From The President’s Desk
Dear Moravian Alumni,
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, I am pleased to share some encouraging news about the financial stability and growth of Moravian University. Moravian stands strong despite the challenging times that have led to the closure of many institutions at an alarming rate of one per week and significant budget cuts across the sector. Our excellent S&P Global credit rating of BBB+ with a stable outlook is a testament to our sound financial management and strategic planning. Once again, we are on track to enroll one of the largest classes in Moravian’s history, a clear indicator of our institution’s resilience and appeal.
A significant milestone in our journey toward enhancing student experience and well-being is the $40 million renovation of the Haupert Union Building (HUB). This state-of-the-art facility is designed to focus on student wellness, encompassing mental, physical, and emotional health. The new HUB will feature dedicated spaces for overall student wellness, including mental and physical health resources; career services, veterans, wellness, and commuter lounges; and a conference center. This investment will drive enrollments and significantly improve retention and graduation rates by providing a supportive environment where students can live, learn, and thrive.
Our commitment to student wellness is more crucial than ever, given the alarming rise in mental health issues among young people. We are acutely aware of these challenges and are expanding our wellness initiatives to address them comprehensively. The Moravian University Wellness Initiative aims to enhance and promote existing services, programs, and academic opportunities while incorporating new investments to support the well-being of our community. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to fostering a holistic approach to education, ensuring that our students are well equipped to succeed both academically and personally.
This issue of the Moravian University Magazine beautifully aligns with our focus on wellness by exploring the profound connection between human health and nature. Allison Ludlow ’24, an environmental science major, shares insightful perspectives on how spending time in nature can improve our mental and physical health, cognitive skills, creativity, and happiness. Her work underscores the importance of integrating natural spaces into our daily lives to enhance well-being.
Complementing Allison’s insights, a captivating photo essay takes you on a tour of Moravian’s many beautiful spaces, flowers, and plants. These serene environments offer a much-needed respite from the pressures and busyness of our days, awakening a deep love for nature and providing a sanctuary for reflection and rejuvenation.
Additionally, alumna Lizzy Sgambelluri ’13—a physician assistant, professor, and environmentalist—discusses the intricate connection between humans, all living things, and the environment. She emphasizes how our health is intrinsically linked to the health of the world around us, reinforcing the need for sustainable practices and a harmonious relationship with nature.
As you delve into these inspiring stories, I invite you to reflect on Moravian University’s legacy and the bright future we are building together.
Hound ’em,
President Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26
Features
Emerging research suggests that regularly spending time with nature helps us become healthier, happier, and even smarter.
Explore the unexplored beauty of Moravian’s campus in this photo essay, which captures intimate portraits of the landscape’s natural wonders.
Humans have an unshakeable bond to all life on the planet and to the environment. Understanding this truth lays the foundation for the best solution to human and ecological well-being—a One Health approach.
View Finder
Photographer John Kish IV grabs a photo of three graduates of the Class of 2024 at commencement.
The HUB
News & Notes
Moravian University is better prepared to address cardiac events on campus and save lives.
News & Notes
Community
An Alum Reflects
Luke Peterson ’19 tells a story of planting peonies on South Campus and why he adds a new one every year.
Moravian Moment
This Class of 1880 alumnus built a legal career that included Solicitor General of the United States.
Faculty Focus
Associate professor of public health and director of the program, Colleen Payton, talks about her research and key public health concerns.
Student Spotlight
Emmanuel Bulted ’26 doesn’t hesitate to take on a new opportunity, and the rewards have been spectacular.
Brilliance
Creators
Musician and composer Amal Shokr ’24 draws on Egyptian melodies and memories in an emotive senior project.
Thinkpiece
The mental health of our students is declining, and the pandemic is not solely to blame.
Bookshelf
Revising Moves: Writing Stories of (Re)Making
Edited by Christina LaVecchia ’07, Allison Carr, Laura R. Micciche, Hannah J. Rule, and Jayne E. O. Stone
A Womanist Reading of Hebrew Bible Narratives as the Politics of Belonging from an Outsider Within
By Vanessa Lovelace, associate dean and associate professor of Hebrew Bible Old Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary
A Short Guide to Writing about Psychology, 4th edition
By Dana S. Dunn, professor of psychology
Alumni
Alumni
Shining Lights
The 2024 alumni awards
Vanessa Shukis ’82
Winner of the Anne Briggs Artist Award
Founders Week
A recap of this year’s spring celebration
In Memoriam
Remembering Janet A. Sipple
(January 28, 1943–February 2, 2024)
A Maine Life
“…our fine state is slowly changing and not always in keeping with ‘the way life should be,’ as a favorite state motto goes. Portland, the state’s largest city, is, for all intents and purposes, a Boston suburb, with attendant urban woes. The restaurants are terrific, but the prices are big city all the way. Ditto the rents. And the city, like the Blob, just keeps spreading, putting pressure on its neighbors to follow suit, slowly but surely eroding a country way of life for many of us.”
—Ron DePaolo ’64
Class Notes
1977
Frederick “Fred” Patt is excited to announce the launch of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite—the latest scientific mission at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where Fred has worked for more than 45 years. PACE will provide unprecedented information about the ocean ecosystem.
1996
Matthew Stone, a senior scientist in the Neutron Scattering Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and teammates won an R&D 100 award (“the Oscars of innovation”) for developing an advanced manufacturing process to create 2D and 3D collimators that offer significant improvements over previous models.
2013
In January 2024, Alexandra Borden was elected executive director of the Alliance for Women Film Composers, a nonprofit organization focused on advocacy and visibility for women in the composing industry.
Douglas E. Woosnam ’66 is passionate about lighting the way for our students, veterans, and aspiring nurses so they can succeed in the classroom and beyond.
A chaplain at Mount Sinai West Hospital in New York City, Helen Florence Kurczynski S’17 is committed to lighting the way for the next generation of compassionate caregivers.
Get to Know Our Lighting the Way Subcommittee Chairs
Kurt J. Poling ’89, P’17, P’20
Chair
Blue & Grey Club
Athletics Subcommittee
Flip-book Versions
DIGITAL ONLY
The great outdoors
- Nature’s healing powers
- A photo essay: Close-ups of Moravian’s natural wonders
Working for the earth
- Cutting greenhouse gases
- Protecting coastlines
- Preserving biodiversity
The Food Issue
- Heat up your cooking skills
- Follow our food trail
- Try these wines, ciders, and beers
Celebrating Excellence
- Nokukhanya Langa ’13 earns global acclaim
- Student composers score a win
- Alumni receive Shining Lights awards
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