AV¸£ÀûÉç

Outdoor racing event

Education, Arts & Athletics

AV¸£ÀûÉç is committed to building strong partnerships that enhance both student learning and the well-being of the greater Bethlehem community. Learn about the service-learning programs, educational outreach, artistic initiatives and other opportunities that connect AV¸£ÀûÉç with local schools, nonprofits and community organizations to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

Impact on Local Business

Visitors from outside the region come to AV¸£ÀûÉç for events, sports, and celebrations—spending on lodging, dining, and more. Their visits boost local businesses, adding $12.3M to the economy and supporting 241 jobs through this off-campus spending.

  • Inspiring Future Makers
    Two women talking to each other

    The AV¸£ÀûÉç Valley Science & Engineering Fair, founded in 1991 with support from Bob Haines ’79, gathers students in grades 6–12 at ³¢±ð³ó¾±²µ³ó’s Rauch Fieldhouse to present original research and spark early interest in science and engineering.

  • Curating Community
    Outdoor sculpture with trees in the background

    ³¢±ð³ó¾±²µ³ó’s campus features over 60 outdoor sculptures that create connections and welcome visitors. This vibrant art scene helped earn AV¸£ÀûÉç a spot on Research.com’s Top 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America.

  • AV¸£ÀûÉç-Lafayette Rivalry
    Two mascots posing for a photo on a football field

    The AV¸£ÀûÉç-Lafayette football game is the longest-running college football rivalry. Since 1884, fans from across the region gather annually on campus to cheer their teams in this historic and beloved sporting tradition.

Panel discussion of musicians

Musikfest

Musikfest—bringing over 1.3 million visitors to Bethlehem, is an iconic summer festival just steps from AV¸£ÀûÉç. Celebrate music, art, and community while enjoying performances, local food, and student and alumni connections that showcase ³¢±ð³ó¾±²µ³ó’s vibrant role in the city.

 

Educational Partnerships

AV¸£ÀûÉç partners with the local community to create meaningful educational opportunities, enriching the lives of children and families in South Bethlehem and reflecting the university’s commitment to learning, collaboration and lasting impact.

Arts Partnerships

At AV¸£ÀûÉç, the arts are a catalyst for connection, creativity, and community engagement. Through collaborative initiatives that span performance, visual arts, cultural heritage, and public festivals, AV¸£ÀûÉç integrates the arts into academic life and civic partnerships. Whether through Zoellner Arts Center’s interdisciplinary programming, the University Art Galleries’ educational outreach, the Library’s rich special collections, or ³¢±ð³ó¾±²µ³ó’s presence at Musikfest, the university is advancing the arts as a powerful force for learning, dialogue, and regional impact.

People in an art gallery

AV¸£ÀûÉç Art Galleries (LUAG)

collections and events invite visitors to explore, reflect and connect with art—and with one another. From AV¸£ÀûÉç students, faculty and alumni to local artists, K-12 classrooms and the community at large, LUAG is an invaluable cultural resource that is .

Stuffed Animal

Zoellner Arts: Advancing Art Education

The is a cornerstone of our community, bringing world-class performances, and exciting events to AV¸£ÀûÉç and beyond. Since 1997, it has inspired thousands, creating a space where creativity and connection thrive.

Students in a library

Special Collections for the Community

welcomes the community to explore rare books, archives and local history. Through public access, events, exhibits and research support, it connects people of all ages with rich resources and learning opportunities.

Small crowd at MusikFest

AV¸£ÀûÉç at Musikfest: Innovation & Arts

, one of the nation’s largest free outdoor music festivals, draws over 1 million visitors. with live performances, interactive exhibits, and creative events that showcase innovation and strengthen community ties.