Lehigh University Celebrates 40 Years of Coeducation

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has begun a one-year celebration marking the 40th anniversary of coeducation on campus. A series of special programs, exhibits, seminars, and events organized by the Women’s 40th Anniversary Committee will take place throughout the current academic year.

Women graduate students were first enrolled at Lehigh in 1918. But it was not until 1970 that the trustees voted to admit women to undergraduate studies. In 1971, 169 women were part of the first-year class

Lehigh University president, Alice P. Gast, stated, “Women have had a powerful and important impact on Lehigh and we are inspired by those who proceeded us. The successes of our students and alumnae have been our successes as an institution.”

Here is video documenting the experiences of some of the first women undergraduates to enroll at Lehigh University.

More information on the 40 Years of Women at Lehigh can be accessed here.