Lehigh University's Alumni Newsletter for the Summer of 2025
In the Fall 2024 issue of the Lehigh Alumni Bulletin, a fascinating story from the university's past was revisited. The story revolves around two distinguished figures — Gene Mercy and Dave Williams — who played significant roles in the Lehigh community.
Dave Williams, a former member of the Lehigh community, served the university for three decades. He held various positions, including the university's vice provost for research, department chair, and Harold Chambers Senior Professor of materials science and engineering. Williams' tenure at Lehigh spanned over three decades, leaving a lasting impact on the institution.
In 2007, Williams left Lehigh to assume the position of president at another university — the University of Alabama in Huntsville. However, the article does not provide any information about his current position there.
Meanwhile, Gene Mercy, a figure of influence in both the U.S. and the international community, was also a prominent figure at Lehigh. In 1997-1998, Mercy and Ron Ulrich were trustee leaders, and Ray Bell was a faculty leader of the Presidential Search Committee. During this time, Mercy and Bell were members of the committee, and Mercy hosted a dinner at his apartment for the interview of a sitting private university president.
One particular instance that stands out is a meeting between Mercy and Bell the next day. Mercy had planned to discuss the candidate's interview with Bell following the dinner. However, Mercy could not attend due to a scheduled meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev at the Waldorf.
Tragically, Gene Mercy passed away in Fall 2024. His influence and contributions to Lehigh University and beyond will not be forgotten.
Dave Williams, now emeritus dean of engineering and a professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State University, continues to make his mark in the academic world. He is a distinguished academic, having held positions such as emeritus dean, professor, department chair, and senior professor.
This story serves as a reminder of the influential figures who have graced the halls of Lehigh University and the impact they have had on the institution and its community.
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