Lehigh has many cherished traditions, and one of our favorites is reaching its 70^th anniversary this year. Since 1945, Fall Orientation has featured a special First-Year Student/Alumni Rally that unites incoming students with current students, alumni, faculty, and staff in their collective Lehigh pride.

On Saturday, August 22, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., the tradition will continue with the Class of 2019 being adopted by the Class of 1969. Students and alumni from other class years are invited to join in the fun, and we want you to be a part of it.

During Rally, a momentous highlight for first-year students is when their class is “adopted” by the alumni class that is celebrating their 50^th anniversary. As part of the festivities, each entering class is presented an official class flag which features the class’s graduation year and colors. A class will have the same colors and flag design as their “adopting class” – the class that is 50 years their senior.

Grace Hall will host a crowd spanning decades of Lehigh history with the Rally’s time-honored procession of colorful flags representing each Lehigh class year since 1889. Howard Foltz ’77 ’80G said, “It’s a really neat tradition that’s distinctly Lehigh. So, it’s cool to be a part of that.”

Along with Orientation leaders, the Association of Student Alumni generate high-level energy during the event that inspires students, alumni, faculty, and staff to spread their Lehigh spirit throughout the year. The evening is complete with Lehigh’s mascot, Clutch, and performances by the Marching 97 and the Lehigh Dance Team.

We invite you to join us to sing Lehigh’s alma mater, share your college memories, and warmly welcome Lehigh’s newest members to our community!

If you would like to participate or have questions about Rally, please contact Linda Shroi at lis4@lehigh.edu or 610-758-2746.

—Kelsey Leck ’16