While incoming students enthusiastically embrace the advancements and innovations to the undergraduate experience, what lies at the core of their commitment is a quality that has been a constant at Moravian for 281 years—a close community. And that might just be more important than ever.

In a 2023 interview with PBS NewsHour, Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and psychology professor at Yale University, reported that “nationally, among college students, we see levels of loneliness around 60 percent.”

First-year student Nicolette Guido was excited to learn about Elevate and Moravian’s career promise, but what mattered most in her decision was that she felt comfortable on campus. Francesco Coffaro and transfer student Eddiana Mancebo Almonte say they chose Moravian for the warm and supportive community. For Billy Sottilare, who is transferring from Ocean County Community College, where he appreciated the intimate experience, finding that same quality in a four-year university was essential. “And I like that the classes are small and you can interact with the professors one-on-one. That’s especially important to me.”

“When I came to an open house, everyone was so welcoming and friendly,” says Lanie Nosbich, who has been excited about becoming one of the pack ever since that day in August 2022. “Everywhere you go on campus, people wave and smile at you. And Moravian tells you what most colleges don’t—that choosing where to go is about finding the right fit.” For Nosbich, the Moravian community is the right fit. Elevate and study abroad, she says, are the icing on the cake.