One of Lehigh’s beloved traditions is The Rally.  At the start of each fall semester, the incoming class gathers officially for the first time at The Rally and is presented with a class flag, complete with graduation year and colors. The flag carries the same design and colors as the group’s “adopting class,” which came through the university 50 years earlier.

The tradition began in 1945, when the Class of 1949 was adopted by the Class of 1899.  Alumni representatives return to campus for The Rally to carry their flags, which, when not in use, decorate the halls of the Alumni Memorial Building. 

The oldest surviving original class flag is from the Class of 1889.