Reasons aplenty to come back to Lehigh

You don’t need to wait for “your” Reunion year to visit us here on South Mountain. If you’ve been feeling nostalgic for your Lehigh days, why not come back for a visit?

We have some great programs planned for you this Reunion, no matter what year you graduated. The weekend is May 20-22, just seven weeks away. So please make reservations now for Reunion Weekend. 

The Reunion fun starts Friday, with a continental breakfast followed by Alumni U program—a series of “education you can use” seminars hosted by members of the Lehigh faculty and staff. First, there will be a walking tour of the STEPS Building and an interesting discussion given by Pat Chase, director of the Office of Facilities Planning and Renovations, on how Lehigh’s campus is constantly evolving.

That afternoon, all Lehigh alums are invited to participate in the 1961 Reunion Symposium, during which you can rediscover Lehigh through the eyes of the senior class president, attend an overview on Lehigh's commitment to the Greek system, learn about the 1961 Endowment Fund for the teaching of ethical decision-making from Peter Hagerman (1961 Reunion Gift Co-Chair) and Michael Hoben (1961 Reunion Gift Secretary), and hear about exciting developments in the world of academics from current Lehigh faculty members. 

Friday evening, kick back under the big tent and enjoy the camaraderie of ReunionFest, featuring the Alumni Swingin’ Big Band in the Tamerler Courtyard (near Zoellner Arts Center) for our 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961 and 1966 reunion classes plus the Lehigh Circle of Friends members. And on the STEPS building lawn, the ReunionFest Flashback featuring DJ Ruben Vargas will rock the Classes of 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2011.

Saturday morning will mark an important milestone for Lehigh’s Greek community, as we place plaques on five more Greek chapter houses on campus (Alpha Sigma Phi, Theta Chi, Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Zeta Psi) as part of the Greek Heritage program, recognizing the history behind the buildings and acknowledging the contributions of the alumni who lived there.

The Lehigh Wrestling Club will also hold its annual meeting Saturday morning and the group will celebrate the school’s newly minted 2011 NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion Zach Rey (Lehigh’s 27th national champion) and our three new All-Americans in Rey, Robert Hamlin (184 pounds) and Brandon Hatchett (165 pounds). We also will chat about the new Caruso Wrestling Complex which, when completed in 2013, will be a fitting home for Lehigh’s nationally-recognized wrestling program. Read more about the Caruso Wrestling Complex. 

The Wrestling Club had a record 1,000 members this year with former Lehigh President Peter Likins becoming the 999th member and current Lehigh President Alice Gast becoming the 1,000 member. To learn more about the wrestling club or to view pictures of the Club’s post-National Championships Dinner Celebration, visit www.lehighwrestling.com and click on the “03-25 NCAA Dinner photos message.

Getting back to Reunion Weekend, the Reunion Parade winds its way through campus on Saturday afternoon, followed by Class Dinners in the evening—and a Circle of Friends dinner for alumni who are back between their official Reunion years. The Class of 1986 will celebrate its 25th reunion with a private reception, dinner and a casino night under the stars on the STEPS lawn, while the Class of 1961 will mark its 50th reunion in the Wood Dining Room up on the Mountaintop Campus with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and then a concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers. Plus, don't miss their Sunday Surf's Up Beach Boys tribute, sponsored by the Classes of 1961 and 2011.

So please join us by registering for Reunion Weekend. I’m looking forward to welcoming you back to South Mountain!

See you in May.

Robert W. Wolfenden
Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations

March 2011