Lehigh University:

At Lehigh University the parents of our students make a significant commitment to the university from the moment their students enroll.

The committee is involved with the university in fundraising, Admissions, Career Services, serving on Advisory Committees as needed, and hosting special events. The Parents’ Fund is part of the Lehigh Fund which raises annual money from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and parents to support programs that enhance the total educational experience. In addition, parents and grandparents also support capital and endowed prospects, such as scholarships, professorships, buildings, and other academic programs.

Many of our parent volunteers comment that the active participation in the Parents’ Committee is a rewarding way to share in their student’s Lehigh career. The committee members serve as liaisons between the university and all parents, and are involved with important university programs.

Lehigh depends on the support of the Parents’ Committee in several essential areas:

1. The Parents’ Fund - Fundraising for the Lehigh University Parents’ Fund is very important and helps provide additional funds to further enhance the total educational experience. In 2006-07 the Parents’ Fund raised over $1,100,000. These areas include academic initiatives, Learning Resource Center, Wellness programs, Fitness Center, library, athletics, A Matter of Degree, which deals with alcohol abuse through education, academic programs, and events. 

2. Career Counseling – Parents’ Committee members often aid students in their career decisions by serving on a Career Conference panel or offering to speak with interested students on a one-to-one basis. Committee members also encourage companies to recruit and/or provide internship opportunities for students.

3. Admissions - Often Parents’ Committee members assist the Admissions staff in their efforts to attract first-rate students to Lehigh. Volunteers may be asked to identify top candidates for admission to Lehigh; encourage accepted students to attend; and/or host or attend a send-off receptions for first-year students and their families.

4. Advice - Members of the Parents’ Committee are encouraged to provide feedback and advice to members of the university community. The president and members of her staff welcome the advice and counsel of committee members on all topics relating to the university and its programs.

5. Meetings – There are two meetings normally held: on Family Weekend, and in April/May to inform parents about various university programs and introduce the president, provost, deans, and key faculty and staff.

If you have any questions or would like to become involved, please contact:

Kirk Colton '78G '02P
Director of the Parents' Committee
610-758-5142
rkc0@lehigh.edu