New year brings new ways to stay active

Well, it’s the start of a new year (2006, can you believe it?) and after five years I am even more excited and energized to be the director of your Alumni Association.
While the students were at home enjoying a well-deserved break, our staff was here thinking of creative ways to bring you even more efficient and easy-to-access tools for personal and professional development. We want to make it easy for you to stay Connected, Engaged, and Involved … with Lehigh and with each other!
We just wrapped up the annual Career Networking Receptions and they were a phenomenal success. More than 500 alumni and students connected across the country, in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Based on popular demand, we plan to add additional locations next year, so let us know if you would be interested in hosting or assisting with a reception in your area.
Stop by campus and join us on Wednesday, Feb. 1 for U.S. Dollars and Lehigh Valley Sense, an economic development discussion on South Mountain. As an economic engine for the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh University is partnering with federal, state and regional organizations to promote economic development in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. We will have a chance to hear from Pennsylvania State Rep. Jennifer Mann '91, Tony Hanna '73, who is Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Bethlehem, and others, followed by a question and answer session. Go online for more information.
For all those snow birds down in the sunshine state (that would be Florida!), please join us for lunch, golf and conversation during the annual Florida Swing from Feb. 7-13. This year's distinguished guest is Lehigh President Greg Farrington, who will speak in West Palm Beach, Sarasota, University Park and Bonita Springs. If you are looking for a Lehigh event in your area, check out our Regional Clubs page.
In sporting news, Lehigh is starting off this year with a new head football coach. Andy Coen has become the 28th head football coach in Lehigh history, replacing Pete Lembo, who recently departed for Elon University. The announcement marks Coen’s return to Lehigh, where he spent six seasons as an offensive line coach—including four as the team’s offensive coordinator. You can read all about Coach Coen here.
Finally, this is your last chance to sign up for the end of the school year trip to Beijing, China! From May 10-16, shortly before commencement, travel to Beijing with Lehigh alumni, students, and friends and stroll along the Great Wall or explore the Forbidden City. Reservations must be received by Feb. 1. Go online for a PDF with more information, or call Evelyn Wolf at (610) 758-4682.
Whether you are looking to network in your area, attend local events with other alumni, or travel to an exotic locale, your Alumni Association has something for you.
Chris Marshall ‘88
January 2006