Lehigh University

Last week, Sergiy Kyslytsya, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Nations, visited Lehigh and spoke to students about the Russia-Ukraine War, the nature of diplomacy and the importance of global engagement. This was the first of several events planned in celebration of Lehigh’s 20-year history of engagement with the U.N. when it became the sixth university in the world to gain Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status at the U.N.

Ukrainian Ambassador Highlights Diplomacy, Global Engagement as Lehigh Celebrates 20th Anniversary of LU/UN Partnership Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya offers candid insights on U.N. limitations and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict during his Lehigh visit.

The first new Lehigh University Research Center, The Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience, will explore how hurricanes, pandemics and other large-scale events impact communities. The center brings together a team of faculty from across disciplines, leveraging a wealth of experience in their respective fields. The center aims to help secure more research funding and expand efforts to crystallize Lehigh’s status as a leader in the field of catastrophe modeling and resilience.

Lehigh's First University Research Center to Focus on Catastrophe Modeling The first of three new University Research Centers, The Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience aims to explore how hurricanes, pandemics and other large-scale events impact communities.

🇺🇸This morning at 6:15 AM, members of the Steel Battalion ROTC, Lehigh’s Student Senate and the campus community gathered for a solemn flag-raising ceremony to honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Many of the participants in this morning’s ceremony weren’t yet born or were too young to remember that tragic day. Watching the campus community come together in reflection and remembrance was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and collective memory. Thank you to everyone who gathered this morning to honor the victims, survivors and heroes of 9/11. 🤎🤍

Lehigh was ranked No. 15 in the nation by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, earning a spot among the country’s top universities and colleges for a second straight year. This year’s rankings were expanded to include 500 schools. Lehigh also ranked No. 13 on the rankings’ “Best Salaries” list.
https://www2.lehigh.edu/news/lehigh-ranks-15-in-the-wall-street-journals-2025-best-colleges-in-the-us

👟President Helble and fellow runners kick off the day with a 4-mile run around campus and South Side Bethlehem. If you missed it, don’t worry—you’re welcome to join President Helble and your classmates every Tuesday morning at 6:30 AM at the Clayton University Center flagpole. It’s a great way to stay active, clear your mind, and connect with the campus community. 👟

📸: .slb ‘25

One week back on campus, and our first years are already stepping up! Last weekend, LUSSI students took part in the Mountaintop low ropes course, developing their team dynamics, communication, and leadership skills. An exciting start to the year at Lehigh!

📸: .slb ‘25

Katie Couric, award-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author and founder of Katie Couric Media, is the first speaker in the 2024-25 Compelling Perspectives program. Couric, former anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News and former co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, will speak at Lehigh on Sept. 17 about this year’s theme: the role of the media in contemporary society.

Compelling Perspectives is dedicated to widening the aperture on issues of societal importance. This year’s program will showcase viewpoints from both traditional and new media experts on how to reliably navigate today’s new media landscape.

Join us Sept. 17. Registration is now open > https://lehigh.events.alumniq.com/go/compelling24

🤎🤍 Campus life was in full swing at the Club Expo. This year 330 tables of clubs, organizations, athletics, Greek life and vendors brought campus back to life to end the first day of classes. Club Expo is favorite campus tradition, and a great way to reconnect after summer break! 🤍🤎

Last night marked the end of Orientation Weekend with the Rally, a tradition where the Class of 2028 was officially welcomed by the Class of 1978.

Held at The Grove near the Alumni Memorial and Packard Lab, the event featured a Parade of Classes, inspiring student performances, and the unveiling of the class flags.

Welcome to the Lehigh Family and have a great first day of classes tomorrow 🤎🤍

✨🤎 First Year Friday 🤍✨

As part of First Year Orientation, students chose from a list of restaurants in South Side Bethlehem for dinner, splitting up to dine in their new community. Afterward, they made their way to the Greenway for ice cream, lawn games, and a chance to explore their new neighborhood. The event “Faux Friday” is a nod to Bethlehem’s monthly First Friday celebrations.

A big thanks to and local businesses for making it a night to remember!

, remember your new neighborhood is full of amazing people and places—keep exploring and connecting!

