The Founding the Alumni Association

Since the beginning of Lehigh University in 1865, Asa Packer and the Board of Trustees had been the main governing body on campus. Asa Packer’s son, Harry Packer, who had graduated in 1870, was a very dedicated and involved alumnus and trustee. His vision was to “perpetuate and strengthen the interests of the Alumni in their Alma Mater” by giving the alumni and those who had experienced Lehigh the opportunity to contribute their opinions in University matters. In 1875-76 he brought this idea before the Board of Trustees. The title “Alumni Trustee” was added to the structure of the Board and these individuals were expected to represent the alumni in any Board decisions. One of the first elected Alumni Trustees was Henry S. Drinker (Class of 1872).
In 1877, the Board of Trustees decided there should be a separate association for the alumni, apart from the Board, that the Alumni Trustees would govern and oversee. This was the origin of the Alumni Association, which was created so alumni would maintain relationships with Lehigh and contribute to the development of the University. Only graduates of Lehigh could become members, and a small fee had to be paid for membership. Although Harry Packer was not one of the officers of the organization, his role on the Board of Trustees and his overall vision laid the groundwork for the creation of the Association.