The program, which begins at 5 p.m. in the Wilbur Powerhouse, will feature a presentation by Lehigh alumnus Dexter Baker, whose donation founded the institute.

“It's been his mission to bring creativity to higher education,” explained Amy White, spokeswoman for the institute.

“It's his feeling that whether its fine arts or business you need creative thinking.”

Also on the program is Marc de Vinck, the new professor of practice in creativity and former product developer at MAKE magazine. Da Vinck teaches the Technical Entrepreneurship master's program. He also designed the furniture and walls of the new Creativity & Innovation Lab, which will be unveiled at the event.

White said her institute's goal is to get students thinking about idea generation and product development.

She pointed to EcoTech, a Bethlehem startup founded by Lehigh grads who started with an idea for a Bluetooth-enabled aquarium pump. The company was recently named to the list of the Lehigh Valley's Fastest Growing Businesses.

“We anticipate that this is going to have a ripple effect out into the community,” said White.