Lehigh University: Alumni

Lehigh University Gay and Lesbian Alumni (LUGALA)

Background:

It has long been recognized that a diverse community brings together a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Greater insights and knowledge can be created through a heightened exchange of ideas.  At Lehigh, it is a crucial part of the mission to prepare students to thrive and contribute in an increasingly diverse world. Many in the Lehigh community now welcome and celebrate diversity for the rich mosaic it creates.

As part of this effort and in conjunction with the heightened awareness of Lesbian and Gay issues on college campuses throughout the United States, several alumni have recently committed to the formation of the Lehigh University Gay and Lesbian Alumni (LUGALA).

Mission:

It is the desire of LUGALA to provide financial, strategic and mentoring support for Lesbian and Gay activities on campus and to create a network of Lesbian and Gay alumni to foster friendship and mutual support.

On Campus Update:

Now at Lehigh, the Lesbian and Gay community has its own meeting space in the University Center called The Rainbow Room. It is currently staffed by a quarter time (10 hour per week) professional staff member from the department of Residence Life, part time graduate students, an undergraduate intern, and several volunteers. The student led organization Spectrum was formed four years ago and now has nearly 50 members. According to junior Chris Diggs, VP of Spectrum, the room serves as a home to provide programs, outreach and support to the community. Recent events include the National Coming out celebration in which over 100 individuals participated.  For more information, please visit http://www.lehigh.edu/~inrainbo/.

As alumni, remembering the Lehigh community when we attended many years ago, these accomplishments are extraordinary and timely. While so much has been accomplished, it has been primarily through the leadership of a core group of devoted students, staff and faculty.

Our Vision:

Our vision of Lehigh, inspired by models at the Ivy League schools, is a Lesbian and Gay community at Lehigh led by a full time administrator whose sole responsibility is to spearhead and coordinate all campus activities that lead to a greater integration of Lesbian and Gay students, faculty and administration.

A strong Gay and Lesbian Alumni council can help provide the leadership and financial support to make this a reality. Other universities such as Princeton’s Lesbian and Gay Alumni Council have nearly 1,000 members and a multimillion dollar endowment.

What You Can Do:

We urgently need to connect all those Lehigh alumni interested in becoming a member and or participating in molding this nascent council. This initiative will not be successful without you.  We look forward to building a strong council to support the Lesbian and Gay students on campus by institutionalizing the progress that has been made and by providing an even more comfortable environment in the future. 

Contact Information:

Contact Steven Fuchs ’81 at stevenfuchs@nyc.rr.com  or Ken Sormani ’81 at ksormani@lehman.com  and get involved today!