JOURNAL FALL 2018
EDITORS Amey Owen Stephanie Vasta CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Bozik Katherine (Katie) Marin Burd ’96 Robin Flemming Emmanuel “Manny” Oudin Amey Owen Luke Pillarella ’18 Stephanie Vasta Robert J. Zaiser Jeffrey M. Zemsky DESIGN Imagevolution PHOTOGRAPHY GDA Integrated Services
DEAR READERS,
PRINTING Christmas City
Welcome to the back to school issue and the launch of our strategic vision campaign “A Tradition of Excellence, A Culture of Curiosity.” The 2018-19 school year is off to a great start. Our ninth graders are gearing up to begin their F.I.R.E. projects, something you’ll be able to read about on page 22, middle school advisories finished writing their covenants and designing their flags, which you will find hanging in the cafetorium, and our third-graders just returned from their first school overnight to Greenkill Retreat Center in Huguenot, NY.
The Moravian Academy Journal is published by Moravian Academy, a non-profit educational institution, 7 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 (610) 868-4744. Moravian Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid awards, and athletic or other school administered programs. Applicants who are disabled (or applicants’ family members who are disabled) requiring any type of accommodation during the application process, or at any other time, are encouraged to identify themselves and indicate what type of accommodation is needed. © 2018 by Moravian Academy. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Postmaster: send changes of address to Moravian Academy Journal, 7 East Market Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. www.moravianacademy.org
In “New Faces” (pages 25-27), you’ll be able to meet the new faculty and staff we welcomed to campus this year, we know you’ll find them just as remarkable as we do. Our student body also continues to impress us every year. In this issue please join us in congratulating Rhea Malhotra ‘20 on winning the biochemistry category at Intel’s International Science & Engineering Fair (page 2), our three National Merit Semifinalists (page 3), and the boys’ tennis team for their decade of dominance (page 28). In this issue, we are pleased to reveal our new strategic vision, A Culture of Curiosity. You will find on pages 8-21 the same materials we are currently talking about with our students, parents, and faculty. After spending time listening to the community, meeting in retreats, and working with a consultant, the Board of Trustees and Head of School Jeff Zemsky, are looking forward to implementing this roadmap designed to include continual enhancements to Moravian Academy. Please spend some time exploring the vision; we look forward to speaking with you about it further. We hope you enjoy this issue and that you’ll be able to join us at any or all of our upcoming fall events including our 50th annual Country Fair (page 32-33) and Reunion Weekend (page 34). Sincerely, Stephanie Vasta Director of Communications and Marketing
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Amey Owen Assistant Director of Communications
CONTENTS FALL 2018
34
30
2 Rhea Malhotra ‘20 Shines at Intels’ International Science & Engineering Fair
31 “Game, Set, Match” for Long-Time Tennis Coach Tom Schoeninger
3 Three Moravian Academy Seniors Among National Merit Semifinalists
32 Celebrating 50 Years: The History of the Moravian Academy Country Fair
4 Nature Hut Dedication: Eagle Scout Max Weiler ‘18
34
2018 Reunion Weekend
35
2018 Distinguished Alumni
36
Moravian Connect: A Success Story
37
Alumni Updates
5 Comenius Corner Highlights 6 Commencement: Class of 2018 7
Strategic Vision: A Culture of Curiosity
22
New Initiatives for 2018
38 “Wadah” Trip: Moravian Alumnae Travel to Indonesia for Global Gathering
25
New Faces
39
Class Notes
28
Field & Court
43
In Memoriam
30 Moravian Field Hockey Coach, Teacher Concludes Impressive Career
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14
29
44 Institutional Advancement News 45 Planned Giving at Moravian Academy
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JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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ACCOLADES Rhea Malhotra ’20 After winning a gold medal at the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF), Rhea Malhotra ’20 spent a week in Pittsburgh for Intel’s International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2018 in May.
• 1st place in the biochemistry category; • best of category - biochemistry (which earned her a $10,000 scholarship, a $1,000 donation to Moravian Academy, and a $1,000 donation to DVSF); • the Experiential Award for the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (including an allexpense-paid trip to Ireland); and • the naming of a minor planet in her honor by Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) of MIT Lincoln Laboratories. Rhea was one of only two Lehigh Valley high schoolers to shine at the fair and was highlighted in The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Live this summer for her accomplishments. The fair featured 1,800 young scientists from more than 80 countries competing for grand awards.
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What Rhea has done is almost equivalent to an athlete winning the Olympics!
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For her research project, “Biochemical Interactions of Cardiac Ion-Blocking Agents and Optical Coherence Tomography In Vivo for Cardiovascular Diseases,” which involved 3D imaging to study cardiac ion-blocking drugs in fruit flies, Rhea achieved…
– Robert Haines, who runs the Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Research Fair, where Malhotra qualified for ISEF.
NATIONAL MERIT
SEMIFINALISTS THREE MORAVIAN ACADEMY SENIORS AMONG NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
Emmett Hawkins ’19
Three Moravian Academy seniors were among the 16,000 selected nationwide as Semifinalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The academically talented high school seniors, Emmett Hawkins, Ryan Hoffman, and Lauren Lee, have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. “We are extremely proud of Emmett, Ryan and Lauren for earning this achievement,” said Dylan Deal, Moravian Academy Upper School Director. “Moravian Academy’s consistent showing in the National Merit Scholarship program is a true testament to the dedication shown by our faculty and staff to provide a strong academic foundation for our students in preparation for college work and beyond.” About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the program by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screening for applicants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
Ryan Hoffman ’19
Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, which will be announced in February 2019. About half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Lauren Lee ’19
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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NATURE HUT
DEDICATED TO EAGLE SCOUT MAX WEILER ‘18 Over an eighteen month period, lifer Max Weiler ’18 worked tirelessly to renovate the Nature Hut, an outdoor structure on Moravian Academy’s Merle-Smith Campus. Throughout his project, Max was very proactive, communicative and effective. He arranged meetings to discuss his ideas with teachers, administrators and members of the Sustainability Committee. Some of the many upgrades that Max and fellow scout volunteers implemented include: • power washed and painted exterior; • installed an aluminum soffit; • cleaned windows and replaced broken screens; • sured up stairs; • washed and painted interior floor; • cleaned drawers, walls and ceiling; • updated educational supplies; and • collected new materials through donations and fundraising.
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When I was a student at Moravian in the Lower School, I remember traveling to the Upper School campus to visit the Nature Hut and learn about biology up close in a hands-on learning experience. It was truly one of my favorite experiences as a young child and really sparked an interest in the natural world for me. When I heard that the place I had loved so much was in a state of dilapidation, I was motivated to take action and renovate and repair the Nature Hut. I decided that it would be a perfect fit for my Eagle Scout project. Due to the efforts and hard work of several incredible volunteers, we managed to restore the building into a working classroom condition and added in lights and access to electricity so projectors and other appliances could be used for supplementary educational matter. I am incredibly happy to see it being used by faculty, Lower School students, and Upper School students alike.
In recognition of Max’s hard work, a dedication plaque was presented to Max in May and will be installed on the exterior of the Nature Hut. The plaque reads, “The Nature Hut… Renovated through the hard work, dedication and vision of Eagle Scout Max J. Weiler ’18.”
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Not only did Max’s improvement project finalize his application for Eagle Scout, but it made a huge difference for Moravian Academy’s outdoor education programming.
– Max Weiler ’18
COMENIUS CORNER To stay up-to-date on all our latest news and happenings, please visit www.comeniuscorner.moravianacademy.org. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the amazing content you will find.
