Fall 2024 Issue:

Fall 2024

The

Future of
Education

Artificial Intelligence

Black and Latino College Readiness

Teachers as Transformational Leaders

Fall 2024

The Future of Education

Artificial Intelligence

Black and Latino College Readiness

Teachers as Transformational Leaders

Content

Features

Evolving the Educational Landscape at Moravian
Committed to advancing teaching and learning, Moravian University is exploring the applications of generative AI, and several faculty members across disciplines are bringing it into their classrooms.

The Changemaker
Educator Wendy Elvin-Thomas uses a stakeholder approach to champion an equitable education for all children.

The Way to Higher Education
Moravian University’s Black and Latino Male College Readiness Program of the Lehigh Valley prepares high school students for success in higher education and beyond.

From The President’s Desk

Fall 2024

Moravian Greyhound family and friends,
As many socially connected Hounds know, Moravian University is now part of a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious recognition not only honors our rich history but also underscores our commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of education that has been a cornerstone of our institution since its founding. We are now one of two universities in the United States and one of eight worldwide to have this designation. This issue of Moravian University Magazine beautifully captures the spirit of Moravian education, one of the reasons for this prestigious and celebrated designation.

Our cover story delves into the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. Moravian is pioneering this cutting-edge technology to enhance learning experiences, foster innovation, and prepare our students for transformative leadership in a world of change. AI integration into our curriculum is a testament to our dedication to providing a forward-thinking and practical education.

In addition, we are proud to highlight the Black and Latino College Readiness Program in its second year. The program is the first high school–to–college initiative of this kind in the Lehigh Valley and provides Black and Latino males entering grades 10, 11, and 12 with a comprehensive experience to learn about the college search process. It embodies our mission to offer education for all, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

We also celebrate the achievements of teachers, such as Wendy Elvin-Thomas, who has joined the first cohort of our Doctor of Education in Transformational Leadership program. The EdD degree program is designed to support the forward-thinking scholar-practitioner by providing the tools to thrive in today’s educational setting and cultivating inclusive systems geared toward the future of learning.

As we continue to build on our legacy and welcome the largest class of Greyhounds in Moravian history, I am grateful for our community’s unwavering support. Your contributions and engagement are vital to our success, and I look forward to the many ways we will continue to grow and innovate together.

Hound ’em,

President Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26

Fall 2024

Features

Fall 2024

Evolving the Educational Landscape at Moravian

Committed to advancing teaching and learning, Moravian University is exploring the applications of generative AI across disciplines.

Fall 2024

The Changemaker

Educator Wendy Elvin-Thomas uses a stakeholder approach to champion an equitable education for all children.

Fall 2024

The Way to Higher Education

Moravian University’s Black and Latino Male College Readiness Program of the Lehigh Valley prepares high school students for success in higher education and beyond.

View Finder

Photographer Nick Chismar ’20 captured a Moravian University student offering assistance in a classroom at Bethlehem’s Thomas Jefferson Elementary School during Heritage Day 2024, Moravian’s celebration of volunteerism.

Why I Play

“I am fearless when I’ve got my guys around me. It’s a sort of uplifting spirit to know that the guy next to me—I can trust him—blood, sweat, and tears.”

—Jeremiah Espinosa ’25

Why I Play

Fall 2024

“I am fearless when I’ve got my guys around me. It’s a sort of uplifting spirit to know that the guy next to me—I can trust him—blood, sweat, and tears.”

—Jeremiah Espinosa ’25

Community

Fall 2024

An Alum Reflects

Around the World in Seven Years

Tom Turcich ’11 reflects on his journey across six continents and shares an excerpt from his new book.

Fall 2024

Moravian Moment

The Father of Education

John Amos Comenius’s philosopy continues to serve as the foundation of a Moravian University education.

Fall 2024

Faculty Focus

Kin Cheung

The associate professor of religion shares his experience as a fellow in the National Committee on United States–China Relations Public Intellectuals Program (PIP).

Fall 2024

Student Spotlight

Music and Cutting-Edge Cancer Research

Biology and music composition double major Hailey Belverio ’25 pursues dual passions on her way to becoming an MD/PhD.

Fall 2024

Ask an Alum

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Moravian University faculty are beloved, as evidenced by the many responses we received to this prompt.

Ask an Alum

Fall 2024

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Moravian University faculty are beloved, as evidenced by the many responses we received to this prompt.

Brilliance

Fall 2024

Creators

Two students preserve the legacy of the Hollywood Saxophone Quartet.

Fall 2024

Thinkpiece

Shaping the future of learning

Bookshelf

Womb Work: Healing Narratives as Reparative Praxis in Black Women’s Literature
By Belinda Waller-Peterson, associate professor of English and associate dean for equity and inclusion

Stone Creek
A novel by Kate Brandes, professor of practice for environmental studies and sciences

Gloria Guardia (Panama): Critical Approaches (Essential Central American Writers Series, Volume 3)
By Nilsa Lasso-von Lang, associate professor of Spanish and assistant director of multicultural enrollment

Hounds of Moravian

Get to Know
Savannah

Tom Turcich ’11 adopted Savannah, a mixed breed, in Austin, Texas, after she was found with her sister on the side of a highway. Savannah joined Turcich on the World Walk, journeying 25,000 miles over six continents.

Hounds of Moravian

Get to Know
Savannah

Fall 2024

Tom Turcich ’11 adopted Savannah, a mixed breed, in Austin, Texas, after she was found with her sister on the side of a highway. Savannah joined Turcich on the World Walk, journeying 25,000 miles over six continents.

Alumni

Fall 2024

Alumni

Jesse McHugh ’14 has overseen the publication of more than 600 books, including The World Walk by fellow alum Tom Turcich ’11.

Fall 2024

Alumni

Sara Kaskowitz ’14, a resident physician and fellow with Atlantic Sports Health System, is a member of the team of physicians that serve the New York Jets.

Fall 2024

IN MEMORIAM

President Grigsby and First Lady Lea Grigsby share their farewell to beloved greyhound and university mascot Mo.

Class Notes

1957

Roland Passaro married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Hall. Both are 88. They reconnected at their high school’s 50th class reunion. You can read their story in People magazine.

1982

Susan Kressly is currently serving as president-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics and will assume the presidency in January of 2025.

2018

Bryan P. Cleary has joined the law firm Goodell DeVries as an associate
in the firm’s Medical Malpractice Practice Group.

Fall 2024
Fall 2024

The journey of first-generation student Donald G. Musselman ’68 at Moravian

Fall 2024

Honnie Spencer, MD ’90 attended Moravian on scholarship and knows that the kindness she received changed her life.

Get to Know Our Lighting the Way Subcommittee Chairs

Mrs. Evelyn Trodahl Chynoweth ’68
Chair
Comenius Society Subcommittee

Flip-book Versions

Fall 2024

Fall 2024

The Future of Education

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Black and Latino College Readiness 
  • Teachers as Transformational Leaders
Fall 2024

Summer 2024

DIGITAL ONLY

The great outdoors

  • Nature’s healing powers
  • A photo essay: Close-ups of Moravian’s natural wonders
Fall 2024

Spring 2024

Working for the earth

  • Cutting greenhouse gases
  • Protecting coastlines
  • Preserving biodiversity
Fall 2024

Fall 2023

The Food Issue

  • Heat up your cooking skills
  • Follow our food trail
  • Try these wines, ciders, and beers

1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
1 800.441.3191
610.861.1320
FAX: 610.625.7930

Moravian University is committed to making its website accessible to all users. Should you find content that is inaccessible, please contact webaccessibility@moravian.edu or visit the Office of Disability & Accommodations.