Lehigh Takes Manhattan

Lehigh has a reputation as a party school. I know—that’s not always a positive thing. But as the pieces fall into place for the 150th Lehigh-Lafayette Rivalry Game this November, I can’t help but think that Lehigh people really know how to have a good time.

You have heard already about the insider’s events, performances, and receptions in the works. As of this writing, some of the events are already sold out, and we expect more will be at capacity well before game day. Right now, we’re hashing out a lot of the details, from which signature cocktail will be served at the Welcome Reception to the exact design (spoiler alert!) of the Tally-Ho replica bar at Friday’s Brown and White Night event. And I’m still impressed that Earth, Wind and Fire will be stopping by. (For the record, I DO think they should change the lyrics in their hit song “September” to “Do You Remember the 21st of November?” just for that night. Because it just couldn’t be more perfect. Anyone with me?)

But here is what I am most excited about: Rivalry Weekend in New York City will be THE biggest gathering of Lehigh alumni. Ever.

Think about it: We host about 500 each year for Homecoming and welcome back 1,000 during Reunion. Almost 10,000 join us for Commencement, and we average the same for a typical home Lehigh-Lafayette Game (a turnout that puts us at the pinnacle of the Patriot League in terms of attendance). This fall, in New York City, we will have more than 28,000 Lehigh alumni and friends, all in one place at one time.

Lehigh is going to be everywhere, in one of the largest cities in the world. We will see each other in restaurants, on the street, in hotel lobbies. In the city and beyond, we’ll be at telecasts and tailgates, tweeting, texting, tagging, posting, and checking in. Friday, I hope to see bed races in Times Square, and the Marching 97 marching down Wall Street. Come Saturday morning, I expect to hear a chorus of “Old Silver Goblet” being sung on the D train to the Bronx. And come Saturday night, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Empire State Building lit up in glorious brown and white. (More spoilers? You’ll have to wait and see…)

Lehigh is going to take Manhattan. Whether you can be in the city, or connecting virtually with your Lehigh family somewhere else around the world, YOU can be part of it. It’s once in a lifetime.

It’s going to be legendary.

Sincerely,
Robert W. Wolfenden, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations