Lehigh University

Lehigh University
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Name	Lehigh University
Established	1865
Founder	Asa Packer
Type	Private research university
Endowment	$1.4 billion (2020)
President	Joseph J. Helble
City	Bethlehem
State	Pennsylvania
Country	United States
Campus	Suburban/College town, 2,350 acres
Students	7,119 (Fall 2020)
Faculty	600
Colors	Brown and white
Nickname	Mountain Hawks
Affiliations	NCAA Division I – Patriot League
Website	www.lehigh.edu

Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1865 by industrialist Asa Packer, the university has grown from its original focus on technical education to become a comprehensive institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Lehigh is organized into four colleges: the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Health. The university is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and its picturesque campus built into the side of South Mountain.

History

Lehigh University was founded in 1865 through a generous donation from Asa Packer, a prominent industrialist and founder of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The institution was originally established as a technical school to educate young men in the practical sciences and engineering, reflecting the industrial needs of the era. The university's first president was Henry Coppée, a former professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Early growth was rapid, with the construction of iconic buildings like Packer Hall and the establishment of a curriculum that balanced classical studies with technical training. Throughout the 20th century, Lehigh expanded its academic scope, formally establishing the College of Business and Economics in 1910 and becoming fully coeducational in 1971. Its research profile was significantly enhanced in the 1980s with the founding of major interdisciplinary centers like the Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems.

Academics

Lehigh University comprises four distinct colleges: the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the recently established College of Health. The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with notable strengths in fields like materials science, industrial engineering, and finance. Lehigh is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" and is home to prominent research institutes such as the Institute for Cyber Physical Infrastructure and Energy and the Mountaintop Initiative. The university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning through programs like the Integrated Business and Engineering honors program. Graduate studies are offered through the College of Education and other colleges, with several programs consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report.

Campus

The main campus is situated on the slopes of South Mountain in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, spanning over 2,350 acres across three contiguous campuses: the Asa Packer Campus, the Mountaintop Campus, and the Goodman Campus. The Asa Packer Campus features historic Collegiate Gothic architecture, including the Linderman Library and the University Center. The Mountaintop Campus houses modern research facilities and the innovative Mountaintop Initiative project spaces. The Goodman Campus is home to athletic complexes like Goodman Stadium and the Stabler Arena. Other significant landmarks include the Zoellner Arts Center, the Iacocca Hall, and the STEPs building. The university also operates the Lehigh University Center for the Arts and several off-campus research facilities in the Lehigh Valley.

Student life

Student life at Lehigh is characterized by a strong tradition of student-led organizations and Greek life, with approximately 30% of undergraduates participating in fraternities or sororities governed by the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council. The university hosts over 150 student clubs, including performing arts groups like the Lehigh University Marching 97 and media outlets such as The Brown and White newspaper. Major annual events include The Rivalry against Lafayette College, which includes a spirited Bed Races competition, and the Founders' Day celebration. Students engage with the local community through the Community Service Office and enjoy outdoor activities in the nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Athletics

Lehigh University's athletic teams, known as the Mountain Hawks, compete in the NCAA Division I Patriot League. The university fields 25 varsity teams, with its most famous rivalry being against nearby Lafayette College in the Lehigh-Lafayette Rivalry, the most-played rivalry in college football. The primary athletic facilities are located on the Goodman Campus, including Goodman Stadium for football and the Stabler Arena for basketball and wrestling. The wrestling program has a storied history, producing numerous NCAA champions and Olympians. Other successful programs include men's lacrosse and women's soccer, with many athletes earning Academic All-American honors.

Notable alumni and faculty

Lehigh's alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields, including business, engineering, entertainment, and public service. Notable alumni include Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler Corporation; Roger Penske, founder of Penske Corporation; and J.D. Salinger, author of *The Catcher in the Rye*. In academia, Michael L. Tushman of the Harvard Business School is a distinguished graduate. The faculty has included renowned figures such as Lucy Packer Linderman, a pioneering benefactor, and Richard W. Hammerschlag, a noted materials scientist. Other distinguished former faculty include David C. Novak, an expert in structural engineering, and John W. Fisher, a leading researcher in fracture mechanics.

Category:Universities and colleges in Pennsylvania Category:Private universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1865