One-hundred-and fifty years ago, with a gift of $500,000 and 56 acres of land on picturesque South Mountain, Asa Packer founded Lehigh University in an effort to contribute to the “intellectual and moral improvement” of the Lehigh Valley.

Packer’s university, with an inaugural student population of 39, held its first classes in ivy-covered Christmas Hall. From that day forward, Lehigh has provided students with a solid foundation in engineering, the sciences and the liberal arts.

Today, nearly 7,000 students live and learn on South Mountain. Lehigh still stands on Asa Packer’s firm foundation, and has become one of the nation’s finest residential research universities.

As we celebrate this Founder’s Day and the installation of John D. Simon as our 14^th president, we commemorate 150 years of history and tradition and excellence in higher education. We give thanks for all that Lehigh has given the members of this community, and we reflect on the many whose innovations and accomplishments have made a lasting mark on the university and the world. We look forward to the future and to the continued achievements of the Lehigh family, as we live out the legacy established so boldly by our founder—tomorrow, over the next 150 years, and beyond.

Read more about the university's weekend-long 150th celebration.