Sharing Lehigh’s ‘Real’ Story

Lehigh is a place that makes a real impact on society—inspiring generations of leaders and pragmatic problem-solvers to drive meaningful change in the world since the university’s founding in 1865.

That forward-thinking, purposeful spirit has always defined Lehigh, and now the university has a way to express it more powerfully through its recently launched brand campaign, Real. The Real concept allows the university to share the authenticity of the Lehigh experience through stories of the essential impact of research, a genuinely supportive community, dedicated faculty and meaningful outcomes.

“Lehigh’s value proposition—building a community that cultivates future makers and problem-solvers in a beautiful campus setting within the vibrant Lehigh Valley—comes alive when we communicate it strategically, consistently and clearly,” said President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “It’s a creative expression of who we are and why the Lehigh experience matters.”

Putting in the Real Work

During the past year, the university developed the Real brand strategy and creative expression through a highly collaborative process.

The Lehigh community—including students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as prospective students and their parents and high school counselors—helped guide the process through their input from detailed research surveys to ensure the concept resonates with key audiences and matches the needs of the new generations of undergraduate and graduate students. In fact, nearly 1,500 alumni responded to the surveys.

“The Lehigh community—alumni, students, faculty and staff—was essential in guiding the development of the new brand platform and shaping how the brand will come to life. The feedback we received from our community helped us create a brand strategy that describes what makes our university so special,” said Brett Ludwig, vice president for University Communications and Public Affairs.

From Concept to Reality

The Real campaign officially launched during Founder’s Weekend, held Oct. 16-18. Since 1879, Lehigh has honored the legacy of its founder, Asa Packer, with a campus celebration of its past, present and exciting future.

During the Founder’s Festival, the Lehigh community enjoyed the premiere of the new brand anthem video and learned about the latest ways they can help share Lehigh’s Real story with the world.

“Every member of the community extends Lehigh’s reach and reputation across the globe by sharing their own Lehigh experiences, as well as the achievements, progress and real societal impact of the university with others,” said Carol Packard, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. “We invite the Lehigh community to be ambassadors of our university story.”

The refreshed brand and its updated design elements will continue to be brought to life through messaging, digital platforms, print materials and publications, campus signage and more.

Watch Lehigh’s new brand anthem video—a celebration of future makers creating real, lasting impact.