After a racial incident occurred on campus last spring, Chester Toye, ’17, was hesitant about whether or not he wanted continue attending Lehigh. He quickly came to the realization, however, that running away from problems on campus would do no good. Because of his strong passion for photography, he started a project called “Lehigh in Focus,” where he photographs students while they make a facial expression that shows off their personality.
“The project forces people to talk about themselves, and think about their personality,” Toye said. “Through this project they can feel more connected to other people.”
He wanted to ensure that these pictures would be seen by students throughout the course of their day, so that is why the bus shelter on Packer Avenue was chosen for the first installation. Toye said he wanted to put the photos in frequently visited areas.
Derek Knott, ’18, who is the first person to have his portrait on campus as part of the project, feels that “Lehigh in Focus” is great way to teach students about diversity.
“I think the project is a creative way to learn a little more about people on campus,” he said.
Toye has a strong vision for this project. He wants everything he is accomplishing to become a part of the culture at Lehigh and hopes it becomes the norm on campus. Toye wants to not only make this his project, but something that becomes a part of Lehigh that will keep progressing even after he graduates. Toye’s goal is to make “Lehigh in Focus” a part of Lehigh’s community by constantly refreshing the campus with images of the students that make Lehigh the special place that it is.
Jason Travers, a professor of art, architecture and design, said he saw great maturity in Toye last spring when he had him in class.
“Chester showed a maturity beyond his years, as well as impressive motivation and discipline,” he said.
He believes that because Toye is partaking in such a strenuous project that demands a large time commitment, it truly reveals a lot about his character.
“Throughout the process, Chester and I exchanged ideas regularly and he accomplished quite a bit in a fairly short amount of time,” Travers said. “There are limitless possibilities for the creative potential of the project to impact the campus.”
Toye has always had a strong interest in photography and has been taking pictures since he was young. During his junior year of high school it began to click with him that being a photographer would be a part of his future. He said photography is a great way to combine his desire to express himself and his love for technology.
Toye encourages everyone on campus to reach out to him and take part in this project that will help benefit Lehigh, and bring the students together as one. He is happy with the direction that it is heading, and believes that all of the students can make a large impact by stepping up and taking part.
“I think Chester will be able to look back with pride on the legacy that he created,” Travers said.
Comment Policy
Comments posted to The Brown and White website are reviewed by a moderator before being approved. Incendiary speech or harassing language, including comments targeted at individuals, may be deemed unacceptable and not published. Spam and other soliciting will also be declined.
The Brown and White also reserves the right to refuse the publication of entirely anonymous comments.