Major: Chemical Engineering
Hometown: Maple Glen, Pennsylvania
Object: OFYE backpack and foam finger
Meaning Behind the Object:
When Courtenay became an Orientation Leader (OL), she didn’t realize the impact the Office of First-Year Experience (OFYE) would have throughout her time at Lehigh. She served as an OL for two years and then as an Orientation Coordinator (OC), where she gained invaluable experience building community and leadership skills. Courtenay said the foam fingers are used during orientation so first-years can easily spot OLs during transition periods or during walks to different orientation events. When she became an OC, the foam finger was more symbolic of her position as a leader in the orientation family. Courtenay said that becoming an OL truly helped her develop confidence, integrate to being at Lehigh and connected her to so many of her closest friends through the program.
“I learned so much and I'm so grateful I had this opportunity with OFYE. I got to help the next generation of first-years and as an OC, I supported the new OLs, which was such a full circle moment for me.”
Courtenay will be beginning her career at Merck in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a process engineer.
The Class of 2026 reflects on the keepsakes, memories and milestones that shaped their Lehigh experience. Through personal stories and meaningful objects, these Future Makers share moments of growth, discovery and connection. Read the stories behind the keepsakes
