Recognition Societies
Asa Packer Society
Recognizing those who have risen to the challenge of supporting Lehigh’s mission with leadership annual gifts of $10,000 or more.
Pioneer. Leader. Philanthropist. Visionary.
Lehigh founder Asa Packer was all these and more. As a driving force of American industry in the 19th century, he was well positioned to make the kind of historic gift that would change the world in his own time and for generations beyond.
Fittingly, the Asa Packer Society recognizes Lehigh’s most committed annual supporters whose gifts of $10,000 or more set a leadership example in their philanthropy by sustaining our commitment to core values, strengthening key programs, and expanding the impact of our teaching and research.
Pioneer. Leader. Philanthropist. Visionary.
Pioneer. Leader. Visionary. Asa Packer was all of these and more when he founded Lehigh on South Mountain in 1865. By personally funding this endeavor, Packer established what would later become a tradition of giving in higher education in the United States.
In 1967, the Asa Packer Society was established to recognize the generous alumni and friends who sustain the bold ambitions of the university. There is no better name for a society that recognizes donors who set the standard with leadership giving to Lehigh and its promise for the future.
Today, the Asa Packer Society continues to celebrate this proud legacy and upholds Packer’s original philanthropic mission.
Lehigh has changed a lot in fifty years since the Asa Packer Society was established. But one fact has stayed the same: Lehigh’s trusted alumni and friends know how to make a difference on campus. They’ve helped usher in new colleges and exciting programs, broken ground for new buildings, and have even paved the way in welcoming a diverse group of Lehigh students to campus. This is leadership in action.
Leadership support sustains financial aid, launches innovative programs like Soaring Together, and funds experiential learning on campus and around the globe. Collectively, these efforts keep Lehigh moving forward and looking ahead to its future.
Our team is ready to help you explore opportunities that turn your philanthropic goals and personal passions into direct impact at Lehigh. We invite you to see how others inspire and fuel such progress by reading the GO Campaign Impact Report.
Your Generosity Creates Opportunities
I launched Lehigh’s Scholars of Finance chapter to show how finance can be used as a force for good. Capital mobility for the right causes and projects can uplift entire communities. After graduating, I’m starting out in investment banking with the career goal of directing capital towards green energy and commodities projects globally. Thank you — I won't forget the generosity you have afforded me and will pay it forward.
$67,000,000+
The total amount donated to Lehigh by over 1,000 Asa Packer Society members from July 1, 2023 - May 14, 2025.
Asa Packer Society
Featured Stories
A Gift of Gratitude to the Clayton UC
Andrew Handler ’98 ’28P and Kimberly Tedd Handler ’99 ’28P express their gratitude with a gift to the Clayton UC renovation — the “heart” of campus.
A Perfect Match
A series of perfect matches set up Danielle Spar ’10 and Brian Cunningham ’10 for success, so they are paying it forward through matching gifts.
Soaring Beyond the Classroom
Students reach new heights in the Soaring Together Scholarship Program, thanks to support from donors like Sally and Michael Gordon ’61.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make a gift of any amount at any time in the way that best suits you.
- You can make an online gift.
- You can also set up a recurring gift or payroll deduction.
- Send a check by mail to:
Lehigh University Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Attn: Gift Processing
306 South New Street, Suite 500
Bethlehem, PA 18015-1652 - Call (866) 758-2586, Monday through Thursday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., or Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Please call the Office of Finance and Administration at (610) 758-3179 for wire transfer guidance.
Absolutely. We rely on our alumni and friends to use every possible method to maximize their giving. To learn if your organization participates in matching philanthropic gifts, visit our Matching Gifts webpage.
Lehigh automatically grants recognition to spouses. If you have questions, please contact Amber Alexander at (610) 758-5311 or email amh713@lehigh.edu.
We are committed to honoring your recognition preference. You may designate your giving as public or anonymous, or you may indicate that some gifts are anonymous and others are public.
Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Absolutely. Our staff are happy to answer your questions. Simply call Amber Alexander at (610) 758-5311 or email amh713@lehigh.edu and allow a little time for a response. We look forward to speaking with you.
Check out our loyalty, leadership, lifetime, and legacy recognition programs to discover a variety of options to further your philanthropic journey with Lehigh University.
