Welcomed with a flurry of applause and cheers from student orientation leaders at the Mountaintop Campus, Odi Dibor kicked off her Lehigh experience with a buzz of nervous excitement.
“I can’t wait to learn new things and prepare for the rest of my life,” said Dibor, of Hilltown Township, Pennsylvania, as she gathered her orientation materials Thursday morning at Iacocca Hall.
Move-In Day for Lehigh’s 160th class was an exuberant occasion, as the first-year students checked in, received campus maps and other orientation materials, then headed to their assigned dorms on the Asa Packer Campus, hauling up bedding, toiletries, clothing and snacks. Their parents received “Lehigh parent” pins.
Odi’s father, Lawrence Dibor, enjoyed the welcome at Mountaintop where upbeat music was thumping from speakers, refreshments were served and student volunteers set the mood in welcoming the first-years.
“Everyone is really excited and I’m intrigued,” he said. “The attitude of the students is wonderful. The kids are pumped, music is playing, I’m very happy we are here. I look forward to her college experience.”
This year’s incoming undergraduate class includes more than 1,500 students, many of whom arrived on campus earlier this week. They come from 44 states and territories and 38 countries. The group includes 16 valedictorians and salutatorians.
The students will be joined by more than 600 new master’s and doctoral students, including the first graduate students directly admitted to the College of Health.