By Bruce Davis
Many clubs participate in the Lehigh University Club Expo, Monday, Jan 14, 2013, where students meet to share common interests and participate in activities that enhance the primary courses of study. These clubs also give the students a break from the grind of classes and allows the sharing of culture and participating in group social environments outside the classroom.
One of the club’s is the Lehigh University Chess Club which also includes students from the Lehigh Valley School District's who have chosen to matriculate there. The Club was reestablished 6 semesters ago and is beginning its 7th semester hosting weekly club play at the University Center, 2nd Fl, on Wednesday night’s 7-9 pm. Professor Lee Stanley is the club advisor and a locally active chess player. The President is Charles Xu and one of the top players at the club. Besides the weekly events the club has enjoyed success at intercollegiate competitions outside the school. Last February, the Lehigh Team took Top U2000 honors (finishing 4th overall) at the Annual Princeton Team Championships in Feb. 2012, playing with at least 17 or more collegiate teams from Duke, Columbia, Penn State and Princeton among the numerous prestigious colleges and universities. Also the club enjoys a friendly school
team match competition with Lafayette College, Easton, PA, played each semester. Last semester the club initiated new team match play against the Lehigh Valley Chess Club located here in Bethlehem, PA (15 minute walking distance from the main campus).
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The Lehigh University Chess Club also sponsors beginner’s night to teach the fundamentals to those new to the game during the semester. On nicer days the club has planned
outdoor chess in front of the University Center when the weather has been nice including the use of an outdoor Patio Chess set with pieces 2-1/2 feet tall and on a 9’X9’ chess board.
The Lehigh University Chess Club is one of many clubs that
make a great addition to the educational curriculum at Lehigh University and broadens the cultural experience of an educational institution that creates the leaders and educated professionals of tomorrow.