JAMES FORAN ’19 EARNS CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARD Based on his achievements in voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration, James Foran was one of only 93 New Jersey youth statewide recognized at the ceremony. James Foran ’19
BARBARA BALLARD ’07 REFLECTS ON HEAD OF SCHOOL JEFF ZEMSKY’S STRATEGIC VISION PRESENTATION: A CULTURE OF CURIOSITY “I was happy to hear that at the beginning of the process, the board and the school community affirmed their commitment to the mission. They also set a nice framework around the mission, set to be a focus of curriculum decisions and students’ personal learning commitments: curiosity, perseverance, empathy, and creativity.”
Barbara Ballard ‘07
AARTI KATARA ’19 LEADS OPERATION SMILE INITIATIVE “As part of the student team on my mission, I will be responsible for teaching six healthcare modules, including burn care and prevention, dental hygiene, nutrition, oral rehydration therapy, hands-only CPR and the Heimlich maneuver at hospitals, schools, and orphanages.”
Aarti Katara ’19
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2018!
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he rain couldn’t keep the smiles off our seniors faces as the arrived to the Athletic & Wellness Center on June 2nd in their coats, ties, and white dresses. Brandon Loftus ’18 and Jonathan Riker ’18, co-presidents of the class, offered their remarks before Head of School Jeff Zemsky has the honor of handing out diplomas.
The Class of 2018 headed off to some amazing colleges and universities this fall! Please refer to the list below. Baylor University Boston College Boston University Bucknell University - 2 Case Western Reserve U. College of William and Mary Cornell University Dickinson College Drexel University - 2 Duke University Elizabethtown College - 2 Elon University Emory University Furman University Grove City College Hamilton College - 4 Haverford College
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Jefferson University Juniata College Lafayette College - 5 Lehigh University - 5 Long Island University Marlboro College Moravian College Muhlenberg College Parsons School of Design and The New School Pennsylvania State University - 8 Pomona College Rutgers University Sewanee: University of the South St. John’s University St. Joseph’s University SUNY Fredonia
Syracuse University Tufts University University of Colorado, Boulder University of Miami University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh - 3 University of Richmond - 2 University of Rochester - 2 University of Scranton - 3 University of Southern California University of Tampa Ursinus College Vassar College - 3 Villanova University - 3
Photo top: Tyler Schellenberg, Ellie Werner, Taylor de Castro, Lauren Ash, Caroline Spugnardi Photo far left: Jonathan Riker ’18 Photo near left: Brandon Loftus ’18 Photo bottom: Peter Atkins, Andrew Warner, Jack Weiner, Nickolas Boylan, Chae Park
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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Dear friends, We are very excited to share with you our strategic vision for Moravian Academy. In April of 2017, the Board of Trustees met in retreat to discuss how we could bring a more student-centered learning experience to the school. Thus began a process that explored ideas from throughout the Moravian Academy community. In retreats and workshops, focus groups and meetings, we worked together to arrive at this exciting expression of our strategic vision. We call it A CULTURE of CURIOSITY, and it describes a learning experience that will distinguish the school—and our students. Our strategic vision is a roadmap for continual improvement for the next five years. It is born from our history and helps us chart the future. Most educators today believe that schools must evolve to address the rapid pace of social, professional, and technological change. We agree. Since 1742 the school has encouraged sound innovations to meet contemporary challenges. We also think the changes ahead are already contained in the 276-year-old DNA of our school. In the following pages, you will see how our vision connects our expertise in teaching and learning to what today’s students need to prepare for the future. Our vision is that Moravian students will hone the skills of curiosity as they pursue a superior academic and ethical education. Sincerely,
Christopher Weiler Chairman, Board of Trustees
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MORAVIAN ACADEMY
Jeff Zemsky Head of School
Kathleen Waterbury Reilly Strategic Planning Co-Chair
A tradition of excellence. Curiosity cultivates lives of meaning and purpose. That’s the idea behind the new strategic vision that emanates from our mission and will shape the future of Moravian Academy. We call it A CULTURE of CURIOSITY, and our goal is to augment our tradition of academic excellence with an intentional emphasis on cultivating skills of lifelong learning in a changing world—namely, the skills of curiosity.
A culture of curiosity.
MISSION STATEMENT Moravian Academy is a church-related school whose Moravian tradition affirms that young people best realize their potential in an atmosphere of love and understanding. We seek to promote the child’s full development in mind, body, and spirit. Since 1742 the school has encouraged sound innovations to meet contemporary challenges while recognizing the permanence of basic human values. JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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A CULTURE of CURIOSITY FOUR FOCUS AREAS:
Mission Skills, Collaboration, Personal Learning, and Sustaining Connections
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Deeper learning comes through experiences that tap into innate curiosity and personal experiences.
SUSTAININ G CO
CURIOSITY The key that unlocks the door of success for our students.
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PERSEVERANCE Embracing the knowledge that overcoming failure and setback is the path to accomplishment.
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CREATIVITY Fueling big, original ideas and opening doors to opportunity Collaborative processes EMPATHY in a rapidly are built into learning, An essential skill for changing decision-making, and connecting with others world. community practices in an increasingly school-wide. interconnected world.
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Creating and maintaining a sense of belonging in a relevant, thriving community fuels a lifelong love of learning.
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STRATEGIC VISION Moravian Academy will shape the student experience around curiosity and the deeply intellectual, personal, and lifelong growth it inspires.
Timeline for Strategic Visioning April 2017 Process
Board of trustees meets to discuss strategic direction. With feedback from the school community, trustees write initial vision of a student experience focused on curiosity.
May 2017 Moravian Academy celebrates 275th year and the anniversary of Countess Benigna’s founding of the school with a special birthday lovefeast.
November 2017
August & September 2017 Faculty, trustees, and head of school meet to discuss how curiosity drives superior educational outcomes for students and brainstorm school-wide initiatives.
Head of school presents the CULTURE of CURIOSITY vision. Framework established for fostering a specific supporting skill set. Focus groups planned with faculty, students, and parents.
February 2018
April 2018 Trustees approve phase one initiatives after reviewing and experiencing the professional development program on the mission skills.
After reviewing comments and progress, trustees ratify strategic vision and four focus areas. Administration is charged with designing phase one initiatives.
August 2018 The Academy announces the CULTURE of CURIOSITY vision to the Moravian Academy community and begins implementation of phase one initiatives.
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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An investment in four focus areas
To help our culture of curiosity thrive, we are investing in four focus areas: mission skills, personal learning, collaboration, and sustaining connections.
FOCUS AREA
Mission Skills Curiosity helps you develop the skills you need to succeed. Mission skills are habits of mind, body, and spirit that we use to prepare for and respond to change and uncertainty.
“To position yourself favorably for the jobs of the future, become someone who can look at problems in unorthodox ways ... Be a multi-disciplinary, insatiably curious person who knows how to use the tools to model ideas and create prototypes.� THE WASHINGTON POST, 2017
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FOCUS AREA
Personal Learning Curiosity leads to creating your own adventure. Under the expert guidance of teachers attuned to independent thinking, students can become agents of their own learning by finding passions, developing internal motivations, and learning how to learn.
“Continued Progress: Promising Evidence on Personalized Learning,” a study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shows that students in about 60 personalized learning schools outperformed similar students in schools that used more traditional approaches. Personal Best, NAIS Independent School magazine, 2017
“My research is really interesting because I’m doing something entirely new by combining entirely different fields of study.” RHEA, UPPER SCHOOL JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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FOCUS AREA
Collaboration Curiosity leads the way for enhanced collaboration. Collaboration is the capacity to cooperate, negotiate, and lead teams across cultural and geographic differences. Learning teamwork requires time, instruction, real problems to solve, reflection, and lots of practice.
TOP TEN SKILLS ACCORDING TO EMPLOYERS problem solving 2 2. 1. Complex Coordinating with others 0 3. People management 4. Critical thinking 1 5. Negotiation 5 6. Quality control 7. 8. 9. 10.
