York College of PA to dedicate new tennis courts, recognize donors during Oct. 1 Fall Fest event

York College of Pennsylvania will dedicate six new tennis courts on West Campus along Grantley Road at 4 p.m., Oct. 1, during Fall Fest activities. The ceremony, which will recognize donors Barb Myers and Doug and Theresa Lehigh, is open to the public free of charge. 

The new construction is phase one of three, according to Paul Saikia, assistant dean for athletics and recreation. “When the project is completed, we will have eight or nine courts, depending on how we decide to build out. The facility will also have a building with locker rooms, restrooms, and storage. Some or all of the courts will be lighted.”

Barb Myers and her late husband, Don, have generously supported York College over the years. Don began a degree at York Junior College (YJC) in 1955. For various reasons, he had to withdraw from YJC three times. The couple remained connected to York College through shared passions for athletics and music, attending events on campus in their later years. They generously made gifts that allowed for the purchase of equipment for both programs, and through a bequest in their will, provided an opportunity for the College to sustain the quality of its offerings in both areas.

Don returned to York College in 2018 and finished his degree at age 81. Barb has continued a relationship with York College and support for the couple’s interest in athletics through a gift to support the new tennis complex.

Doug Lehigh of York earned an associate degree in computer programming in 1985 and then returned to the College to complete a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education-Business in 1993. The Lehigh family’s affiliation with York College continued, however, when their son, Devin, earned a degree in Marketing in 2013. He was also a four-year starter on the tennis team, and is currently the assistant tennis coach at York College. Their daughter, Kelsie, graduated in 2014 with a Sport Management major and Human Resources minor. Her husband, Greg, graduated in 2013 from York College with a Political Science major.

The Lehighs chose to make their pledge to the new tennis complex in support of EVOLVE, the College’s first comprehensive campaign. “Our goal was to make it better for future student-athletes,” Doug said. “We wanted them to have a great experience at the College and give them the best opportunity to compete at the highest level while getting their degree.”