News & Notes
Meet Moravian University Magazine’s New Editor
Dear readers,
It’s a pleasure to introduce myself as the new editor of Moravian University Magazine and the university’s director of editorial content. I’m honored to step into this role following the very talented Claire Kowalchik P’22, who retired in April after a decade of leading this award-winning publication.
A little bit about me: I spent nearly 15 years working at daily newspapers across the region, including The Morning Call, New Jersey Herald, and Pocono Record. I covered everything from education to local government to the highly unusual (like a house full of alligators or a runaway steer who escaped a butcher shop). Through it all, what I’ve enjoyed most is meeting new people and being entrusted to tell their stories.
In 2021, I decided to make the leap from journalism to higher education. It was important for me to land in a place where I could continue telling meaningful stories while being part of an institution that positively impacts people’s lives and has the power to change society for the better. I found these things in academia, where I have since enjoyed writing about groundbreaking research, passionate faculty, and students who are eager to change the world.
Now, I’m thrilled to be part of the Moravian community, where that energy is everywhere.
This issue of the magazine is about wellness—a theme that feels especially timely as faculty, staff, and students will be utilizing the new wellness-centered Haupert Union Building by the time this issue hits mailboxes. It’s an exciting time on campus, as the HUB has always been a central gathering place for the Moravian community, but it has been under construction for nearly two years. Although I just got here, I can tell that everyone is happy the HUB is back!
As you read this latest issue, you’ll learn about the programs and support services Moravian offers, as well as the ways we foster a caring and connected campus.
I hope you enjoy this issue, and I look forward to telling the Moravian story. I welcome your ideas and comments through email at tatuc@moravian.edu or regular mail at Colonial Hall, 1200 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Christina Tatu, Editor
Photo by Nick Chismar ’20
Photo by Craig Larimer
Moravian Completes Acquisition of Lancaster Theological Seminary
Lancaster Theological Seminary (LTS) has officially combined with Moravian Theological Seminary, forming the Moravian University School of Theology.
The merger was formally completed in August after final approval was received from the US Department of Education. The strategic move, initiated in 2021 with unanimous board approvals from both institutions and affirmed by a Special Synod of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church on July 10, 2021, paves the way for a unified approach to theological education.
LTS will retain its name and continue serving the United Church of Christ tradition, while Moravian will uphold its Moravian heritage. The two seminaries will also benefit from expanded academic offerings.
Moravian Church Settlements– Bethlehem Appoints Faull as First Site Manager
Following a nationwide search, Katherine Mary Faull was named the first site manager for Bethlehem’s Moravian settlements. In the spring, Faull was named founding vice president and executive director of the Institute for Moravian History and World Heritage. She will serve in both capacities.
As site manager, Faull will help shape the strategic vision for Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem as part of a transnational World Heritage site, enhance academic and public programming, lead tourism and hospitality efforts at the Bethlehem sites, and strengthen international partnerships with other historic Moravian World Heritage sites.
Faull brings more than three decades of scholarship and deep engagement in Moravian studies. A former professor of German and humanities and associate provost for local and global engagement at Bucknell University, Faull is internationally recognized for her work on Moravian history, theology, and cultural heritage.
Photo by Nick Chismar ’20
Student Awarded Prestigious Art Scholarship
April Markland ’25 has been awarded the Clyde McGeary Scholarship, given to art education students and recent graduates from Pennsylvania colleges and universities. Markland was nominated by MaryJo Rosania Harvie, assistant professor of art and the art education coordinator at Moravian University. Markland, a recent graduate of Moravian’s K–12 art education program, says she plans to grow her teaching career while continuing to grow as an artist.
“I’m passionate about helping students see the value of creativity, especially those who may not feel seen in traditional academic spaces,” Markland says.
Rosania Harvie nominated Markland to encourage her to stay active in the Pennsylvania Art Educators Association, and because it is important to the art education profession for new voices such as Markland’s to be present and heard.
“April sought out leadership opportunities while at Moravian and has aspirations of educational leadership in the future,” says Rosania Harvie. “She is a wonderful art teacher, and it is my hope that receiving the Clyde McGeary Scholarship will provide April with professional opportunities to launch her career.”
Moravian Replaces Turf on John Makuvek Field
Student-athletes and visitors to John Makuvek Field will experience a new and improved playing surface after new turf and shock-absorbing padding were added this past summer.
The AstroTurf RootZone 3D3 Blend Trionic turf system rests on a high-performance Brock Shock Pad for added safety and durability. The new turf system provides better footing and a more natural feel underfoot.
Photo by Nick Chismar ’20
Meet the Class of 2029
#494
FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS THIRD-LARGEST CLASS IN MORAVIAN’S HISTORY
60%
FEMALE
40%
MALE
REPRESENTING 12 STATES
REPRESENTING FIVE COUNTRIES: Brazil, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, in addition to the US
40%
ARE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS
57%
DECLARED MAJORS IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
33%
DECLARED MAJORS IN THE COLLEGE OF HEALTH
10%
ARE UNDECIDED
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