🤎Move-in day memories.🤍

Thanks to our senior leaders, staff, and students for helping first-year families get settled, navigate campus, and say their goodbyes. It was a beautiful way to welcome ! Hope to see everyone again on Parents Weekend!

Bethlehem’s Moravian Church Settlements have been recognized as a World Heritage Site! This UNESCO designation protects sites considered to be of “outstanding value to humanity.” The designation is expected to attract visitors from all over the world who will come to learn about Bethlehem’s extraordinary history, a history Lehigh is proud to be a part of. Read more about this designation and Asa Packer's connection to the Settlements nearly 175 years ago >

Bethlehem’s Moravian Church Settlements Recognized as World Heritage Site The UNESCO designation protects sites considered to be of ‘outstanding value to humanity.’

Laura Katz Olson has spent 50 years as a professor at Lehigh, starting as one of the few women on campus in 1974 and now working in a predominantly female Political Science department. She has both witnessed and shaped the changes in the Lehigh community. Her research continues to expand and her latest book “Wrinkled Rebels” offers a new fictional perspective on activism and aging. Read more about her journey in the Summer 2024 Alumni Bulletin, then explore her book.

🤎Get Ready, Incoming Lehigh Students!

Your first Friday in Bethlehem is almost here, and we’ve got an amazing night lined up for you. On August 23th, hundreds of first-year students will be fanning out across South Side Bethlehem to dive into the local food scene. 🌆🍴

What to expect:
🤎 Delicious meals, refreshing beverages, and sweet ice cream at nearly 20 local restaurants.
🤍 Games on the Greenway, sponsored by the SouthSide Arts District, where you can unwind and connect with new friends.
🤎 A walkable exploration of Third and Fourth streets, perfect for discovering the hidden gems just a block off campus.

But there’s more! You’ll also get to experience the Greenway—a great spot for walking, running, or biking. It’s a place where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of South Bethlehem.

Why it matters: Beyond the food, there’s so much more to discover. Unwind with games on the Greenway, connect with new friends, and immerse yourself in the heart of South Side Bethlehem. This isn’t just an introduction to great local eats—it’s your gateway to making this community feel like home. 🤍

Photo locations in order of appearance:
doh_food_truck
La Lupita
kitchen.llc

This weekend Musikfest attendees were welcome at the Lehigh Lounge, a space where people could relax, enjoy some food and drinks, and get a glimpse into some of the interdisciplinary research happening at Lehigh University.

This event, held at Mister Lee’s Noodles in South Bethlehem, was designed to engage not just Lehigh’s faculty, staff, and students, but also the broader Bethlehem community.

Students from programs like the Mountaintop Summer Experience and The Hatchery: Student Idea Accelerator gave live demonstrations, including some interactive experiences like VR headsets.

This showcase was a way to celebrate the end of some summer academic programs, spend some time in Southside Bethlehem and connect with community to share some of the exciting things happening at Lehigh.

This week at Musikfest, the Creative Confidential podcast, hosted by Bryan Tuk, brought together three industry-leading creative minds for an engaging discussion on the intersection of art, music and innovation, captivating the audience with unique insights and stories.

Lehigh’s history came to life during the renovation of the Clayton University Center when HAM radio call signs were discovered. These call signs, etched by students in the 1970s, are a testament to the vibrant student life and the rich legacy of amateur radio on campus. From connecting with operators worldwide to building lifelong friendships, the HAM radio club has left an indelible mark on our community. Learn more about this fascinating discovery and the memories it has revived. Watch the video to see these memories come alive: https://youtu.be/OynbtrIp7IE.

Gary Wilson ‘72 explains mystery found in Lehigh’s Clayton University Center at Packer Hall While renovating the Clayton University Center at Packer Hall, construction workers found a secret room. The walls were covered with messages from the past, ...

💻 The Summer Research Expo showcased the work of 200 students who conducted research at Lehigh through the Mountaintop program, STEM-SI, the Marcon Institute Fellows, and the Hatchery. Featuring posters, demonstrations, and presentations, the event highlighted Lehigh’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and education, breaking down boundaries to foster creative problem-solving and prepare graduates with essential skills for societal needs. 🤎🤍

Join Lehigh at Musikfest this year for three free events, including the live-taping of a podcast, a musical performance and the “Lehigh Lounge" at Mister Lee's Noodles in South Bethlehem. Sponsored by Lehigh, these events will celebrate innovation at the intersection of disciplines, highlighting new research and creativity. These events are open to all faculty, staff, students, alumni, local community members and all Musikfest attendees!

