Lehigh pride is alive and well

It’s hard to believe that final exams are only a month away! Although the weather has been unusually warm and beautiful for November (no jackets required!) we know that snowfall and brisk 30 degree mornings are lurking around the bend.
But before our thoughts turn to the holidays and then the New Year, this is an exciting time on campus. Although this year’s 142nd edition of the Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry didn’t go the way we all hoped, the energy on campus in the days leading up to the game was tremendous. The students take the week preceding the big game very seriously and many spirit events were held.
Ten Greek houses participated in a house decorating contest, of which yours truly was honored to be a judge. Congratulations to the winner, Gamma Phi Beta sorority, which designated their first place prize money to the charity Camp Fire USA.
I wish you all could have come back to see how strong Lehigh Pride remains on South Mountain. On Monday, the Association of Student Alumni (ASAs) passed out beads to students spotted wearing a Lehigh shirt or sweatshirt. On Tuesday, students lined up to receive temporary Mountain Hawk tattoos. Wednesday was the much anticipated Brownie and White Ice Cream Social at the new Hawk’s Nest Diner in Lamberton Hall. The football players and Coach Andy Coen attended.
On Friday, the Class of 2009 introduced a new tradition with the “Spirit of Lehigh Parade.” The entire Lehigh community came together in groups to show their Lehigh pride as they marched in the parade followed by the now famous pep gathering, Rally on the Hill--attended by more than 800 students! There’s no question that we still bleed brown and white on this campus.
And the great thing is that long after graduation, Lehigh alumni continue to come together to show their pride. I get energized when Lehigh alumni connect with each other, and I encourage each and every one of you to sign up for a Career Networking Reception (CNR) in your area. The CNRs, offered in 10 cities this year, provide a wonderful opportunity for alumni to network with each other and with current students. AlumniConnect, a secure Web site exclusively for CNR attendees, allows you to submit a profile, search for people in relevant fields and maintain a list of contacts. You receive a login and password upon registration. For dates, times and locations, visit the Career Networking Receptions Web site.
And if you’re in the area, please join your fellow alumni for food and fellowship during the holidays in the Cort Dining Room in the University Center. A Winter Holiday Celebration featuring an elegant dinner and decadent desserts will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7.
Also, watch out for Holiday celebrations with fellow alumni in your area through your regional Alumni Club.
Chris Marshall '88
Alumni Director
November 2006