Through a New Lens

By Kevin L. Clayton ’84 ‘13P, Interim President

Lehigh has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

I grew up in a Lehigh family. My father, William Clayton ’51, was a devoted Lehigh alumnus and served as trustee for more than 20 years. When the time came for me to attend college, I was proud to follow in his footsteps. I earned my degree in 1984 after a rewarding experience on South Mountain, and have in the years since been involved with this university as a parent, a trustee, and, now, as interim president.
  
In this most recent role, I’ve had the opportunity to view Lehigh through a new lens. I’ve seen, on a daily basis, the hard work, dedication, and intellectual firepower that have established this university as a leader and innovator in the world of higher education. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to impress and amaze with their ambition, inquisitiveness, and loyalty to this university. Their collective brilliance, generous philanthropy, and commitment to push Lehigh forward is awe-inspiring.
 
This summer, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable opportunity Lehigh continues to offer its students through the groundbreaking Mountaintop project. In this, our second year of programming on Mountaintop, more than 100 students and two dozen faculty members engaged in projects that cut across all disciplines and presented a wide variety of intellectual challenges. By all accounts, Mountaintop 2014 was an enormous success, as Lehigh continued to develop unique learning environments while giving our students the support they need to succeed with their projects and grow as leaders, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals.

The return of our students in late August ramped up the energy level on campus considerably. Our first-year class is the largest in Lehigh’s history thanks to a higher than anticipated yield rate on admissions offers, with the quality of these students exceeding our expectations. As the campus came to life, I was impressed by the numerous opportunities for intellectual engagement and personal growth that Lehigh offers its students. The Lehigh Club and Community Expo drew more than 230 clubs and organizations to the University Lawn. The rededication of the UMOJA House celebrated our renewed campus unity.

The spike in energy at the start of the academic year is truly a by-product of our bright and ambitious students and our distinguished faculty. I had the pleasure of greeting an impressive group of new faculty at the start of the semester, and also enjoyed reestablishing relationships with some of our longtime and well-respected professors. The momentum I see around innovative teaching, creative research and scholarship, and developing an engaged community of learners is undeniable.

Like all of you, I very much look forward to the 150th playing of The Rivalry football game against Lafayette on Saturday, November 22, at Yankee Stadium. This nationally televised event will give both institutions an opportunity to highlight our excellent academic programs, showcase our exceptional student-athletes, and celebrate our fiercely loyal alumni. This is a momentous event for the Lehigh community, and this issue of the Bulletin takes an in-depth look at the great history of a truly unique rivalry.

Of course, The Rivalry game is not the only event of note that weekend in the Big Apple. Lehigh Choral Arts will celebrate its proud heritage of nearly 150 years with a performance on Friday, November 21, at Carnegie Hall. Our dedicated university staff also have prepared a weekend of events and celebrations around what is sure to be a memorable game at Yankee Stadium. For a full listing of activities, I encourage you to see Page 38 or visit -lehighsports.com/rivalry150

With The Rivalry game approaching, our university’s sesquicentennial on the horizon, and the impending selection of our next president, these are truly exciting times at Lehigh.

We have much to be proud of, and much to look forward to. I am honored to serve as interim president of our beloved alma mater during this transition period.

Please enjoy reading this special edition of the Bulletin. I hope to see you in New York City later this fall.