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Service orientation Judgment and decision making Active listening Creativity
MORAVIAN ACADEMY
Complex problem solving 2 2. 1. Critical thinking 0 3. Creativity People management 2 4. 5. Coordinating with others 0 6. Emotional intelligence 7. Judgment and decision making 8. Service orientation 9. Negotiation 10. Cognitive flexibility
New research finds that, after 3.5 years, the academic performance of students in programs that teach social and emotional learning (SEL) is 13 percentile points higher than non-SEL peers. Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning
FOCUS AREA
Sustaining Connections Curiosity extends beyond school and is lifelong. Sustaining connections is the capacity to create and maintain a sense of belonging in a relevant, thriving community. The relationships made at Moravian Academy should sustain us in mind, body, and spirit for the rest of our lives.
“At Moravian, the teachers give you the opportunity to grow independently, on your own, and that helped me succeed at college. It was instilled in me as a student that I need to be the leader of my own education and I think that helped me succeed at [college].” ZEV GREENBERG ’12
“Our graduates go on to the best colleges and universities in the nation. But we want more for them. We want them to graduate with a thirst for knowledge.” KATHERINE BURD ’96, HISTORY JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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The Mission Skills The CULTURE of CURIOSITY is how we bring the habits of mind, body, and spirit to life every day in an atmosphere of love and understanding. To help us design the first phase of implementation, we have selected these mission skills to celebrate and strengthen in our program: curiosity, perseverance, creativity, and empathy.
MISSION SKILL
Curiosity The joy of discovery has always been the catalyst of life-changing learning. This is why we have chosen curiosity as the key that will unlock the door to success for our students.
“I think having curiosity allows you to know what to do and to just follow what you want to learn.� RYAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL 16
MORAVIAN ACADEMY
MISSION SKILL
Perseverance Perseverance is knowing how to change and respond to challenges in order to meet ambitious goals. In today’s world, students need to learn how to evaluate obstacles, consider options, select strategies, marshal resources, and motivate themselves—especially after a setback.
“After researching kids and adults in super-challenging settings ... one characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success. And it wasn’t social intelligence. It wasn’t good looks, physical health, and it wasn’t I.Q. It was grit. Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.” ANGELA DUCKWORTH, Ph.D., MacArthur Fellow, founder and CEO of Character Lab
85% 50% Predicted share of jobs needed in 2030 that do not now exist
Occupations today that will no longer exist in 2025 CBRE study
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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MISSION SKILL
Creativity Creativity is the act of expressing ideas and turning thoughts into reality; it is thinking beyond current boundaries; it is synthesizing concepts to make new discoveries. In order to operate in tomorrow’s highly competitive, ever-changing, global environment, creativity will be crucial. Creativity is what fuels big ideas, challenges new ways of thinking, and opens the door to new opportunities.
“Once considered the product of genius or divine inspiration, creativity—the ability to spot problems and devise smart solutions—is being recast as a prized and teachable skill.” Creativity Becomes an Academic Discipline, New York Times, 2009
“Every day we’re bringing our mission skills to life at Moravian ... so that what you learn becomes a bigger part of who you are.” JEFF ZEMSKY, HEAD OF SCHOOL 18
MORAVIAN ACADEMY
MISSION SKILL
Empathy Empathy is the practice of understanding a point of view that is different from your own. It creates the vibrant exchange of ideas that push each student’s thinking to new depths of understanding. While the other mission skills are internally focused skills, empathy focuses outwardly on the needs and perspectives of other people.
“Who are we, if not measured by our impact on others? That’s who we are! We’re not who we say we are, we’re not who we want to be—we are the sum of the influence and impact that we have, in our lives, on others.” CARL SAGAN
45% Estimated percentage of human-employed activity that can be automated with proven technologies fortune.com JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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Curious?
Moravian Academy is committed to a process of continuous improvement built upon ongoing strategic visioning. Bringing the mission forward for a new era, our CULTURE of CURIOSITY continues to unfold throughout the school community.
Visit moravianacademy.org/curiosity to: LEARN
WATCH
ATTEND
DISCOVER
more about why
our video and share
an upcoming session
the initiatives that are
curiosity is essential
in our excitement.
and learn more
being implemented now
about how curiosity
to achieve this vision.
to an education.
shapes learning.
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MORAVIAN ACADEMY
From vision into action A CULTURE of CURIOSITY provides a roadmap for Moravian Academy’s continual improvement over the next five years, informed by a process of reflection and refinement. Rooted in both the history and the future of our school, A CULTURE of CURIOSITY is a visionary document that charts why we will be investing in growth initiatives and how the school will distinguish its exceptional experiences for students throughout their journeys from children to young adults. Turning vision into action is both a sustained and an iterative process. Under the leadership of Jeff Zemsky, Head of School, and with guidance from the board of trustees, the school will develop and implement initiatives in phases to strengthen and improve the school while preserving the essential character and legacy of Moravian Academy. The Moravian Academy community is strong and vibrant. The participation of all of us— from students and families to faculty and staff and alumni and neighbors—is required to realize the vision in full. At the end of each year, we will reflect on our progress and refine our initiatives. Feedback from the community is integral to our success. As we assess our progress and launch new initiatives, we will provide regular updates to our community.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Christopher Weiler, Chair Mary Catherine Tachovsky, Vice Chair Brian Loftus, Secretary Lawrence B. Eighmy, Treasurer Tasha Bolden James Boylan Erica D’Agostino ’91 Cynthia DePillo Barbara Dietterich Joan Duckloe Daniel Eyvazzadeh ’96 Paul Farr Michael Gulati Matthew McQueen ’99 Stuart Paxton Christine Perrucci Joanne Regina Kathleen Waterbury Reilly Christian Rice The Honorable Paula Roscioli ’83 Carole Devey Schachter ’76 Karley Biggs Sebia ’00 Karen Pearce Sonier ’78
HONORARY TRUSTEES Margaret Baldock Steven Krawiec Gordon L. Sommers ASSOCIATE TRUSTEES (FACULTY) Kathryn Bulman Katherine Martin Burd ’96 Marc Yerrington ADVISORS TO THE BOARD Jeff Zemsky, Head of School Dylan Deal, Director of Upper School John Donecker, Director of Middle School James Kirtland, Director of Business and Financial Affairs Ann S. Mindler ’70P, Assistant Head of School Susan Parent, Director of Lower School Robert J. Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement
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NEW INITIATIVES for 2018
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MORE PERSONAL READING INSTRUCTION
EXPANDED STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Reading is the gateway into the culture of curiosity and to lifelong learning. Children take multiple paths to reading and becoming expert interpreters, creators, and synthesizers of ideas through texts. The Lower School faculty recognize the importance of personal learning in reading instruction and are implementing an individualized and systemic approach to reading instruction. This approach starts with benchmarking and setting growth goals and leads to Lucy Calkins’ readers and writers workshop model, a research-informed and schooltested approach from Columbia University Teachers College.
We are pleased to expand the student support department at Moravian this fall by adding a dedicated counselor in the Lower and Middle Schools and increasing the school psychologist’s time at the Upper School. We know each child’s learning is influenced by a wide range of personal factors and student support professionals help the school integrate cognitive, social, and emotional instruction to be most effective for students.
NINTH-GRADE RESEARCH PROGRAM
The culture of curiosity vision focuses on how we prepare students with the timeless personal skills needed to thrive in the face of change and uncertainty. As generations of Moravian students have learned from our school’s mission, success depends on developing the sound habits of mind, body, and spirit. We call these the mission skills: curiosity, perseverance, empathy, and creativity. Starting this year, you will see faculty highlighting these mission skills in the curriculum and weaving them into the school experience.
