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Discover the Top 8 Unbelievable Fun Facts about Lehigh University You Never Knew!

illustration of lehigh-university
Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey as we uncover some delightfully surprising fun facts about the impressive Lehigh University!

1. Romantic Bench Pressing

If you're looking for a romantic hot spot to bench press your lover, Lehigh University is the place to be: boasting a breathtaking Leadership Plaza complete with six engraved benches honoring 71 illustrious benefactors, this 2,000-square-foot anonymous donation nestled near the Alumni Memorial Building serves as a picturesque backdrop for both swooning sweethearts and weary walkers alike.
Source => mcall.com

2. Mars Bars' Favorite Designer

If Mars Bars had a favorite designer, we suspect they'd choose Pam Fusek '13 from Lehigh University: This trailblazing alumnus went on to help shape actual Martian missions at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, including the Mars 2020 Sample Return Lander and the Europa Clipper project!
Source => www2.lehigh.edu

3. Lehigh's Greys Anatomy

Guess who's putting the 'green' in Greys Anatomy? Lehigh University, of course: They're tackling climate change head-on by implementing energy efficiency measures, renewable energy sourcing, and energy management, with a goal to assess resiliency by 2023, develop a Climate Action Strategy, and offset natural gas usage through renewable energy opportunities.
Source => sustainability.lehigh.edu

4. Biblical Bread and Water Tale

Loaves and fishes may be an ancient miracle, but Lehigh University has its own biblical tale of bread and water: The university’s hometown, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was named on Christmas Eve in 1741 by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, a Moravian church leader, who found inspiration in the Hebrew word "lechem" or bread, and "Lecha," a Native American name for the Lehigh River. Talk about divine intervention in city naming!
Source => moravianchurcharchives.org

Sci-Fi, Hills, and Symphonies

5. Sci-Fi, Hills, and Symphonies

At Lehigh University, the hills are alive with the sound of ... sci-fi musicals and groundbreaking plays? You betcha: The Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh offers an eclectic mix of performances throughout the year, featuring everything from immersive art experiences to world-class orchestras like the San Diego Symphony!
Source => zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu

6. Striped Stocking Inspiration

Who's the "stocking" stuffer now? Lehigh University found its true colors in the most amusing way: their iconic brown and white color scheme, represented in the hood lining pattern assigned by the IBAC, was chosen in 1876 after students were captivated by a lovely lass donning brown and white striped stockings at a color selection meeting.
Source => intercollegiate-registry.org

7. Clutch the Mysterious Mascot

In a tale riddled with mystery, intrigue, and more costume changes than a Lady Gaga concert, one name rises above all at Lehigh University: Clutch the Mountain Hawk. Don't let its poker face fool you, this feathered fan is all about that adrenaline-pumping "aha" moment: Clutch was named from a 2008 university-wide contest, encapsulating the "LU" in Lehigh University and embodying the concept of stepping up big in the clutch. The beaked crusader's identity remains top-secret, but it's rumored multiple students take up the mantle, volunteering or working part-time, to cheer on sports teams at various locations, including Stabler Arena, Goodman Stadium, and the Ulrich Sports Complex.
Source => thebrownandwhite.com

8. Lehigh's Gothic Facelift

Get ready to break into a chorus of "Holy smokes, Batman!” as we explore the 'Gothic'-meets-'sooted-up' backstory of Lehigh University’s Packer Memorial Church: Built by the founder's family, this historic structure recently underwent a decade-long, multi-million-dollar facelift, restoring stained-glass windows and rehabbing the bell tower, while leaving a reminder of the old Bethlehem Steel factory with its mineral-stained walls. Now at 150 years old, this monument is a haven for weddings, weekly prayer services, campus events, and the beautiful music of Bethlehem Bach Choir.
Source => www2.lehigh.edu

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