Correspondence

In Appreciation of ‘Hard Work’

I truly enjoy reading the Lehigh Bulletin.  It reminds me how much of an impact Lehigh has on alumni, students, Bethlehem, and the world. I still feel part of the Lehigh family although I am not there in person.

I was able to meet Dr. [John] Simon in Pittsburgh during his tour of various cities when he became Lehigh’s president. At the time I found him to be insightful, genuine, and a person you would want to sit on the porch with and share stories.  In Dr. Simon’s “First Steps Down the Path,” Summer 2017 Bulletin, I want to congratulate him on something other than the Path to Prominence. He was talking about graduates and the part that struck me was “... their willingness to put in the hard work that is inevitably tied to all greatness.”

I was an engineer and now teach high school math. Students are implored to Dream, Believe, Be Yourself, Reach and other similar phrases on posters, by the media, and by marketers. It is the “hard work” that seems to be omitted from the message. The implication is that Dreaming is all one needs to do. Work can be physical, intellectual, or even emotional.  I firmly believe it is essential in all human endeavors; athletics, personal relationships, careers, business, charity, creativity, families, academics, and even making time for a little rest and relaxation.

I want to thank Dr. Simon for reminding us that our futures are up to us with some necessary hard work. As Ann Landers said, “Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” Lehigh continues to provide opportunities; I recognize that.
Garett K. Butler ’88

A Note of Praise

Normally the lifespan of an alumni mag is measured not in articles read, but in the distance between my mailbox and the recycle bin. Not the Bulletin, though....and I didn’t even attend Lehigh, my better half did.

This most recent issue—from the excellent illustrations and unexpected use of photography (that inside front cover!) to the thoughtfully edited features—was a delight.

Having lived past lives working in the magazine space, I just wanted to drop a note of praise to you and the team.
Mark Lavoritano

More on the Engineers

Dave Neffenegger’s comments were completely on target in the Summer 2017 edition. The proud name of Lehigh’s athletic teams was ENGINEERS!  That name honored the founder of Lehigh University—Asa Packer, the founder of the Lehigh Valley Railroad! It also honored the academic program which brought Lehigh to national prominence.  It still remains the proud and preferred mascot for an overwhelming majority of Lehigh alumni and friends.

Your editor’s note did not reflect the disgust and disdain the majority of the Lehigh family had concerning that quick “name change.” The mere fact that an honored mascot name could be so quickly changed—without any full or robust engagement of the Lehigh family—speaks volumes. I am very confident I am not a lone voice in the wilderness. Why in the world would Lehigh take an honored and differentiated mascot name and trash it for a Mountain Hawk moniker—a mascot common to thousands of high schools, elementary schools and countless colleges and universities? The path from the distinguished to the common. The fact that it still rankles Lehigh alumni, family and friends today speaks volumes.
Blake Eisenhart ’74