Over their four years in high school, students should become the executive directors of their own learning, but how do they get started? A new program for ninth-grade students helps prepare them by combining a human-centered approach to personal learning with digital technologies for researching and synthesizing information. The Freshman Interdisciplinary Research Experience (F.I.R.E.) is a new, joint effort of the science, history, and English departments to help prepare students for the Comenius Program in Upper School and to hone their research skills for the rest of high school and beyond.
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MORAVIAN ACADEMY
THE MISSION SKILLS
PHOTOS 1. More Personal Reading Instruction 2. 9th Grade Research Program 3. Expanded Student Support Services 4. The Mission Skills
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Reading is the gateway into the culture of curiosity and to lifelong learning. D
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Combines a human-centered approach to personal learning with digital technologies for researching and synthesizing information.
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NEW INITIATIVES for 2018 MORAVIAN CONNECT
SAFETY AND SECURITY
DEVELOPMENTAL DESIGNS
We want our students to see themselves in a lifelong network with the larger Moravian Academy community, which is an essential part of sustaining the learning and the benefits of being a Moravian student. We have launched a new online platform powered by Graduaway this year called Moravian Connect, which offers Upper School students, parents, and alumni a trusted, dedicated space to connect with others inside the Moravian community of lifelong learners.
Moravian understands both the necessities and complexities of providing a safe learning environment for all students in today’s world. This is why we have engaged an expert safety and security consultant, 911 Consulting, familiar with several independent schools in our network, who has audited the school’s facilities, protocols, and practices. This summer, we began enhancements, which included installing new hardware on doors, updating security protocols that secure access to our campus, and increasing professional counseling for students. The security consultant will also provide ongoing training to staff. We will also hold community information sessions for you to learn about these ongoing security enhancements and updates. Mrs. Ann Mindler, Assistant Head of School, is overseeing this important multiyear effort.
The success of the vision requires examining how we teach the mission skills in a consistent fashion across all grade levels. We’ve chosen to partner with Developmental Designs to provide ongoing professional development with our faculty. The “DD” program is founded on research-informed and schooltested practices about cognitive, social, and emotional learning. These proven techniques for group facilitation and personal instruction will help the faculty and the school to better meet the needs of each student.
PHOTOS 1. Safety & Security 2. Faculty participating in an August 2018 Developmental Designs training session
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We want our students to see themselves in a lifelong network with the larger Moravian Academy community.
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NEW FACES MR. GEORGE ANDRIKO ’07 • Grade 5 Teacher
A 2007 Moravian graduate and a previous Moravian Academy fifth-grade classroom teacher (2012-2014), Mr. Andriko is a welcomed returning member of the Lower School team. He holds a B.S. in Elementary Education/Special Education from Lebanon Valley College and has additional training in Mindfulness Fundamentals, Responsive Classroom and other restorative practices.
MRS. SHEA ANDRIKO • Early Childhood Literacy Support Specialist
Mrs. Andriko joined the Lower School faculty in several exciting capacities, including early childhood librarian, literacy coach, and classroom teacher support. She comes to Moravian Academy from Fairfax County Public Schools of Virginia. A graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Minor in Special Education, Mrs. Andriko has already proven to be a resource for both student support and professional development.
MRS. KATHRYN BARNHARDT • Upper School History Teacher
Mrs. Barnhardt joined the Upper School’s history department. She earned a B.A. from Mount Holyoke College and an M.S. from Simmons College. She has been teaching for 17 years, most recently at Chatham Hall in Virginia. With roots in the Valley, Mrs. Barnhardt brings to Moravian Academy an intellectual tenacity that will spark and assuage our students’ curiosity.
MS. BETH BINDER • Lower School Administrative Assistant
Ms. Beth Binder joined the Lower School office staff as an office assistant. Ms. Binder’s higher education experiences are from Bucks County Community College and Kutztown University in the field of fine arts. Her varied skills and education suit our needs well at the Lower School as she engages with students, parents and faculty.
MRS. WENDY BURCAW • Primer Teacher
Mrs. Burcaw recently joined the Lower School faculty as a part-time primer teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University. Mrs. Burcaw has worked for the Northampton, Nazareth and Northern Lehigh Area School Districts for nearly twenty years. Most recently, she was Moravian’s long-term substitute in the primer classroom and our reliable, passionate classroom substitute for many other grades.
MRS. CARISSA CASEY • Director of Student Support Teams, LS/MS School Counselor
Mrs. Casey joined the Middle and Lower School faculty having previously served as the Director of Learning Support, Counselor, and Learning Specialist at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, PA. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a concentration in education from Lafayette College, a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University Teacher College, and a certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University.
MR. NATHAN DIEHL • Middle School Music Teacher, Chorus and Handbells Director
Mr. Nathan Diehl provides an encore performance to Moravian Academy as our new Middle School Music Teacher. Many may fondly remember Mr. Diehl from his time serving as Lower School music teacher for 11 years. For the past two years, he was the vocal music, music theory, and musical theatre teacher at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. Mr. Diehl has a Bachelor’s Degree in music education from Moravian College and a Master of Music degree from West Chester University. Mr. Diehl is also an OrffSchulwerk certified music teacher.
MRS. VANESSA FALCONE ’00 • Grade 3 Teacher
Mrs. Falcone is no stranger to Moravian. She was a Lower School substitute teacher in 2017-18, taught professional development workshops this summer for our teachers, and is also a Moravian Academy alumna. Mrs. Falcone has a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism from West Virginia University, and a Master’s Degree in education from Long Island University. Mrs. Falcone taught at McKinley Park Elementary School in Brooklyn, New York for the past six years. JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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NEW FACES MRS. SONIA KELTON • Middle School Spanish Teacher
Born and raised in Peru, Mrs. Kelton moved to the United States in 2001. She has a degree from Ricardo Palma University and a Spanish teacher certificate from Muhlenberg College. During the past four years, Mrs. Kelton taught Spanish to students kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Joseph Catholic School in Orefield, Pennsylvania. Prior to her time at St. Joseph’s, she served as a long-term substitute teacher in the Parkland, Pottsgrove and Whitehall School Districts.
MRS. COLEEN KENYON • Upper School Nurse
Mrs. Coleen Kenyon earned a B.S. in Nursing from Villanova University and an M.S. from Chestnut Hill College in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. She brings to the position a unique combination of school nursing and professional counseling experience.
MRS. MICHELLE LEYESA • Middle School Science Teacher
Mrs. Leyesa joined the Middle School faculty having previously taught for 11 years at a handful of schools including Stevens Cooperative School, Stuart Country Day School, Ursuline School and Ethical Culture Fieldston School. Mrs. Leyesa has taught biology, life science, animal physiology, and physical science classes across multiple grade levels. Mrs. Leyesa has a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova and a Master of Science degree from New York University.
MS. ROSEMARIE MARTENS • Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Ms. Martens joined Moravian Academy having previously taught at Kennedy Middle School and Friends Academy in Locust Valley, NY. Ms. Martens earned a Bachelor of Arts from Marist College double majoring in history and Spanish and Latin American/Caribbean studies. She also holds a Master of Science degree in educational technology from Long Island University. In addition to teaching sixth-grade social studies, Ms. Martens also teaches the debate elective.
VINCENT MCENROE • Middle School PE/Health & Wellness Teacher
Mr. McEnroe joined Moravian Academy having previously taught both middle and high school students in New Jersey. Mr. McEnroe earned a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science degree from The College of New Jersey, where he was also a member of the varsity soccer team.
