In Fall 1971, the first group of 169 undergraduate women arrived on the Lehigh campus, marking a new era in Lehigh’s storied history. As the university celebrates 50 years of coeducation, five alumnae—each representing a decade that undergraduate women were welcomed at Lehigh— share their experiences. Collectively, their stories paint a larger picture of how women helped to transform Lehigh and how they continue to impact communities and the world.

Lehigh’s year-long celebration will include a host of events, programs and projects from across the university. Soaring Together also will provide a platform for research, scholarship and discourse around issues related to women, gender, society and more. In addition, the milestone moment provides an opportunity to explore new ways to support women and to strengthen Lehigh and its community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.