Season’s greetings from South Mountain!

As I write this letter, classes are over, the students are finishing up finals, and by the end of the week, most of them will be heading home for the holidays.

As you know, 2010 has been another unforgettable year for the place you once called home, Lehigh University. Some of the many highlights of the past 12 months include the opening of the STEPS Building, the recent announcement that Alice P. Gast has signed on for five more years as Lehigh’s president, and a fantastic sports year capped off by a third straight win over Lafayette in college football’s most played rivalry last month.

Every one of you has some reason, some group, some person, or some event that happened during your years here that helped shape the life you lead now. I often hear stories about a specific professor, a staff member, a coach, or a friend. I hear about the living group (fraternity or sorority, or residence hall), sports team, musical group, club, or organization. And I often hear stories of that indescribable “Lehigh magic” that everyone who went here still feels when they meet anyone else from Lehigh.

It is that feeling of pride, accomplishment, and loyalty that burns deep in each and every one of you. That is the reason to make a gift to support your university and make sure that it can continue on for generations of Lehigh students, both now and in the years to come. Try to find that special place in your heart for Lehigh and make a gift to Lehigh through our secure, online site before we usher in a new year of bright promise. Your gift will not only help Lehigh, but will also offer a year-end tax break--something that always comes in handy.

During this cherished time of celebration and family, I also wanted to make you aware that a key member of the Lehigh University Alumni Association family, Janet Tucker ’85G, will retire from Lehigh in January. In her role within the Alumni Association, Janet has established strong ties with countless numbers of you, so I urge you to take a moment to send her well wishes prior to her retirement date of Jan. 31 at janet.tucker@lehigh.edu.

Thank you for all that you do for Lehigh and, on behalf of Lehigh and the Alumni Association staff, I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!

Robert W. Wolfenden, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations