Lehigh University’s New Residential Houses project for students got a major boost after receiving a $5 million gift to fund the construction of a cluster of six residences.
Alumnus Jordan Hitch, a business executive, and his wife Julie Hitch pledged the amount on Wednesday to support the university’s New Residential Houses project, which is being built west of the Clayton University Center at Packer Hall.
The new buildings will have state-of-the-art living spaces and will house a new eatery, fitness center, and a variety of multi-use spaces for the entire campus community.
“The expansion of our student body will bring new dynamism and greater diversity to campus,” President John D. Simon said. “Hitch House will be an integrated living and learning space and will inspire community, creativity, and collaboration. We thank them for leading by example.”
Jordan, who joined the school’s Board of Trustees in 2014, has supported various university initiatives in the past as well, including scholarship and financial aid, the Africana Studies program, and the Lehigh Fund.
“As I got older, I got more involved. It is very rewarding and brings back great memories. It makes you appreciate all that Lehigh did for you,” Jordan said. “Now, seeing it through the eyes of our children, Julie and I are committed to helping Lehigh be the university that it was for me.”
The university is also trying to improve access and opportunity for students and increasing undergraduate enrollment by 1,000 over the next decade under the Path to Prominence imitative.
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