Statement at Press Conference Regarding South Bethlehem Development

Lehigh University is proud to play a significant role in this gateway initiative for Southside Bethlehem. We are very happy to join St. Luke’s as an anchor tenant in this building. Our presence here enables Lehigh to further demonstrate our commitment to serving as a community partner. We extend our gratitude to Mayor Donchez for his support of our participation in this project.

Lehigh University is celebrating 150 years with Bethlehem as our home. We are part of the fabric of this city. We see it as our responsibility to work with city officials and the various community organizations to improve the quality of life for everyone.

Many Lehigh students are engaged in community service, and our Community Service Office works with more than 100 local agencies. Something we are very excited about is our new Center for Community Engagement. The center is Lehigh’s hub for community-engaged research and learning. In essence, it will help us – Lehigh faculty, staff, and students – work more effectively with our community.

Lehigh also has a role to play in helping to establish the South Side commercial district as a destination shopping, arts, and entertainment center.

It was just three weeks ago that Mayor Donchez and I stood before you and announced the new Southside Downtown Coordinator partnership. That initiative will bring structure to the development of a managed business effort for this commercial district. Today is another positive step in that direction, as we look forward to Lehigh University employees working here, in the heart of the commercial district.