Pat Moran (now deceased):

You would think that I would know after writing this column for 20 years or so, that as soon as I brag about receiving a wealth of information, fodder for the next issue would run dry-nada, zed, nothing!  I should know better. Help!

Seeing Lehigh sports teams on TV is always a "kick," but to have it happen three times in one week was overwhelming.  I saw the basketball team twice - when they won the Patriot League and then when they qualified for the NCAA tournament.  Subsequently, I saw Troy Letters win the NCAA wrestling title at 165 pounds. Great viewing.

It occurs to me that we are experiencing the Golden Era of Lehigh, both in sports and academics. Year after year US. News and World Report puts Lehigh in the top 35 of major universities, and we rank nationally in annual giving, graduation rates, and alumni satisfaction.  Add to this the success of the football and wrestling teams, the baseball team and women's softball, the outstanding programming at Zoellner, the university's town-and-gown involvement, and you have a school of which we can all be proud.

The Alumni Office tells me that Senior Alumni Weekend is set for October 23-24 (Lehigh vs. Bucknell football).  Make a note on your calendar and save the dates.  Daz and I are planning to attend, so please find us under the tent and say hello.  This will be a great time to renew "olde" friendships, see the changing leaves,and experience golden autumn weather.

Wil Wilbern (deceased) update: I phoned Wil in February, and although his speech was somewhat impaired, he exuded courage and spirit.  Wil is 84 and is my hero.  He spent the 10 years after high school earning enough money to attend Lehigh.  Classmates can reach Wil at (716) 628-6530.  He would love to hear from you.

Our very own "Roaming Gnome", Bob Hoyt, e-mails that on a recent trip to Florida he saw Fred Gartside (deceased) and Bill Henderson (deceased) and spoke on the phone with Bob Horning (deceased).  Fred, who sold his CPA business a few years ago, splits his time between Broxton, Ga., and the mountain of North Carolina.

I will put a cap on this entry by mentioning that I had a surprise, welcome visitor from Bethlehem: Ms. Lorraine Wiedorn, director of planned giving at Lehigh, stopped by here in Tucson and we had a very pleasant chat.  Seeing Lorraine reinforced a feeling I've had for some time; Lehigh employs very competent, professional, and personable people. Bravo, Lehigh.

Deceased: