Lehigh University: Alumni

The Lehigh University Alumni Association, which has been in existence since 1876, was incorporated in 1917.

The purpose for which the corporation was formed is stated in the Articles of Incorporation as follows: "To maintain and cultivate among its members a sentiment of regard for one another and of affection and attachment to Lehigh University, and to support and promote in every way the interests of Lehigh University."

The Alumni Association functions as an independent organization but works in close cooperation with the University. The responsibility for direction and policy in all matters pertaining to the Alumni Association rests in the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association and its several committees. The Board consists of six officers and six alumni trustees (the latter also serving as members of the University Board of Trustees.) The executive secretary of the Association, who serves as chief executive officer, cooperates fully with the officers and staff of the University in recruiting and helping to guide volunteer workers among alumni, in interpreting the long term programs of the University to the alumni, and in keeping the University informed as to the reaction to the University’s programs. Coordination and economy of operation is effected by such arrangements as:
      (1) the Manager of Publications of the University, who is responsible for all University publications, assists the executive secretary of the Association in the publication of the alumni magazine and a monthly newsletter;
      (2) certain mechanical and clerical operations in connection with the Alumni Fund are performed by staff members of the University for the Association, and coordination of the Alumni Fund with other fund raising activities of the University is provided by the Development Office. Much of the bookkeeping and financial accounting of the Association is performed for the Association by the University Accountant’s office. This cooperation and coordination, which was accomplished by formal agreement between the Board of Trustees of the University and the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association in 1952, has resulted in economic and a streamlining of operation without affecting the autonomy of the Alumni Association, which the Board of Directors feel is of value to the University.

The Alumni Office maintains the permanent records on the 80,000 or more former students who have matriculated at the University since its founding. Over 51,000 alumni now compose the active mailing list.

The Association publishes an alumni magazine, which is available on a volunteer subscription basis to all alumni. The Alumni Bulletin is issued four times a year. It is considered a most important communication link with the alumni. The purpose of the publication is to interpret, record, and build interest in the University.

Lehigh alumni throughout the country who maintain an active interest in the University are afforded the opportunity for frequent social contact with Lehigh alumni of all classes through sixty-eight alumni clubs established in areas of alumni concentration. Regarded as important outposts of the University, these clubs hold meetings and carry on activities that mirror the activities of the University in its cultural, social, financial, and recreational interests. Most of the alumni clubs meet two, three, or four times a year. Guests from the campus are generally present to speak on subjects of timely interest.

Impelled by the problems of ever-increasing financial needs and the necessity for expanded sources of support, together with the need for invaluable advice and counsel from alumni in meeting new educational issues and objectives, the relationships between the University and the alumni has assumed proportions of much greater significance in recent years.

In September 2001, a leadership transition took place apppointing Chris Marshall as the Executive Director, and the Alumni Board of Directors operating in an advisory capacity for the Alumni Association.