From Crayons to Guitars: Dyer Students Connect with Local Leaders at Archer Music Hall

Hosted by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) at the brand-new Archer Music Hall in downtown Allentown, the evening was a fantastic showcase of the innovation happening right in our backyard.

The event gathered industry leaders from some of America’s most iconic manufacturers, giving our students a firsthand look at global brands that call the Lehigh Valley home. It wasn’t just about listening to speeches; the students were able to explore product displays, participate in trivia contests, and see the tangible connection between the products we use every day and the places where they are made.

Highlights of the Trip: The centerpiece of the evening was a panel discussion featuring executives from major companies, including:

• Crayola (Peter Ruggiero P`20 `25, CEO)
• C.F. Martin & Co. (Thomas Ripsam, CEO)
• Mack Defense (David Hartzell, Sr., CEO)
• Lutron (Brian Donlon, VP)
• Olympus (Richard Reynolds, President of Medical Systems)

Hearing directly from these leaders provided our students with invaluable insight into what draws major industries to our region and how they continue to innovate. From the precision of medical devices to the artistry of acoustic guitars, the range of industries represented was inspiring.

Why It Matters: For Dyer students, this was more than just a field trip—it was a window into future career paths and a lesson in economic development. Seeing the new Archer Music Hall also highlighted the revitalization efforts in downtown Allentown (presented by City Center Chair and Lafayette alumnus J.B. Reilley ’83, P’16,18), showing students how business and community development go hand in hand.

We left the event energized and proud of the rich industrial history and bright future of the Lehigh Valley. A big thank you to the LVEDC for organizing such an engaging event and for welcoming our students!