Since Lehigh University first opened its doors in 1865, it has been inextricably tied to South Bethlehem, the City of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley region. Rich in history and steeped in cultural tradition, the area continues to be an outstanding home for the university, which derives much of its inspiration and enthusiasm from its neighbors.
Lehigh, its students, staff and faculty are committed to helping the community invigorate its neighborhoods, redefine economic prosperity and address a full range of critical social issues. Already deeply entrenched in the community, Lehigh strives to be a good neighbor and a partner in the renaissance of Bethlehem. In fact, more than $1 million worth of community service is contributed annually through the 50,000 hours volunteered by members of the Lehigh community.
Lehigh actively participates in exciting programs and partnerships with the local community. The university will continue to strengthen these existing ties as well as make a commitment to build long-term, ongoing collaborations that will help create sustainable change in Bethlehem and beyond.
As an institution, we remain committed to providing an educational and experiential environment for our students as well as the community. We are an open campus and invite you to participate in university programs, attend the myriad of free lectures hosted throughout the year, take in an art exhibit or musical performance, and cheer for the Mountain Hawks at Lehigh athletic events.
The Great South Side Sale recycles unwanted items donated by students during the end-of-year Move-Out Program. Unwanted goods are picked up at residence halls and sorted by a volunteer team of students, faculty and staff. The items are then sold to the community at reduced prices, with the funds donated to the Community Service Office's (CSO) Homework Clubs for local school children.
The project started 13 years ago when Professors Kim Carrell-Smith and John Smith noticed the vast number of usable items being discarded by students who were leaving campus for the summer. That initial drive netted $500 for the South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center. In the last few years, Carolina Hernandez, director of community service, has made the project one of the CSO's biggest events of the year.
In 2011 two 100-foot tents were needed to hold all the sale items. The five-hour sale generated $14,700 for the homework clubs.