Lehigh University Live Cam

Situated at the bottom of campus right on top of the Lehigh bookstore



History

Lehigh University is a private research university located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States. It was founded in 1865 by Asa Packer, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune in the railroad and coal industries.

Originally known as the "Lehigh University of South Bethlehem," the university was established primarily to educate young men in the mining and engineering fields. The first class consisted of just 39 students, and the university initially offered only a few courses in mining and metallurgy.

Over the years, Lehigh University has expanded its academic offerings and now offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, business, sciences, humanities, social sciences, and education.

Lehigh University has a strong reputation for its academic programs and research. It has been consistently ranked among the top 50 national universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, and its graduate programs in engineering, business, and education are consistently ranked among the top in the country.

The university has also made significant contributions to research and innovation. Notable achievements include the development of the first successful ironclad ship, the establishment of the first department of metallurgy in the United States, and the creation of the first undergraduate program in computer science.

Today, Lehigh University is home to over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world, and its campus includes over 150 buildings on over 2,000 acres of land. It continues to be a leading institution of higher learning and a key contributor to the local and global community.

Historical Facts

  • Lehigh University was founded in 1865 by Asa Packer, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune in the railroad and coal industries.
  • The university was initially established to provide education in the mining and engineering fields, and the first class consisted of just 39 students.
  • Lehigh University's first president was Henry Coppee, who had previously served as a professor and colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War.
  • In 1871, Lehigh University became the first institution in the United States to offer a degree program in metallurgy.
  • The university's mascot is the Mountain Hawk, which was chosen in 1995 to replace the previous mascot, the Engineer.
  • Lehigh University has a strong tradition of research and innovation. Notable achievements include the development of the first successful ironclad ship, the establishment of the first department of metallurgy in the United States, and the creation of the first undergraduate program in computer science.
  • Lehigh University has produced a number of notable alumni, including Lee Iacocca (former CEO of Chrysler Corporation), Robert A. F. Thurman (Buddhist scholar and author), and Eugene G. Grace (former CEO of Bethlehem Steel).
  • The university has been consistently ranked among the top 50 national universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, and its graduate programs in engineering, business, and education are consistently ranked among the top in the country.
  • Lehigh University's campus is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and includes over 150 buildings on over 2,000 acres of land.
  • Lehigh University has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in NCAA Division I in 25 sports. The football team has won 11 Patriot League championships and has made five appearances in the NCAA Division I Football Championship.
Geography

Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a historic city in the eastern part of the state. Bethlehem is situated in the Lehigh Valley, a region of Pennsylvania that includes the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. The Lehigh Valley is located approximately 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City.

The campus of Lehigh University is situated on the south side of Bethlehem and covers over 2,000 acres of land. The campus is divided into three main areas: the Asa Packer Campus, the Mountaintop Campus, and the Murray H. Goodman Campus.

The Asa Packer Campus is the main campus of the university and is located in the historic district of Bethlehem. It is home to the majority of the academic and administrative buildings, as well as many of the university's residence halls.

The Mountaintop Campus is located on the north side of Bethlehem and is home to the university's athletic facilities, including Goodman Stadium (home of the Lehigh Mountain Hawks football team) and the Ulrich Sports Complex.

The Murray H. Goodman Campus is located near the Asa Packer Campus and is home to the university's graduate programs in business and economics. The campus of Lehigh University is situated in a scenic area of Pennsylvania, surrounded by mountains and rolling hills. It is also located near a number of parks and outdoor recreational areas, including the Lehigh Canal Park and the Lehigh Parkway.