Lamberton Hall History

• The building was named in memory of Lehigh’s third president, Robert A. Lamberton
• Lamberton opened in 1907 and originally served as the dining hall and commons for the University until 1926

• The use of this space as a dining hall was discontinued in 1926 due to lack of use
• It was renovated and was then used by the Department of Military Science
• On Founder’s Day in 1941, the new renovations were dedicated, again making it a student dining area, until 1958 when Packer Hall/University Center renovations were completed and student dining was moved there
• The building was then turned over to the music department until the completion of Zoellner Arts Center
• After the completion of Zoellner the space temporarily housed several offices during department renovations, private music lessons, Friday and Saturday late nigh programming, and multipurpose student programs

• During the spring of ’04 two students, Kurt Lesker ’05 Senate Facilities and Housing Comm. Chair and Rick Longenecker ’05 Senate President, presented an on-campus diner concept to President Farrington.
• A committee was assembled comprised of approximately 20 students representing IFC/Panhel, RHA, Gryphons, Senate, UP, Grad. Students, and representatives from Facilities, Dean of Students, Student Affairs, Student Activities/Programs, Student Center Facilities, and Dining Services.
• Student involvement was essential in the designing of this space.  The students wanted to create an atmosphere that encompassed the multitude of traditions that they experience while at Lehigh.  After viewing several layout boards, provided by the architectural firm, consisting of color scheme and textures the student committee choose dark wood and beige/brown tones.  Having booths for seating and moveable center area seating to allow for small or large groups were also important to the students.
• The food aspect to the diner based on the student input from the committee was to have “cheap” menu items, burgers, shakes, fries, traditional diner food, including breakfast available all day.
• Renovations began in the spring ’05 with a west wing expansion that included an elevator, loading dock, and kitchen prep/storage/office area. 
• The original structures of the wagon wheel lights are original to the building; the light fixtures within each wagon wheel have evolved over time to provide a different type of lighting – for maintenance and quality of lighting.  An article pertaining to the unique progression of the light fixtures was featured in the Alumni Winter 2006 bulletin.  The chandeliers were sent out for some much needed improvements and a special hand painted faux antiquing process antiqued by hand with a special glazing technique such as new light fixtures/bulbs, a special hand marbleized technique was used on a special type of plastic sheeting, and customized finish was used on the frame work.
• The exterior fixtures on the west entrance are from the 1926 renovation and were refurbished.
• A company in Philadelphia was outsourced to repair all of the stain glass work and the special technician that did the work was a Lehigh graduate Christopher Thompson.
• A gas fireplace creates a cozy feel for students to lounge in front of.
• Three Plasma TV’s are located within the diner and mezzanine level to keep students entertained, as well as, foosball, billiards, and air hockey.
• The diner was dedicated and official opened on February 3, 2006. 
• The Great Room was dedicated in September of 2011 as the Kenner Great Room.
• Hours of operation 7 days a week opening
• Administrative office hours begin at 8:00 a.m. Monday – Friday
• The Hawk’s Nest Hours:
• Monday - Wednesday........10:30 a.m.- 2:00 a.m.
  Thursday - Friday.............10:30 a.m. -4:00 a.m.
  Saturday........................11:00 a.m. - 4:00 a.m.
  Sunday..........................11:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
• The renovation cost was approximately $5.5 million.
• A Lamberton Usage Committee 2006-2007 was established with a committee comprised of Undergraduate and Graduate Students, Faculty, and Staff.
• Student Center Facilities and Operations Goals:
• To actively involve students, individually and through student groups, by encouraging self-directed programs and activities.
• To create a stimulating, satisfying, and inclusive environment for the campus community by seeking opportunities that will encourage collaboration of events between organizations, student groups, departments, and Dining Services.
• To provide spaces for students to participate in or observe activities, meet, relax, eat, learn and be entertained.
• To generate more student interest in the entire building by creating a seamless transition between the Hawk’s Nest and Student Center Operation spaces by co-sponsoring themed events, special interest programs, game nights, movie nights, and programming around strong following TV shows and sporting events.
• Mission:
• Through thoughtful and deliberate facility development Lamberton Hall will provide a space that engages students in a comfortable and socially inviting atmosphere encouraging creativity, community, and empowerment.
• Intended Outcome for Lamberton Hall and the Hawk’s Nest: 
• Students will have a multitude of opportunities to develop more personal and communal connections with one another as a result of our ability to shape Lamberton into an environment that is inviting, comfortable, familiar, and engaging
• Sampling of Programs

o    Late Night Lehigh every Friday and Saturday evening – Co-Sponsored with Student Activities

o    Make and Take every Friday between 11 a.m. – 1p.m.

o    Lehigh After Dark Events that last beyond 12 midnight

o    Senate Meeting

o    UP Comedy Shows

o    Information Sessions

o    Beach Blast

o    Conferences

o    Dinners

o    Dialog Lehigh

o    Orientation Programs and Events

o    Blood Drives

o    Flu Clinics

o    Dance Team Practices

o    Department Functions

• The Wall and DIBs
• Show casing activities and events on campus