On August 20, 2026, incoming students and their families faced their first Lehigh milestone: move-in day. Amid the sea of excited first-years and their families were the Asa Un-Packers, a group of alumni and Lehigh leaders dedicated to helping new students move into their residence halls and settle into their new environment.
The tradition dates back to 1992, when Henry Odi Ed.D.'98 P'23 and David Joseph M.Ed.’87 founded the group under former president Peter Likins D’91. For decades, Odi informally called the volunteers the “A Team.” Two years ago, the group took on a new name after Sandra Denton ’83 suggested it, and the Asa Un-Packers were born.
While the name may have changed, the mission remains the same.
“First impressions are critical, and people tend to remember them,” says Odi. “I’ve had parents at graduation approach me and say they remember us helping move their child in.”
The Asa Un-Packers do more than carry boxes and furniture. They take time to greet families, answer questions, and offer a welcoming point of connection during what can be an emotional day.
“You can see how much it means to parents the moment you look at their faces,” says Denton. “Obviously, orientation is geared toward the students. But in that moment, we’re able to connect with families and make them feel seen.”
Mark Shiner ’77, president of the Lehigh University Alumni Association, also sees move-in as an opportunity for alumni to connect with students as they begin their journeys.
“It’s nice to see the freshmen and how excited they are,” he says. “It reminds you of your own move-in and how special that day was. It’s something I’m happy to be a part of every year.”
Even President Joseph J. Helble '82 joined in, rallying the Asa Un-Packers, helping to lift dressers, and chatting with families as they made their way to the residence halls.
The role the volunteers play is small but integral, speaking to the bond between generations of alumni.
In the midst of the excitement, nerves, and moving boxes, their message to Lehigh’s newest students is simple: You’re home.
