GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers will help fuel the university’s new strategic plan.
At Friday’s Brown & White BBQ, Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble ’82 announced GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers, an extension of GO: The Campaign for Lehigh. The news was part of Helble’s address to almost 2,000 families, students, and members of the campus community who gathered on Packer Avenue for the signature Family and Founder's Weekend event.
“GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers will continue to build a community of engaged philanthropists and volunteers,” said Helble. “It’s an ambitious goal, but I am confident that we can reach it together. I know that all of our alumni and family community recognize how important it is to support the success of our current and future students.”
When GO: The Campaign for Lehigh launched in 2018, it was the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in university history. With many of GO’s foundational initiatives complete and Inspiring the Future Makers, the university’s new strategic plan, setting the course for the next ten years, the Board of Trustees voted to extend the campaign and set a new goal of $1.25 billion by 2028.
“We’re at an inflection point of possibility,” said Interim Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Bill Bole. “I’m grateful for our shared successes and look forward to continuing to build this community. Tens of thousands of philanthropists, volunteers, corporations and foundations are coming together and having a transformational effect on Lehigh.”
GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers will capitalize Lehigh’s existing momentum and activate the vision of Inspiring the Future Makers with a focus on two key areas of philanthropic support: scholarships and renovations and building projects.
“Endowed scholarships ensure that the best students can come to Lehigh, participate fully in experiential opportunities, and successfully launch their post-Lehigh lives,” said Associate Vice President and Campaign Director Deirdre Kwiatek. “And restoring and reimagining our buildings across Lehigh’s campuses will create the places where new generations of learning, research, and community can thrive.”
The campaign also aims to engage 50% of all contactable alumni through events, digital platforms, giving, volunteer opportunities, and other chances to connect with the university.
“One of Lehigh’s superpowers is our network: the commitment of our alumni, parents, and friends to each other and back to Lehigh is legendary,” said Associate Vice President of Alumni Relations Jennifer Cunningham. “We’ve built so much together, and now there are even more ways to get informed, involved, and invested in Lehigh through GO Beyond, and in the vision of Inspiring the Future Makers.”
Helble is sharing his perspectives on the strategic plan and the GO Beyond campaign at a series of events across the country. He traveled to Chicago in September and is planning to be in Boston, Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia this fall. In the spring, he will be in both Naples and Palm Beach, Florida, with other locations to be announced.
In his remarks, Helble invited the entire community to be part of the campaign. “Each and every one of you — each and every one of us — is part of making Lehigh’s future. Thank you to all of our future makers,” he said.
Find out how you can get involved, attend an event, and make a difference by visiting GOcampaign.lehigh.edu.
