University Convocation: Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez's Welcome to Class of 2021

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the City of Bethlehem, and to Lehigh University.

Since the closing of Bethlehem Steel, Bethlehem has remained strong, changing when necessary, but never losing its identity. Bethlehem of 2017 is very different than the Bethlehem of 1991.

Twenty-six years ago, Bethlehem Steel was still making steel and employing roughly 3,000 people. A far cry from the 30,000 workers it employed during World War II.

Twenty-six years ago, there was no development on the 1,800-acre Bethlehem Steel brownfield site.

Twenty-six years ago, there was no Sands Casino, no ArtsQuest, no SteelStacks Campus, and no Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII.

And, twenty-six years ago there was no new development in South Bethlehem.

Since then, Bethlehem, especially the South Side, has seen tremendous change and revitalization.

During your four years at Lehigh University, I encourage you to step off campus, sample our restaurants, and experience the entertainment, festivals, history, and the arts that Bethlehem has to offer.

Bethlehem is home to the largest free outdoor music festival in the country, Musikfest. I hope some of you were able to enjoy it a few weeks ago when 1.3 million people attended the 10-day festival.

The Bethlehem of today is much different than the Bethlehem some of your parents may remember when they attended Lehigh.

Regarding the tragedy that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, let me say that we, in Bethlehem, condemn acts of racial hatred and bigotry, and are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries suffered in Charlottesville.

In addition, let me emphasize the following point:

Lehigh University and the City of Bethlehem are committed to your safety while you attend Lehigh University.

We have worked very hard to ensure that South Bethlehem is a safe community, but please use common sense.

Lehigh University has been an invaluable partner with the City of Bethlehem. The university funds programs like the Ambassadors, a Southside Business Coordinator, and a housing code officer who makes sure that the properties you live in are safe and up to code.

The partnership between the City and Lehigh University is strong, and it will continue to grow under my leadership and the leadership of my friend, President John Simon.

In fact, under President Simon, Lehigh has moved university offices off campus, and early next year will be moving offices into a new, $25 million office project at 3rd and New Streets. A bold step, and one that I applaud.

In closing, let me say that I wish you great success during your four years at Lehigh University and in the years after that. You have the opportunity to receive an excellent education at one of America’s outstanding collegiate institutions.

I hope that you get to know our City, and maybe some of you might make Bethlehem your home in a few years.

Good luck in all your endeavors, and welcome to Bethlehem.