DR. JOHN MCKAY • Upper School Math Teacher
Dr. McKay earned a B.S. in chemical engineering and a B.S. in music from Massachusetts Institute of Technology before doing a Franklin Fellowship at University of Pennsylvania and earning a Masters and Ph.D. from Harvard University in music theory. Dr. McKay has been teaching for 20 years, most recently at the University of South Carolina School of Music. A Lehigh Valley native, Dr. McKay is excited to be returning to secondary education, having previously taught secondary math and physics.
MR. MATTHEW MCKAY • Middle School Math Teacher
Mr. McKay joined the Middle School faculty having previously taught at Western Heights Middle School in Hagerstown, MD, as well as three years of teaching with Lehigh Valley Summerbridge. Mr. McKay earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kutztown University and also holds a Master of Education degree from Lehigh University.
MS. BARBARA MEDINA • Lower School Spanish Teacher
Ms. Medina is happy to be back on Moravian soil, as she attended the Academy during her elementary years. In our Lower School, Ms. Medina teaches Spanish to primer, pre-kindergarten and fifth grade, supports Spanish immersion classrooms and champions library efforts for SIP students. She has rich experience, most recently teaching Spanish at multiple schools including St. Francis of Assisi School, St. Agnes School, and St. Teresa of Calcutta. She received her B.A. in Spanish and secondary education from Moravian College, a Master of Education in Instructional Technology K-12 from DeSales University, and is a Google Certified Instructor.
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MR. PAUL REDUZZI • Upper School Math Teacher
Mr. Reduzzi has taught Advanced Placement and Honors level math courses for over 20 years at both Belvidere High School and Hopatcong High School in New Jersey. He received a B.S. in secondary mathematics education from East Stroudsburg University. In 2013, he was recognized as Governor’s Teacher of the Year while teaching at Belvidere High School and, as a football and basketball coach, has won numerous “Coach of the Year” honors.
DR. JUAN ROJO • Upper School Spanish Teacher
Dr. Juan Rojo joined the Upper School’s Global Language Department as a Spanish teacher. Dr. Rojo earned his B.A. from Clark University, his M.A. from Emory University, and his Ph.D. from Cornell University. Dr. Rojo has taught Spanish at the college level and high school level. Most recently he taught Spanish at EF Academy outside of New York City.
MRS. ELENA SCHANTA • Upper School Math Teacher
Mrs. Elena Schanta joined the Upper School’s math department. Mrs. Schanta has spent the last 20 years split between Allentown Jewish Day School and Allentown Central Catholic. She earned her B.S. from Cedar Crest College and recently completed her Masters of Engineering at Lehigh University. Mrs. Schanta has also taught coding and designed a course on energy systems analysis.
MRS. ANDRIANA TURCOTTE • Middle School Math Teacher Mrs. Turcotte joined Moravian Academy after seven years teaching at Newtown Friends School in Newtown, PA and four years at Krumbiegel Middle School in Hillside, NJ. Mrs. Turcotte is an experienced math teacher of students in seventh and eighth-grades. Mrs. Turcotte earned a Bachelor of Science degree from The College of New Jersey double majoring in elementary education and psychology. In addition, she also holds a Master of Science degree in administration and supervision from Drexel University.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS BARBARA DIETTERICH
Barbara Dietterich is a career educator with 35 years teaching experience in public education. In her career, she taught kindergarten, the primary grades, the gifted support program, and instructional technology to students and teachers alike at the elementary level. Graduating from Kutztown State College with a B.S. in elementary education and earning a Master’s degree in education from Lehigh University, Barbara has enhanced her learning in many courses and education workshops. Barbara presently acts as Secretary of the Board of Managers of the Moravian Historical Society, an Elder of Nazareth Moravian Church and Moravian Archives.
PAUL FARR
Paul Farr is chairman of MB Mechanicals Holding, LLC and was previously Chief Executive Officer of Talen Energy Corporation through December 2006. He worked for PPL Corporation and Talen Energy for a combined 17 years, serving over 7 years as Chief Financial Officer of PPL before heading the merchant generation business that would ultimately become Talen Energy upon the successful public listing in 2005. Mr. Farr has a B.S. in accounting from Marquette University and an MBA from Purdue University.
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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FIELD COURT LION’S PRIDE
BOYS’ TENNIS: DECADE OF DOMINANCE The Boys’ Tennis team claimed their 10th District 11 title in as many years, completing their decade of dominance. While the numbers prove the Lions success, the team has never won all three titles in the tournament...until this year. Daniel Elmi’18 finished off his stellar career with a gold in the singles championships, Robbie Shaff ‘19 and Cyrus Elmi ‘20 secured the W in doubles, which led to the Lions taking home the team title as well. #LIONPRIDE
TENNIS AWARDS Captain’s Award
Daniel Elmi ’18 Benjamin Wax ’18 MVP – Daniel Elmi ’18 MIP – Cyrus Elmi ’20
Coach’s Award Nader Rifai ’21 28
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SPRING SPORTS AWARDS BOYS’ LACROSSE CAPTAIN’S AWARD
David Akinsooto ’19 MIP – Griffin Lombardi ’19
GIRLS’ LACROSSE CAPTAIN’S AWARD
Taylor de Castro ’18 Libby Michaelis ’19 Ashley Pearce ’18 MVP – Taylor de Castro ’18 MIP – Carolyn Reilly ’19
BASEBALL CAPTAIN’S AWARD
Ethan Buck ’20 Jack Dubreuil ’18 Tyler Joseph ’20 Luke Pillarella ’18 MVP – Tyler Joseph ’20 Abel Saft ’21 MIP – William Bingham ’20
COACH’S AWARD
SOFTBALL CAPTAIN’S AWARD
Isabelle Endress ’18 Miracle Mitchell ’18 MVP – Olivia Fabiano ’21 MIP – Audrey Dai ’21
COACH’S AWARD
Paige Busch ’21 Bethany Marzella ’20
Luke Pillarella ’18
COACH’S AWARD Maclaine Oskin ’19
CONGRATULATIONS to our student-athletes continuing their careers at the collegiate level! (photo at left) In order, from left to right, listed with their sport and school.
LAUREN GERBER
Swimming, Lafayette College
HUNTER ZAHM
Track & Field, University of Scranton
CONNOR CASEY
Swimming, Elizabethtown College
DREW WARNER
Golf, Furman University
ELLIE WERNER
Field Hockey, Dickinson College
RACHEL BURCAW
Soccer, Ursinus College
TUCKER EIGHMY
Football, Lehigh Universit JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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FIELD COURT a fond farewell DEBBIE BROSS MORAVIAN FIELD HOCKEY COACH, TEACHER CONCLUDES IMPRESSIVE CAREER After 37 years, Mrs. Debbie Bross announced her retirement from field hockey coaching and teaching in the classroom at the end of last school year. Debbie arrived at Moravian Academy in 1981 to teach physical education. Over her years in the classroom and as coach of the varsity field hockey team, Debbie has taught and impacted students in all three divisions. Under Coach Bross, Moravian Academy field hockey teams won over 500 games and brought home two state championships, first in 1984 and again in 2016. Her teams earned five Colonial league titles and six District 11 titles during her career. Because of her success, in 2013, Debbie was recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations as a coach of the year, one of just 22 such awards given out across the country.
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“Coaching is teaching,” said Debbie. “Every team that I’ve worked with over the years has really clicked and these experiences transfer to their college and career choices and bond all of us. I think field hockey is special, but participation in any sport can change your life forever.”