Lehigh at Musikfest: ‘Celebrating Innovation at the Intersection of Disciplines’ Lehigh is bringing new, free events to Musikfest, including the live-taping of a podcast, a musical performance and the 'Lehigh Lounge.'

Thrilled to be part of the Bethlehem community, home to the newest UNESCO World Heritage site! (one of 26 across the U.S.)

Lehigh’s Hatchery program, the student idea accelerator of the Baker Institute, is a six-week summer intensive program designed to spark creativity, foster innovation, and ignite a passion for entrepreneurship. Recently, students engaged in rapid prototyping at the Design Labs at Wilbur Powerhouse.

Lehigh’s Compelling Perspectives program encourages open conversations and models respectful discourse around challenging topics. The topic for year two will focus on the role of media in today’s society. As we grapple with truth vs. disinformation, Compelling Perspectives will showcase viewpoints from both traditional and new media experts on how to reliably navigate today’s media landscape. Learn more about this series and be on the lookout for our 2024-2025 speaker announcements! https://www2.lehigh.edu/compelling-perspectives

Lehigh students and faculty are partnering with the EPA and PA DEP to monitor toxic air pollutants in Allentown, aiming to reduce health risks. Shown here, grad students Bright Peter Saah, Yifeng Xu, and Haley Griner collect samples
project with professor Dr. Hyunok Choi. The team also works in partnership with Dr. Breena Holland of .

Relive the excitement of the 2023-2024 Lehigh Athletics year and celebrate our incredible athletes and teams! From thrilling victories to unforgettable moments, it’s been a year to remember.

2023-2024 Lehigh Athletics Year End Highlight - Lehigh University Athletics We close out the year by reliving the top moments from the 2023-2024 Lehigh Athletics season!

Lehigh’s LU e-Nable student group is making a significant impact by creating 3-D printed prosthetics for those in need. Partnering with Ayúdame3D, these innovative students are developing affordable, externally powered upper limb prosthetics to aid individuals globally. This initiative not only provides essential aid but also offers invaluable hands-on learning experiences. Discover how their work is transforming lives and fostering innovation:

E-Nabling the Future Student group makes 3-D printed prosthetics to help those in need.

A group of students from Lehigh’s chapter of the global group Enabling the Future (LU e-Nable) is developing a prototype for an externally powered upper limb prosthesis in collaboration with the Spanish NGO Ayúdame3D, using 3D printing in the Design Labs. “This real-world impact helps students apply classroom concepts and aid those in need,” says club co-advisor Professor Tomas Gonzalez-Fernandez.

Zachary Weiser ’25, who was co-president of the Lehigh chapter with Sean Fleming ’24 this past academic year, said Lehigh students plan to test their design and refine it during the 2024-2025 academic year. They will seek feedback from staff and patients at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, and have already met with a doctor there.

Join President Joseph J. Helble ’82 for tomorrow’s State of the University and learn more about our strategic plan, “Inspiring the Future Makers.” WATCH IT LIVE at 10:30 a.m. ET, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Don’t miss it!

President Helble to Speak on Lehigh's Future and Strategic Plan | Lehigh Alumni President Helble to Speak on Lehigh's Future and Strategic Plan By Marketing and Communications Team May 30, 2024 WATCH IT LIVE: State of the UniversitySaturday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ETJoin President Joseph J. Helble ’82 for a discussion of how our Lehigh ethos drives today’s students...

The United States Army Steel Battalion celebrated nine new lieutenants in the 2024 ROTC Commissioning Ceremony.

ROTC—the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps—is a college-based program for training commissioned officers of the United States armed forces. The Steel Battalion was established at Lehigh in 1919 and is made up of 11 colleges and universities throughout the Lehigh Valley. Its headquarters are in Jordan Hall at the Mountaintop campus.

Congratulations!

Don't miss out on our summer visit opportunities! 😎☀️

Visits & Campus Tours Visit us virtually or in-person and see if Lehigh’s beautiful campus and thriving community is the place for you to call home—for the next four years and beyond.