With the Marching 97 playing Lehigh’s fight song and beloved mascot Clutch interacting with those enjoying coffee and snacks, Lehigh on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of its newly created cafe inside the main entrance of the Fairchild-Martindale Library.
The cafe, which is currently being referred to as the Cafe at FML, has yet to be named. A contest is being held to decide the official name of the space located on the first floor of the library.
Students, staff and faculty who attended were treated to special prices, free baked goods and giveaways.
Bruce Taggart, vice provost for Library and Technology Services, opened the ceremony just outside the cafe, which seats approximately 45 students, in the Fairchild-Martindale Library lobby, amidst brown and white balloon towers.
Taggart thanked numerous people and entities who were involved with the project, including David Joseph, executive director of Student Auxiliary Services, and AOS Architects. The project, he noted, is supported by Go: The Campaign for Lehigh and helps further the goals of the Path to Prominence, an ambitious plan to redefine the Lehigh student experience, enhance its historic core, expand its academic footprint and strengthen its research enterprise.
“If you go to the third floor, fourth floor, fifth floor and sixth floor, there's a lot more technology available, collaborative learning spaces, spaces opening to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity,” Taggart said. “And so that's what this Cafe is supposed to mean, too. It's a place for socialization, study, and a place to hang out and just connect with your friends and faculty and staff.”
