Gale Fritsche has announced his retirement, effective March 5, 2025, after a long and impactful career in information technology at Lehigh. For more than 28 years, he played a key role in advancing technology services that support teaching, learning, and research at the university.

In his most recent role of Assistant Director Projects and Strategic Initiatives, Gale supported Lehigh’s Chief Technology Officer in strategic planning, budgeting, and key initiatives, including leading projects and managing software acquisitions. Prior to that, he served as Assistant Director of Computing and Distributed Support Services, overseeing college support teams within LTS, including computing support, instructional technology, and library support. Earlier in his career, Gale also served as Sr. Computing Consultant supporting the College of Arts and Sciences, strengthening IT services for faculty and students.

Gale’s leadership helped shape the university’s technological landscape, ensuring that faculty, staff, and students had the tools and support needed to succeed. His career was marked by a strategic approach to technology, while consistently bridging the gap between IT capabilities and educational needs.

Beyond Lehigh, Gale contributed significantly to the broader higher education IT community. He was actively involved with EDUCAUSE and SIGUCCS, ACM’s Special Interest Group on University and College Computing Services, where he collaborated with peers to develop best practices and share knowledge. He gave over 30 talks and presentations at national and international workshops and conferences, such as EDUCAUSE, SIGUCCS National, SIGUCCS Management Symposium, Syllabus, and the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA). Gale was inducted into the SIGUCCS Hall of Fame in 2013 and served as a mentor through EDUCAUSE Connect for many years.

Gale has also been a dedicated advocate for colon cancer awareness. After his own diagnosis in 2014, he shared his story through the Colon Cancer Coalition’s Faces of Blue series and founded the Tour de Tush cycling event to raise awareness and support prevention efforts. The annual event, which went national in 2021, has raised over $1,000,000 since its inception.

Fritsche earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management from California State University San Marcos and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Lehigh University.

As Gale enters retirement, we recognize his lasting contributions to Lehigh University and the higher education IT field.

A celebration of his career will be held on Wednesday, March 5th from 2:00-3:30 p.m. in the EWFM Computing Center Pit, 1st level, Room 180. Please join us in wishing Gale all the best in this next chapter.

Library and Technology Services