2008 Woodie Awards
RSSDean: President's House fosters community spirit
By Danny Ricciardi
Issue date: 11/12/07 Section: News
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When Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid J. Leon Washington was looking into his position at Lehigh, he heard everyone talking about the university's family atmosphere.
"Having the President's House on campus solidified this community feeling," Washington said.
The President's House adds to the close-knit family atmosphere at Lehigh, Washington said.
Even though the President's House on campus has no direct impact on students, it still brings the campus together as one community, Chris Basilico, '10, said.
"President Gast and her family living on campus boost the overall campus environment," Basilico said.
The house is a great feature because it makes it easier to plan events and schedule meetings, Philosophy Professor Greg Reihman said.
"Having the President's House on campus sends a clear message that she's readily available," Reihman said.
The President's House also has an effect on prospective students, Washington said.
Some tour guides ask prospective students and their parents their opinions on the President's House, and the response is overwhelmingly positive, Washington said. Most students are impressed to hear the president lives on campus, he said.
Prospective student Lisa Flemming said she was amazed to hear Lehigh's president lives in the middle of the campus.
Washington said it is difficult to judge if the President's House directly impacts students' decisions to attend Lehigh, but students are nonetheless impressed, and the House is definitely a positive aspect.
Michael Monaco, '10, said the president living on campus did not directly impact his decision to attend Lehigh, but it helped a little.
"There were many little factors that swayed my decision toward Lehigh, President Gast living on campus being one of them," Monaco said. "All of them added to my final decision."
Adam Siskin, '09, said the president being on campus ensures an aspect of safety that is a welcoming message to prospective students and their families.
The President's House is one of Bethlehem's historical landmarks.
