Farrington Square dedicated

Lehigh’s Campus Square was officially dedicated as Farrington Square Thursday in honor of the former Lehigh president who with his wife, Jean, inspired the center that is considered the gateway to the South Side.

Greg Farrington, Lehigh’s 12th president, and Jean were on hand for the late afternoon ceremony, which included the unveiling of a plaque that honors their contribution to a vibrant area that combines student living, the university bookstore, and other shops and restaurants.

“Thank you for making this Farrington Square,” the honoree said. “It really is wonderful. We are delighted.” His wife, in adding her appreciation, said, “Campus Square did what it was supposed to. It links Lehigh to South Bethlehem, and it allowed the community to link to the university. It made a wonderful passageway to South Side Bethlehem.”

One of the first events of the university’s four-day 150th celebration opened with a performance by the university’s Glee Club, and remarks by Board of Trustees Chair Brad E. Scheler, who welcomed the Farringtons back to Lehigh for the ceremony. Because of the rain, the ceremony was held in a covered area just steps away from the top of the square.

“There are so many wonderful memories that so many of us have” about Farrington’s eight-year tenure as president, said Scheler. He lauded Farrington’s determination in developing the square and eliminating the barrier between the university and the community.

Scheler introduced former board chair Ron Ulrich ’67, who also co-chaired Lehigh’s successful Shine Forever capital campaign, which helped pave the way for the development of Campus Square. It was among many significant contributions Farrington made to Lehigh during his tenure that began in 1998, Ulrich said. His impact included an academic renaissance that resulted in an enhanced international profile for the university, a series of campus improvements, greater financial stability for the institution, and a revitalized local community.

“At Lehigh, [Farrington] was a creative leader,” Ulrich said, “and he bolstered the university in many ways,” including the establishment of interdisciplinary programs and the hiring of superior faculty. “He was able to do this because he had a nimble mind, a force of personality, which is crucial if you’re going to make a difference, and he had a vision.”

When Farrington sought trustee approval for his ambitious project in 2000, he said the location at New and Morton streets was critical. “We think it will be a catalyst for downtown revitalization,” he said. “Our goal is to blur the boundaries between university and town, entice students off campus and be a magnet for students and residents to infiltrate and mix.”

His vision for an engaging center for commerce and social engagement has been borne out in the ensuing years. Within the tree-lined courtyard, a local farmer’s market takes place every week during the warmer months, the outdoor dining area is a popular gathering place for all members of the Lehigh community, and the shops and eateries serve as an attraction for visitors as well.

Lehigh’s 14th President John Simon, who will be officially installed at the Founder’s Day ceremony late Friday afternoon, closed the ceremony by commenting on the impressive legacy shared by Lehigh and South Bethlehem, which are both honoring a 150th anniversary.

In 2000, he said, the square was just an idea of what could be. “Parking lots separated Lehigh from its South Bethlehem neighbors,” he said. “And campus-wide, there just weren’t that many informal places where students could come together, much less places where Lehigh folks could interact with the larger community.

“Farrington Square changed all that. It changed the way Lehigh’s campus looks—and it changed the way it functions. It changed the way our students interact with one another and the way we interact with our community. It opened up a world of possibilities here on the the South Side.”

Simon encouraged attendees to participate in the weekend programming that will include an Academic Discovery Showcase, a lecture by noted theoretical physicist Brian Greene, a “Vocalpalooza” Lehigh student talent show, a parade down Packer Avenue, a film festival, performances in the Zoellner Arts Center, a community art project, a football homecoming tailgate, and a series of celebratory events that will also involve many businesses, groups and residents of South Side Bethlehem.

More information can be found at http://zoellner.cas2.lehigh.edu/content/lets-celebrate-sesquicentennial-block-party-oct-1-4

By Linda Harbrecht and Mary Ellen Alu

Photos by Christa Neu