What makes Lehigh special isn’t just the campus; it’s the people.
Each summer, alumni and parents across the country volunteer to host Sendoffs, welcoming new students and their families into the Lehigh community before their first semester begins. Last year, more than 1,000 incoming students, alumni, and family members attended these gatherings, building connections that often last well beyond move-in day.
We asked a few of the hosts what makes Sendoffs such a meaningful tradition.
Meet the Sendoff Hosts
Linda Manson ’90 ’28P
Sendoff location: Washington, D.C., Northern VA, and Maryland suburbs
Why Sendoffs?
As an alum, my dad, Ardie Emery ’61 ’63G ’86P ’90P ’15GP ’18GP ’28GP, wouldn’t miss a local Sendoff in our hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. When we were young, he took my brother, Dave Emery ’86 P’15 P’18, and me to five or ten Sendoffs and countless visits to campus for football games and other events. By the time I decided to attend Lehigh, I knew the place pretty well and felt quite at home. I remember the Sendoffs as upbeat events to celebrate the incoming freshmen, with alumni of all ages giving advice and swapping stories of what made Lehigh special, challenging, and fun. So, my family and I — including our daughter, Sarah Manson ’28 — were excited to have the opportunity to create that same welcoming environment for this year’s DC-area Sendoff.
What’s the most rewarding part about hosting?
Watching the anxiety melt away as incoming students start talking with other incoming freshmen and current undergrads was special to see. It was our first time hosting, and I was happy to witness students and alumni of all ages come together. That sense of connection I saw at Sendoffs years ago is still alive and well.
Why do you think students should attend a Sendoff near them?
Our alumni network is special; they’re very engaged and welcoming. A Sendoff offers a glimpse into the unique community these students are about to join and gives them a chance to meet other freshmen and undergrads who live in their local area. Some of those new connections may last well beyond their four years at Lehigh.
Raj Butani ’94
Sendoff location: Seattle, Washington
Why Sendoffs?
I still remember how it felt when I was heading off to college. It was exciting, but it was also a bit intimidating to go from a prep school where I knew everyone to a place where I knew very few people. At the time, Lehigh was only a short drive from my home in northern New Jersey. Now that I’ve settled in the Seattle area, I empathize even more with students traveling across the country to attend Lehigh. They’re embarking on an exciting adventure, but also stepping into the unknown.
I wanted to do my part to make that transition a little easier by giving students the chance to meet future classmates before arriving on campus. Even a little familiarity can make a big difference! When longtime host Matt Laukatis '90 decided to pass the baton, my wife, Mona, and I were happy to continue the tradition. We’ve been hosting for four years now.
What’s the most rewarding part about hosting?
Knowing I’ve played even a small role in helping students, families, and alumni build meaningful connections. Hosting has also strengthened my own ties to the Lehigh community here in western Washington. In fact, I’ve even reconnected with a couple friends who lived with me in Richards House freshman year — Vincent Keane ’94 and Steve Lee ’94 MS’96.
Why do you think students should attend a Sendoff near them?
It’s a great way to begin your Lehigh journey alongside people who are about to share the same experience. Having familiar faces on move-in day, and throughout those first few weeks, can make a big difference. Unlike accepted student events, everyone you meet at a Sendoff has already chosen Lehigh, so you’re beginning your college journey together. And who knows? A conversation at a Sendoff could become a lifelong friendship.
Christine Peter P’27
Sendoff Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Why Sendoffs?
I first got involved when my son, Eli Peter ’27, was an incoming student. At the time, the closest Sendoff to us was in Chicago. Rather than make the trek, we decided to host one ourselves. It gave Eli the chance to meet future classmates, recent graduates, and seasoned alumni before arriving on campus. The experience was so valuable that we kept the tradition going. Over the years, we’ve welcomed many returning alumni from a wide range of class years, and it’s become something our local Lehigh community looks forward to each summer.
What’s the most rewarding part about hosting?
Watching incoming students make connections and begin building their own community before classes even start. You can actually see their confidence start to grow throughout the event. Now that Eli is a little older, he comes back to share his own experiences with the incoming students, continuing the cycle of welcoming the next generation.
Why do you think students should attend a Sendoff near them?
Starting college feels a little less overwhelming when you already know a few friendly faces. Whether it’s someone to sit with during orientation, ask a question, or simply recognize on campus, those early connections provide comfort and confidence. A Sendoff reminds students that they’re joining a community long before they show up on move-in day.