Ask Debbie about what she’s most proud of and you are bound to hear about the people her students have grown into and what contributions they make to their communities. “For decades, Moravian Academy students have demonstrated a determination and inner sense of purpose that reflect their teacher, Mrs. Bross,” said Head of School Jeff Zemsky “She embodies for students the very notion of education in mind, body, and spirit.” Debbie plans to spend retirement with her husband, former Moravian Academy Upper School physics teacher Thomas Bross, and her growing family- including her daughter and Middle School French teacher Emily Quinn ’04; and granddaughters Naomi - born in August - and Sophie. Debbie’s influence at Moravian will continue, as she’s passed her whistle to Wendy Thompson Sheetz ’85, (pictured on bottom left with 2018-19 team) former assistant coach and Upper School teacher who played on the 1984 title team and whose daughter, Madison Sheetz ’14, played for Debbie as well. Said former player Allison Vasta Nicholson ’98, who went on to play at Ursinus College and coach under Debbie at Moravian, “Forever Moravian Academy field hockey will make you think of Debbie Bross.”
TOM SCHOENIGER “GAME, SET, MATCH” FOR LONG-TIME TENNIS COACH TOM SCHOENINGER Since 1998, the Moravian Academy boys tennis team has accumulated over 400 wins under coach Tom Schoeninger. Sadly, after 21 years, Tom announced his resignation at the end of last school year.
to legendary coaches by Emmanuel “Manny” Oudin
“I resigned simply because it was time for me to go,” stated Tom. “I had accomplished more than I ever thought possible and I wanted to leave when there was a good bunch of players to continue the Moravian Academy tradition in tennis.” In his 21 years, Tom’s boys teams won both the Colonial League and District 11 titles 18 times during his tenure, including the past 10 and 17 out of the last 18 seasons. His teams won state championships in 2001 and, most recently, in 2015. During his final season as head coach in 2018, Moravian Academy claimed another Colonial League and District 11 title, and advanced to the PIAA team finals. For his outstanding efforts, Tom was honored as boys tennis coach of the year by The Morning Call. “We’ve had such nice, down to earth, smart kids associated with our program,” Schoeninger said. “One of the things I’ve stressed as a coach is, although it’s an individual sport, it’s the team that matters most. That’s been the hallmark of our program, and the kids have acted like gentlemen throughout my time at Moravian Academy.” Rick Brown, who will be taking over for Coach Schoeninger as the head varsity boys’ tennis coach in spring 2019, hopes to continue the legacy that Tom has established with our tennis programs. Rick has served as our varsity head girls’ tennis coach for the last two years and was previously Tom’s assistant with both the girls and boys programs. JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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COUNTRY FAIR CELEBRATING 50 YEARS: THE HISTORY OF THE MORAVIAN ACADEMY COUNTRY FAIR By Amey Owen Motivated by the need to raise funds for an exchange program with its sister school in Nice, France, Moravian Preparatory School held its first “Country Fair and Horse Show” on Saturday, May 10th, 1969. Mrs. Joan Cory, who with her husband Mr. John Cory owned the Pleasant Hollow Farm in Springfield Township, and a teacher gave impetus to the event by deciding that the proceeds from her annual spring horse show would be donated to the exchange program. To bolster funds, the Parents’ Association thought it was a good idea to sponsor a fair at the same time, and from there, the event ballooned. The prospect of having their own Country Fair generated great excitement among the students. A major way of raising money was having businesses place advertisements in the Country Fair program. Students in Grades 7 through 12 canvassed the Lehigh Valley community leading up to the event. The ninthgrade class, which sold $3,000 worth of
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advertisements, sold the most and were rewarded with a day off of school. The entire student body- as well as parents and faculty members - worked hard for several months to make the fair a reality. Barns were cleaned, tents were erected, parking areas cleared and booths were built. Committees arranged music, prizes, decorations, food and made sunbonnets and aprons for fair workers. Each student class took charge of projects for the event, including the kindergarten class, which enrolled kittens, puppies, lambs, birds and other creatures for a baby animal show; the sixth-graders, who made hand-dipped wax candles to sell at the event; and the juniors and seniors, who played a major hand in selling tickets. The cost of admission to the Country Fair was $1.00 for adults and .25 cents for students. Upperclassmen provided valet parking and distributed programs at the event. Over three hundred people entered the day-long horse show, which featured 27 classes with awards of
trophies, money and ribbons. Students served as ringmasters during the show and were involved in riding and showing horses. Most of the dozens of booths and displays at the event were also operated by the students themselves. Student-made ceramic pieces, jewelry, photography, paintings, and threedimensional artwork were offered for sale. A professional touch was also provided by commercial booths, which
Food was a major component of the fair. First graders sold lemon sticks and iced tea. Second graders sold snow cones, while third-graders sold homemade cookies, brownies and cupcakes. Ninth graders coordinated a cake sale, and tenth-graders sold cotton candy. Prep mothers sold frozen casseroles. Multiple hot dog and soft drink stands, a barbeque stand, a pizza stand and a fried chicken luncheon tent were also available at the event.
featured potted garden plants, farm products, fresh-cut flowers, beach hats, bags, equestrian wear, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties and a station wagon flea market. Students of various grades ran and promoted games and tests of skills, such as a greased pole and barrel-walk; a bean-bag throw; target practice with sponges; a traditional fishpond game; count-the-beans; penny pitching; and ring tosses. Fortune telling and facepainting were also provided by local community members and students.
During the day, live music was provided by “Barefoot Band” - a unique group of tenth-grade Prep students dressed in tattered clothes playing combs, plastic wastebaskets, and musical saws. Rock bands “Icarus” and “The Blue Heat” performed in the late afternoon.
one of you...Let us know how you felt about it, because some people are already talking about next year.” Thankfully, discussions for “next year” not only happened, but the “Country Fair” evolved into an annual event. In fact, October 13th marks the fiftieth celebration of the Moravian Academy Country Fair. Although there are many distinctions between 1969’s fair and the Country Fair we know and love today, the family-centered event still remains a cornerstone of the Moravian Academy tradition.
In the end, the Country Fair and Horse Show’s gross intake was $13,000, netting between $8,000 - $9,000 for the school’s exchange program. Stated Mrs. Joan Cory and Country Fair Chairperson Mrs. Margaret Baldock in a letter, “As far as we are concerned, May 10th’s Country Fair and Horse Show was a complete success, due entirely to each and every
Celebrating 50 years of family fun...
Moravian Academy Country Fair
Craft & Fashion Vendors | Food Trucks | Main Stage Performances | Pie Baking Contests | Spirit Store Used Book Sale | Grade Booth Activities | British Car Show | Petting Zoo & Pony Rides | Amusement Rides
October 13, 2018 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | Merle-Smith Campus Interested in volunteering? Contact Michele LeHeup at mleheup@mamail.net JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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REUNION WEEKEND 2018 Moravian Academy Reunion Weekend 2018 will be held Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14. Alumni from Moravian Academy, Moravian Seminary for Girls and Moravian Preparatory School are invited back to campus to reconnect with friends and former classmates, faculty and administration to reminisce or catch up on their current lives.
WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: FRIDAY
Reunion Lovefeast Upper School Chapel Campus Tours and Classroom Visitation Reunion Cocktail Party
SATURDAY
5K Fun Run/Walk (More information on page 44) Country Fair (See pages 32-33) Campus Tours Reunion Lunch and Program H onoring the 50 year Classes of 1968 and the 2018 Distinguished Alumnae (See page 35)
Interactive Learning Sessions Cluster Reunions and Class Gatherings (on and off campus) The Lion’s Den Children’s Program
SUNDAY
Alumni Hours in the Athletic and Wellness Center For additional information, contact Tracy Bozik, Director of Alumni Relations at tbozik@moravianacademy.org or 610-332-5282. Up-to-the-minute schedules, accommodation information and much more can be found online at moravianacademy.org/reunion2018 or posted on Facebook in the Moravian Academy Alumni Group.
