The release of our strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, was a milestone, but, as I’ve indicated in my visits with alumni around the country this fall, it was only the “end of the beginning.” The exciting work—and in many ways the challenging work—that will have lasting and meaningful impact on our university began in earnest in September.
While we identified leads for 10 key and foundational initiatives, we are calling on the Lehigh community to fully engage with the implementation process as we take concrete steps to maximize the impact of our research, transform the Mountaintop Campus and provide our undergraduate and graduate students with a deeply, even radically, interdisciplinary education that embraces technology, business and the liberal arts.
Much work is already underway as we strive to maximize the potential of our students and inspire them to shape the future in positive ways.
This fall, we welcomed more than 1,500 new undergraduate students from the largest pool of applicants in our history, as well as more than 500 new graduate and professional students. At our convocation, I was excited to see the new students all together in Baker Hall wearing brown and white. I encouraged them to try new things during their time at Lehigh, push themselves out of their comfort zone academically and professionally and learn from failure.
As we implement our plan, you will hear more about our initiatives to better prepare our students for their futures. We will encourage innovation as we broaden Lehigh’s global impact, enhance access
and equity, strengthen our partnerships and engage with our community.
Lastly, as we gathered on campus this fall to celebrate Family and Founder’s Weekend, I announced that, in an effort to expand access to a Lehigh education, a new Lehigh Commitment will provide a full tuition grant beginning Fall 2024 to all admitted and current undergraduate students from families with a household income of less than $75,000.
I also announced the next phase in our fundraising efforts—Go Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers—to catalyze our plans for the next decade. In the coming weeks and months, as I travel to meet alumni, parents and friends, I hope I have the opportunity to speak with you personally about
our exciting work ahead.
Joseph J. Helble ’82
President of Lehigh University
