Students gather for a group photo with a Lehigh banner in the backyard of the Philadelphia Sendoff host home.

Sendoffs: Stepping Stones to Lehigh Success

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In a tradition steeped in decades of history, first-year students around the country were warmly welcomed into the Lehigh family at 25 Sendoffs this summer. More than 1,300 incoming and current students, alumni, and staff members mingled at events in locations from California to New York and Maine to Texas. The casual gatherings offered an opportunity to learn more about each other and Lehigh before arriving on campus.

Sendoffs have helped generations of brand-new Mountain Hawks feel more comfortable with their upcoming adventure. On July 31, Susan Shea ’84 welcomed Philadelphia area first-years and their parents — the largest group in the six years she’s been hosting the event — to her Wayne, Pennsylvania, home. 

“I think it’s great for the kids to meet each other before they get on campus,” said Shea. “I love seeing the incoming freshmen so excited — even though they’re a little bit scared. And I love talking about Lehigh and my experience, which was a good one, and just being part of their jump into Lehigh.”

Incoming first-year Sadie Stein ’23 appreciated the opportunity to meet alumni as well as fellow members of the Class of 2023 from the Philadelphia area. “It was nice hearing people say that Lehigh is the best — it reinforces the idea that I’m going to a place that everyone loves.”

At the Home Club Sendoff, held on August 6 under the iconic stained-glass dome in Lehigh’s Linderman Library, Joseph Sterrett ’76 ’78G ’03P ’05P ’07P ’09P, Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics, offered advice culled from his experience as a former student, parent of four Lehigh graduates, and staff member. He told the first-years to do three things: listen, read, and write.

“Listen: If you listen to the advice you get, it will enrich your experience,” he said. “Read: Your books are important for a reason. And write. This is a critical, interesting time of your life. Write things down — you’ll learn a lot about yourself.”

Board of Trustees member and GO: The Campaign for Lehigh co-chair James Maida ’85 ’17P ’19P spoke at the Northern New Jersey Sendoff hosted by Marty Horn ’86 at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, New Jersey, on August 12. Maida summed up the welcoming theme of the Lehigh Sendoff tradition.

“A lot of things will be different for you than they were for me as an undergraduate, but one thing that will not change is the great pride that we all share in this community,” Maida said. “You are part of the Lehigh family now.” 

Written by Cynthia Tintorri, Carina Bonasera ’19, and Jean-Pierre Villamar ’19 

See more Sendoff photos from around the country.

Candid photo of students and families listening to Joe Sterrett in Linderman Library.
Joseph Sterrett ’76 ’78G ’03P ’05P ’07P ’09P, Murray H. Goodman Dean of Athletics, shared advice as a former student, parent of four Lehigh graduates, and staff member at the Home Club Sendoff on Tuesday, August 8.
Lehigh students pose for a group photo with a Lehigh banner at the venue of the Northern NJ Sendoff.
Students attending the Northern New Jersey Sendoff hosted by Marty Horn ’86 at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, New Jersey, on August 12, gather to show their Lehigh pride.
Students gather for a group photo with a Lehigh banner in the backyard of the Philadelphia Sendoff host home.
First-year students enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of the Philadelphia area Sendoff held on July 31 at the home of Susan Shea ’84 in Wayne, Pennsylvania.