The Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) has been taking steps to manage implicit bias within their police force. Through open reflection and impactful training, the LUPD is committed to fostering an open-minded and unprejudiced police department.
Video Project Rough Cut by Jordyn Pykon
Two Lehigh Police Officers discuss ways they are aiming to mitigate implicit biases that may occur within the police force.
Interview with Ben Dickson: The Exciting Parts of Being Back on Campus
https://youtu.be/R8Mb8gXGIpg
Ben Dickson, ’23, talks about what he is most excited about being back on campus this fall.
Quarantine Brings New Morning Routine
https://youtu.be/GYnS1d3epvQ
In this video, I reflect on the ways in which quarantine changed my morning routine. I then walk through the steps of my new, post quarantine breakfast.
Chef Mike offers both food and friendship to the Pi Beta Phi sorority by Jordyn Pykon
The Pi Beta Phi sorority women at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. never leave their house hungry. Michael Bender, known as Chef Mike to the Pi Beta Phi women, ensures that each Pi Beta Phi member always has a satiated appetite.
Bender arrives at work everyday between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. He commutes 40 minutes from Washington Township, N.J.
“I like to get started early,” Bender said. “We have some early lunch eaters.”
Bender serves lunch at 12 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. He leaves the Pi Beta Phi house at 5:30 p.m. Bender cooks lunch and dinner for the Pi Beta Phi sorority from Sunday night until Friday morning. Bender has been the chef for Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi chapter since January 2013.
Bender entered the culinary field later in life. After turning age 50, Bender retired from General Motors with the intention of pursuing a leisurely retirement. Ultimately, the traditional retirement way of life did not suit Bender’s needs.
“I tried golfing and relaxing, and even worked at a golf course for a little while,” said Bender. “I tried that lifestyle. It just wasn’t for me.”
Bender decided to enter culinary school and after working several jobs, he ended up working at Lehigh University. Bender has enjoyed being the chef for the Pi Beta Phi sorority more than any other job he has worked.
“I prefer working this job, it’s more rewarding,” Bender said. “It doesn’t pay that much though. I wouldn’t be able to do this if I didn’t have a pension.”
While Bender enjoys his job, it has become a lot of work as he has gotten older, especially since he cooks all by himself.
“What I don’t like is the volume of cooking. It’s a lot of cooking for one guy.”
To support Bender, the Pi Beta Phi girls clean the dishes and cooking equipment in the kitchen after Bender makes meals. The Pi Beta Phi girls also make an effort to help Bender put out food when they can.
Bender works hard to accommodate the dietary needs and restrictions of all members of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Bender reads about various diets in order to create food choices that make all of the Pi Beta Phi women happy.
“I know a lot about food and the science behind it. I learn new things about food every day. Lately, I have been reading a lot about veganism,” said Bender.
Bender has enjoyed getting to know the women in the Pi Beta Phi sorority for the past eight years. Bender even maintains relationships with Pi Beta Phi women after they have graduated.
“I like meeting interesting young ladies from all over the world,” said Bender. “They still text me from time to time.”
Michael Bender is a beloved member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and is appreciated immensely by the sorority women.
Portraits by Jordyn Pykon
Photographing Action by Jordyn Pykon
Aperture and Depth of Field by Jordyn Pykon
Visual Elements and Principles of Design by Jordyn Pykon
Visual Elements & Principles of Design by Jordyn Pykon
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