President Video Message: Free Expression and Belonging, and Lehigh’s New Brand

President Helble remarks on a pivotal moment for Lehigh, defined by both reflection and forward momentum. He announces two milestones: the formal adoption of the Chicago Principles, framed by a Lehigh-specific preamble affirming our dual commitment to free expression and to a community of belonging, and the launch of a new brand expression that clearly communicates who we are and the impact we make. At a time of intense national scrutiny of higher education, he emphasizes that Lehigh is meeting this moment from a position of strength—grounded in our values, driven by purpose and poised to lead through innovation.

Watch the video message.

Transcript:

This is a moment of reflection and at the same time a moment of positive momentum for Lehigh.

The questions facing higher education are pressing, about the role of universities and research, about the topics and perspectives we teach and we study, about the experiences of students and the impact we have on the world. How we choose to meet this moment is defining and at Lehigh we do so from a position of strength. At a moment that is in many ways the most challenging higher education has seen, Lehigh is extraordinarily well positioned. Lehigh will innovate. Lehigh will lead.

Our community has been deeply engaged in two important conversations this year: how we express Lehigh's distinct identity and how we reaffirm our commitment to free expression and open inquiry. These milestones reflect more than decisions. They reflect who we are. Following several years of discussion shaped by thoughtful input from students, faculty, and staff, and the support of the board of trustees, we now mark Lehigh's formal adoption of the Chicago principles, grounded in a Lehigh specific preamble that reflects our own culture and values. The preamble makes clear that at Lehigh we hold two equally important commitments: a commitment to free expression and open inquiry, and a commitment to fostering a community of belonging, guided by our principles of our equitable community. Both are essential. Free expression ensures every voice can be heard. Our equitable community principles ensure those voices are respected and that all members feel they belong.

This adoption is a result of a community-driven effort that strengthens the foundation for open and, importantly, respectful debate, discussion and inquiry at Lehigh. At the same time, we're launching a bold new brand expression of who we are as a community. Over the past year, we've worked to capture Lehigh's essence and story in a clear, compelling way. Our value proposition, being a community that cultivates future makers and problem solvers in our beautiful campus setting within the dynamic Lehigh Valley, comes alive when we communicate it strategically, consistently and clearly. Lehigh is a place that makes a real impact on society. Inspiring leaders, innovators and problem solvers who take on the world's most pressing challenges. That spirit has always defined us, and now we have a way to express it more powerfully.

This isn't an advertising campaign. It's a strategic expression of Lehigh that highlights what makes Lehigh distinctive and celebrates the very real impact our community creates. You'll start to see that idea take shape and carry forward through our new brand campaign, Real, which showcases the authentic Lehigh experience. Both of these milestones, our adoption of the Chicago principles with a Lehigh preamble and the launch of our new brand expression, reflect who we are: purpose-driven and forward-looking. I invite you to read our preamble and the Chicago principles and to be an ambassador of our university story as we shape the future together.