The Clayton University Center at Packer Hall is Lehigh’s most iconic building. As the centerpiece of the Asa Packer Campus, the stunning stone structure is a sight that inspires prospective students and their families and transports alumni back to their Lehigh days. It is a common touchstone for every student and every graduate. We have all passed through its halls, climbed its stairs, and heard the carillon ring from its tower. Packer Hall, which opened its doors in 1868, was the first building expressly commissioned for the Lehigh community, initially offering a chemical laboratory, classrooms, library, and chapel. Through the years, its spaces and residents have changed, yet it has continually served the needs of students, faculty, and alumni. Today, as the only building on campus where every member of our community spends time — eating, relaxing, studying, meeting, or just passing through — the Clayton University Center stands at a crossroads. Last renovated in 1958, the interior of the Clayton University Center needs to be updated if it is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of today’s students. PRESERVING OUR LEHIGH LEGACY Lehigh is not new to transformative projects in its most hallowed spaces. From 2005 to 2007, the historic Linderman Library underwent an interior restoration made possible by alumni and friends. The project expanded space for books and materials, modernized the infrastructure, restored the Reading Room to its original glory, and incorporated a cafe to draw students. The final result has been called one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, but it is more than just an aesthetic triumph. The restoration transformed Linderman from a practical student resource into a true intellectual center, all the while respecting and retaining the integrity of its history. 5
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