Founders Week 2024 brought together alumni and supporters to celebrate the founding of Moravian University and Theological Seminary. This annual celebration recognizes Benigna von Zinzendorf, who founded Moravian with assistance from her stepmother, Anna Nitschmann, and honors Moravian’s history as the first school to educate women more than 280 years ago.

On March 22, members of the Anna Nitschmann Society (ANS) and Moravian’s Golden Greyhound alumni (graduated 50+ years ago) attended Morning Tea with First Lady Lea Grigsby P’22, P’26. Over refreshments, the group enjoyed a presentation by local author Anne Supsic, whose novel, The Bookmark, is set in early Moravian Bethlehem. University archivist Cory Dieterly then led attendees on a tour of his exhibit, “Three Hundred Years: The Moravian Legacy of Education, Community, and Tradition (1724–2024),” in the Payne Gallery.

In the evening, ANS members enjoyed a reception, hosted by President Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26 and Lea Grigsby, at the Frueauff House, where they met with a recipient of the Anna Nitschmann Society Endowed Scholarship.

Founders Week continued on March 23 with the inaugural Founders Forum symposium, which celebrated Moravian women and provided continuing professional development for students, alumnae, and friends of Moravian who identify as women. The event featured a keynote address by Melissa Ludwig ’80, moderated by Mary Kate Andres, EdD ’96, three breakout sessions, and a networking lunch, incorporating members of the university and seminary community.

Additional information is available on the Founders Week web page.