Small extensions of Lehigh

A few months ago, I told you about a great connection made at the Lehigh vs. Liberty tailgate in Virginia. Two alumni, who hadn’t been in touch since graduation, reconnected during the festivities and discovered that they were living in the same neighborhood. On the spot, they vowed to help get others in the area re-connected with Lehigh.

Here’s the next chapter of that story: Earlier this month, those two alumni—Paul Van De Putte ‘89 and Steve Melchert ‘86—organized a pre-game reception at The Camel in Richmond, Va., before our men’s basketball team took on Virginia Commonwealth University. Let me tell you: We owned that bar during the game, with almost 50 alumni, family and friends filling the place to capacity. What a great start to renewed activity in Richmond, which hopefully will lead to the establishment of a formal alumni club for the area.

We’re seeing more activity in the Midwest, as well. A few months ago, alumni got an insider’s look at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Ill., where they saw the 2013 Dodge Dart being built. In February, Chicago will be the place to be for an evening of ice skating and deep dish pizza, sparked by the efforts of some young alumni in the area. There are also plans underway for an event with Lehigh’s College of Education in the spring.

Further west, on the first Thursday of every month, you can find alumni in San Francisco meeting up at the House of Shields on Montgomery Street (thanks to Luke Vermeire ‘05 and Natalie Pigliucci ‘05). Similar get-togethers are being planned in Dallas, Atlanta and Palo Alto.

I like to think of each event as a small extension of Lehigh. You may not be listening to a lecture in Packard Lab auditorium or tailgating on Goodman Campus, but for a few hours you’ll be back in the thick of your Lehigh family. You’ll be strengthening a friendship, learning something new, or networking toward a new opportunity.

We are grateful to our volunteers across the country who make these events possible. I hope you take advantage of a little Lehigh near you—wherever you are—or reach out to let us know you’re interested in being part of the action. We hope to see you soon!

Yours in Brown and White,

RWW