From The President’s Desk
Moravian Greyhound family and friends,
As we look forward to a new school year—especially with the unveiling and rededication of the Haupert Union Building (HUB)—I am proud to share how Moravian University is leading the way in cultivating the “whole student”—mind, body, and spirit—through a comprehensive commitment to wellness. At the heart of our efforts is the $45 million renovation of the HUB, a project designed entirely to support student mental and physical health. Every space, from collaborative lounges to meditation and gathering areas, has been purposefully designed to foster community, mindfulness, and well-being.
Our commitment to student wellness extends far beyond facilities. Moravian remains at the forefront of innovative technology, being the only university to deploy the Apple Watch to all incoming students. This initiative empowers students to track their health, practice mindfulness, and build habits that support lifelong wellness.
This issue’s feature stories highlight our holistic approach. The Next Play, filmed on our Main Street and Priscilla Payne Hurd Campuses, explores the real mental health challenges that student-athletes face. The film, directed by alumna Katina Sossiadis ’93, underscores the importance of support systems like Hidden Opponent, PAW, and our Counseling Center—resources that ensure no student faces their struggles alone.
Beyond the campus, our students are making a lasting impact in our community. As prestigious Millennium Fellows, they have partnered with Moravian Academy through the Mindful Futures initiative and founded Mindful Passages, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing emotional intelligence and community among young learners.
Finally, our Wellness 360 story highlights our Four Cornerstones of Wellness: Body and Mind, Innovative Technology, Academic Support, and a Caring Community. From our fitness center and counseling services to Mo’s Cupboard and our Apple Distinguished School recognition, we are dedicated to every aspect of student well-being.
Through your continued generosity and support, we are building a future where every Greyhound can thrive.
Sincerely,
President Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26, P’29
Features
The Next Play—filmed at Moravian this past summer—is more than a field hockey movie. Learn about how the film and Moravian are tackling student-athlete mental health and raising awareness.
Melanie Johnson ’25 and Za’Nya Wright ’25 hypothesized that sharing the tenets of mindfulness with younger students could improve kids’ engagement with school.
Learn about the ways Moravian fosters wellbeing, from innovative new spaces, to counseling and health services, sustainable food choices, and more.
View Finder
The Comenius statue at Moravian University depicts John Amos Comenius, a 17th century philosopher and educator known as the Father of Modern Education. Photographed by Nick Chismar ’20
The HUB
News & Notes
Welcome Back to the Heart of Campus
After nearly two years of construction, the Moravian University community was welcomed back to a modern Haupert Union Building this fall.
Greyhound Sports
Welcome to the Greyhound Family
Moravian’s Department of Athletics and Recreation welcomed several new members over the summer.
News & Notes
Community
An Alum Reflects
How a couple across the street from her childhood home made it possible for Helen Desh Woodbridge ’54 to attend Moravian
Moravian Moment
The Society for Black Initiative
In 1969, the SBI was the first Black student organization at what was then Moravian College.
Faculty Focus
An assistant professor of economics, Lei He teaches courses in statistics, economics, and econometrics. His research focuses on the US airline industry and network formation. He is also interested in studying money and monetary policy.
Student Spotlight
Moravian student Nate Pynchon, a senior with a major in historical studies and a minor in French, says, “Understanding the humanities is understanding ourselves.”
Brilliance
Creators
Nick Mancini ’26 spent a year in Moravian’s recording studio as part of an independent study. The result is his first full-length album.
Thinkpiece
One of the primary goals of Moravian’s school of Professional Studies and Innovation is to partner with Lehigh Valley business leaders to help solve their problems.
Bookshelf
The Stargazer: Unleashing the Brilliance of Building Brighter Teams
By Katie P. Desiderio and Michael G. Frino. Desiderio is a professor of management and assistant vice president of corporate-educational partnerships
60+ Lessons from the Creative Journey: A Handy Guide for the Budding Entrepreneur
By Gerard Longo ’10, founder and CEO of Underground Music Collective
Remission Quest: A Medical Sociologist Navigates Cancer
By Virginia Adams O’Connell, associate professor of sociology and department chair
Alumni
Alumni Stories
“Moravian helped me discover that I really enjoy helping people—it’s where I get my happiness!” That could be the reason why earning her bachelor of arts in public health felt like exactly the right path for Emily Tracy ’25.
Alumni Stories
Charlie McDonald’17, G’21 was an undergraduate computer science major minoring in mathematics at Moravian when he surprised his friends and family by deciding to earn his master of divinity. Now he’s Moravian University’s new chaplain.
In Memoriam
Remembering Ervine J. Rokke
(December 12, 1939–September 5, 2025)
Class Notes
1975
Anita Fazakas participated in the National Senior Games in Des Moines, Iowa, this past summer, competing in table tennis singles and doubles.
2004
Melissa Sadecki Micari was recently promoted to a position as clinical supervisor of an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program. In February 2025, she celebrated working 20 years helping people find recovery.
2024
Nathaniel Kober is president of the Community Basketball League, founded in 1965 and serving 2,500 youth in the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding area.
Recent graduates are stepping into pivotal roles—mentoring, mobilizing, and making a mark on campus and across the Greyhound community.
Get to Know Our Lighting the Way Subcommittee Chairs
Co-chairs, Trustees Subcommittee
Flip-book Versions
Formula for Success
- Taressa Diaz’11, G’16 is a Leader at the Coca-Cola Company
- Designed with Your Future in Mind
- Eight Badges Elevate the Moravian Experience
Lights, Camera, Passion!
- The Accidental Executive Producer
- Inspired Movement
- A Blush with Greatness
The Future of Education
- Artificial Intelligence
- Black and Latino College Readiness
- Teachers as Transformational Leaders
DIGITAL ONLY
The great outdoors
- Nature’s healing powers
- A photo essay: Close-ups of Moravian’s natural wonders
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