning through virtual reality and immersive technologies.
The World in Signs (Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m.): An introduction to the names of countries in American Sign Language, offering a different perspective on language and cross-cultural communication.
Student Panel: Homestays Abroad (Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 12:30 p.m.): Study abroad alumni share their experiences living with host families and the impact of cultural immersion on their international education.
Global Voices: Modern Language & Literature's GOT TALENT (Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 p.m.): A multilingual showcase featuring music, poetry, dance, and other performances celebrating language and cultural expression.
Friendsgiving (Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5 p.m.): An annual Thanksgiving celebration bringing international students, faculty, and staff together for food, friendship, and community.
Breakfast for Dinner: Taste the Islands (Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m.): A cultural food celebration hosted by LU Kapamilya, highlighting island cuisines and traditions.
Gilman 101 and Study Abroad 101 (Friday, Nov. 20): Two information sessions introducing students to international education opportunities, including scholarships that help make studying abroad more accessible.
Additional programming throughout the week will explore professional development opportunities for international students, cultural experiences, and global connections.
A full calendar of events, including times, locations, and registration information, is available at global.lehigh.edu/IEW.
Together, the annual report and IEW highlight Lehigh's continuing commitment to creating international opportunities and building a campus community enriched by global perspectives.