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2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI Distinguished Young Alumnus: ROMAN MOLINO DUNN ’03
Roman Molino Dunn ’03 is an award-winning composer, Billboard-charting music producer (a.k.a Electropoint), and co-owner of Mirrortone Studios in New York City. He has composed and produced music for advertising agencies and corporations, for television commercials, tv shows, short film, feature films, radio, and internet campaigns. Brands and TV networks that have used his music include Burger King, Michael Kors, NBC, Snapple, E!, A&E, MTV, Netflix, and many more. TV networks that have used his work include E!, A&E, MTV, Netflix, Discovery, TLC, and more. In addition to corporate and film music composition, as a producer, he has worked with major and indie labels and Grammy-winning artists alike, particularly with reality TV stars (Love & Hip Hop, Dr. Miami, Ru Paul’s Drag Race), and his productions have climbed both the Billboard and iTunes top 20 charts.
Distinguished Young Alumna: CLAUDIA FISCHMANN MATTISON ’03
Claudia Fischmann Mattison ’03 is a licensed professional engineer, LEED for Homes Green Rater, and LEED accredited professional who provides sustainability consulting and project management at dbHMS- which was founded on the principles of integrated project delivery and sustainable design. Claudia assists project teams in developing strategies for LEED certification both for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)-related credits and more general consulting. She has overseen projects ranging from core and shell developments to large-scale, multi-family housing. Claudia brings a broad knowledge base to implementing green techniques and strategies. Prior to joining dbHMS, Claudia worked as a structural engineer at Thornton Tomasetti. Projects of note that she worked on include the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Gates Hall at Cornell University.
Distinguished Alumna: ELIZABETH (BETSY) GORDON ’68S
Elizabeth (Betsy) Gordon ‘68S lives in San Rafael, CA and is founder of The Betsy Gordon Foundation. Her foundation supports nonprofit organizations working for the benefit of humanity and the whole earth. Betsy values innovative ideas on
the frontiers of human possibility and her foundation focuses on organizations engaged in research and service that bridge the inner work of mind and spirit to the outer work of action and service in the world.
Distinguished Alumna: SHELLEY SHERMAN BROWN ’68P
As State Theatre in Easton president & CEO, Shelley Sherman Brown ‘68P has been overseeing all operations and productions of the arts center since 1993. In recognition of her contributions at the State Theatre, Shelley has received many community awards, including the 2002 Athena Leadership Award and two honorary degrees from Lafayette College and Cedar Crest College. During her tenure at the State Theatre, Shelley also created and remains executive producer of the two-time Emmy-award winning FREDDY© Awards, a ceremony held annually to recognize outstanding achievement in high school musicals in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, PA and Warren County, NJ. Prior to her tenure at State Theatre, Shelley was the executive producer, vice president for development and principal on-air personality at WLVT-TV, the Lehigh Valley’s public television station, for over 18 years. During that time, her programs received seven Golden Keystone Awards. She is heavily involved with many community boards and associations.
Honorary Alumna: ELINOR DINSMORE
In January 1967, Elinor Dinsmore was called upon as a mid-year replacement teaching sixth grade mathematics, history and geography at at Moravian Preparatory School. Through the years, she touched the lives of many students, teaching first grade, fifth grade and serving as the Lower and Middle School librarian. In 1984, she moved to the Middle School to teach seventh-grade English and computers. In fact, Elinor was among the first faculty members to become computer literate, having taken classes at both Lehigh University and Bank Street College in New York City. After retirement from her 25-year tenure as an educator at Moravian in 1992, she relocated to Cape Cod, where she became active in the community library. She stays active at Moravian Hall Square in Nazareth, serving on the altar and library committees. She and her late husband George are the parents of four children, three of whom are Moravian graduates – Cindy Dinsmore ’73, Patty Dinsmore ’73 and Joanne “Jodi” Dinsmore deLopez ’79. JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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CONNECT! A SUCCESS STORY By Luke Pillarella ’18 As I prepared to head off to Boston College to study management and finance, I was hoping to build my network in Boston by connecting with people already in the city who shared my interests and experiences. Tracy Bozik, Moravian Academy Director of Alumni Relations, suggested I try Moravian Connect (www.moravianconnect.com), which connected me to Rachel Loetzbeier ‘12, a fellow Moravian Academy alumna who is living in the Boston area. Rachel generously offered to have a phone conversation with me. During our call, she shared how graduating from Moravian made her feel extremely prepared for college. We covered everything from fun things to do in the city to how to navigate the public transportation system to how to get involved in the local community. The best piece of advice Rachel offered me was to research every opportunity that presents itself, as that was how she ended up in a career she loves in a city she loves. Rachel also connected me with Ryan Manhoff ‘12 from her graduating class, who attended Boston University. Ryan was able to offer me helpful tips about college life in the city, as well as great advice about pursuing a career that you are truly passionate about. Being able to connect with and learn from Rachel and Ryan was an invaluable experience that will make my transition to Boston College easier, something that I wouldn’t have been able to do without Moravian Connect. I am very glad I took advantage of the opportunity and I look forward to connecting with more alumni and learning what they have to say about their journeys after Moravian Academy. To join me and many other alumni from Moravian Academy, visit www.moravianconnect.com.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER ALUMNI! We are pleased to premiere Moravian Connect! Moravian Connect allows you to reconnect with old classmates as well as enables you to utilize the trusted Moravian Academy environment to expand your professional network. With Moravian Connect, you can find alumni in your profession or in your neighborhood, seek career advice, find a mentor, post or view job opportunities, and much more! Join today at www.moravianconnect.com
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COLLEGE CORNER The College Corner (www.moravianacademy.org/collegecorner) series highlights Moravian Academy graduates currently enrolled in their junior and senior years of college. If you are interested in contributing an article to our College Corner series, please let us know.
ALUMNI UPDATES
CLASS NEWS
Send us your class news on the enclosed note card and we will include your news in the next issue of the Moravian Academy Journal. Pictures are welcome and can be sent via email to tbozik@moravianacademy.org. Be sure to also send us your updated contact information so we can keep you up to date with alumni news and upcoming events. Class Notes can also be submitted online at www.moravianacademy.org/stayintouch.
COAST TO COAST: CALLING ALL ALUMNI Moravian Academy will continue its coast to coast tour again this fall. Over the next few months, Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement, or another member of the Advancement Team will be visiting with alumni in geographic areas including Chicago, Wisconsin, Indiana, New England, New York, South Carolina, Atlanta, Florida, San Francisco/Northern California, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. These meetings traditionally are on-on-one, in small groups, or sometimes in larger gatherings depending on the location. Please be on the lookout for email invitations. To help organize a gathering or schedule a personal meeting, contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement, at bzaiser@mamail.net or (610) 332-5291.
facebook.com/MATheatreAlum
Join the “Moravian Academy Alumni Group�
Linkedin - MA Alumni Group
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! There are many ways to reconnect with your alma mater! If you have some time to give, volunteers are needed in the following areas: CLASS AGENTS Act as a liaison between Moravian Academy and your class, sharing information and soliciting feedback, receiving class notes and updated information, stewarding class fundraising efforts for the Annual Fund and Benigna Cup Challenge. REUNION CLASS CHAIRS Help plan and promote attendance at your milestone reunions. CAREER DEVELOPMENT NETWORK Share information about careers, workplaces, geographic region, or the pursuit of an advanced degree with interested students and alumni. REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Communicate with alumni in your region and help plan local events. YOUNG ALUMNI NETWORK Provide input on events and activities for our recent graduates (10 years or less).
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2018! For a full list of where our graduates are currently attending college, please visit www.moravianacademy.org/classof2018.
For more information on any of these opportunities, contact Tracy Bozik, Director of Alumni Relations, at 610-332-5282 or tbozik@moravianacademy.org.
JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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“WADAH” TRIP
MORAVIAN ALUMNAE TRAVEL TO INDONESIA By Katherine (Katie) Marin Burd ‘96 FOR GLOBAL GATHERING Last winter, my sister (Jenifer Martin Gilio ‘91) and I were thrilled to receive invitations to participate in the much anticipated Wadah Global Gathering, hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia! The Wadah Foundation (www.wadahfoundation. or.id) is a non-profit organization created by an unstoppable Indonesian woman, Anie Djojohadikusumo, whose heart’s desire is to support women and their families in their quest for their basic human rights. Female community activists from throughout Asia and Southeast Asia are identified by Wadah as making powerful and positive impacts on their communities, and then supported with funds and connections that enable them to continue and expand their efforts. The 2018 Wadah Global Gathering showcased the incredible lives of several of these female community activists from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, India, Malaysia and Bhutan. Jenifer and I were both honored and humbled to be part of this event - Jenifer as the newly appointed global chair of the International Committee and discussion facilitator and me as a co-emcee. Neither Jenifer nor I anticipated the intensity of emotions that soon accompanied our daily activities. Spending time with women such as Sonam Lahmo, the first woman elected into governance in Bhutan; Kiswanti, whose life goal is to make libraries available to the poorest neighborhoods in Jakarta; Sita Lohani, who writes and performs plays in rural Nepal in order to raise awareness of and prevent domestic abuse; and Rasmi,
a grandmother who learned solar engineering so that she could bring light to her village, was incredibly humbling and thought provoking. After a week of hearing about the lives of these women and how they, in partnership with the Wadah Foundation, are creating change in their communities, we are determined to contribute to their journeys. Although another trip to Indonesia is not in the immediate future, Jenifer and I have the opportunity and responsibility to be a voice for these women at the United Nations. As Wadah Chairperson of the International Committee, Jenifer will be officially representing the women we met in Indonesia and the Wadah Foundation in discussions related to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, as Wadah’s dedication to these goals in recent years has earned it a Special Consultative Status at the UN Economic and Social Council. Needless to say, my experiences in Indonesia were soul shaking. And they would not have been possible without the incredible support of Upper School Director Mr. Dylan Deal, Assistant Head of School Mrs. Ann Mindler, and Head of School Mr. Jeff Zemsky, who recognized this opportunity as one that would positively impact both my history classroom and my personal development. I also am very appreciative of my wonderful students, who, upon my return to school, allowed me to revisit and process my experiences at the conference by listening to my stories. Thank you!
Photo below: Jenifer and Katie with Wadah founder Anie Djojohadikusumo, her husband, Hashim Djojohadikusumo. Photo top left: Katie learning how to play gamelan, a traditional Indonesian instrument, at a Wadah supported community school near West Java, Indonesia. Photo bottom left: Katie with new Bhutanese friends Sonam, Goma and Rosaleen.
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2001 Michael Bodnyk ’01 has relocated from New York City to Sarasota, FL after accepting the position of Minister of Music at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.
2002
CLASS NOTES 1966
1982
Artist Stephen Althouse ’66P has an exhibition entitled “Metaphors of Humanity” that opened mid-June in Austria’s Museum Moderner Kunst Kärnten. He has additional concurrent exhibitions, including one in Mobile Museum of Art (MMofA) in Mobile, Alabama, USA (October 4, 2018 February 10, 2019); and one in Galerie Michaela Stock in Vienna, Austria (September 14 – October 13, 2018).
Paul Isaac ’82 shares, “I continue to do road races of all distances, and have done so for 31 years; that includes 16 marathons,with a 3:35:48 PR and 35 half-marathons….My career is currently in the always prosperous auto parts industry. I’m also a United States Track and Field certified official, and heavily involved with its local Mid-Atlantic association. I’m hoping to attend the United States Track and Field National Conference in Columbus, OH toward the end of the year.”
1972 In late June 2018, Bonnie Biafore ’72, Marianna Miller Tlush ’72, Mary Smull Arguelles ’72, Charlie Concevitch McGorry ’72, Rose Smull (family member), Greg Silverberg ’72 had a mini class reunion at Bethlehem Brew Works. (see photo above)
Stacy (Lipschutz) Seltzer ’02 and Matthew Seltzer, and big siblings, Gabrielle and Avi, are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter and sister, Jordana Lucy. Jordana was born on April 24. The family currently resides in Blue Bell, PA. (see photo below)
L to R: Barbara Jones Belshaw ’77, Lloyd Buck Jones ’75 and Leslie Jones Wentz ’71S gathered together to celebrate Gavin’s recent graduation from University of Virginia Medical School.
1975 Lloyd “Buck” Jones ‘75 reports that his nephew, Gavin Jones ’10, graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in May 2018. Shares Buck, “I suppose we have to refer to him as DR. Gavin P. Jones! Imagine that – it seems like he was wearing diapers only a short time ago!” (see photo right)
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CLASS NOTES
Rich Paul ’06 says, “I am currently coordinating pediatric medical missions in Latin America for cleft lip and palate surgery, dentistry and physical therapy through the Florida Hospital Foundation.”
2007 On June 18, 2018, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Governor Tom Wolf’s appointment of Aleena Sorathia ’07, Esquire, to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, education, and public accommodations. Ms. Sorathia will serve as one of eleven commissioners, who act as public liaisons, establish policies, and resolve complaints of discrimination. The Commission is independent and nonpartisan. She is a graduate of the University of Richmond and Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. She practices law at Ahmad Zaffarese LLC in Philadelphia, PA.
2004 Congratulations to Middle School teacher Emily Bross Quinn ‘04, and her husband, William, on the birth of their second daughter, Naomi Rosalie Quinn. She joins big sister, Sophie. (see photo of grandmother and former teacher Debbie Bross with grandchildren)
2005 Andrew McNellis ’05 and his wife Allison McNellis welcomed their daughter Evelyn Regan McNellis to their family on April 17 in New York City. Mom and baby are happy and healthy, and Dad couldn’t be more thrilled. (see photo on right) Tori Stitt ‘05 recently received her Masters in Business Education from the University of Colorado Boulder - Leeds School of Business. (see photo below)
Dr. Jenni Xu ’07 married Dr. Patrick Courtright on February 17, 2018 in Philadelphia, PA. Jenni earned her bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in fine arts from George Washington University. She also earned a doctorate in medicine from the Commonwealth Medical College and is an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Temple University Hospital.
2006 Wylie Raab shares that her daughter, Alexandra Raab ’06 (Washington and Lee University ’10), married Brandon Stratz (Virginia Military Institute ’10, now Capt.) in 2012. He left active duty Air Force in 2015, but is still in Air Force Reserves in Intelligence. He works as an aerospace engineer for the Navy and is currently working toward his second masters degree. Shares Wylie, “Alexandra works for the Department of Defense and, largely due to Moravian Academy, has progressed very nicely. Our granddaughter Caroline was born in July of 2016.” The family resides in Alexandria, VA. (see photo of Caroline on right)
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Laurie Wagner ‘09 and John Puleo ‘09 were married on April 28th at Central Moravian Church. In attendance were Chris Puleo ‘07, Peter Puleo ‘12 and classmates Luisa Dodds ‘09, Sammi Khan ‘09, Chase Rogers ‘09, Stef Zumas ‘09, James Paul, Jesse Gumz ‘09, Bryan Abbott ‘09 and Kaushik Annam ‘09. The couple lives in Manhattan where John is a structural engineer and Laurie is in media planning. (see photo on left)
Pauline Caubel ‘10 graduated in May 2018 with a Master in Architecture from Yale University. She is now a staff architect in Amsterdam.
2010
Asa Craig ’07 graduated from Princeton University in June 2017 from a two-year Master’s program in Social Policy from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He just completed his first year at Yale Law School. This past summer, he served as an extern in the General Counsel Office for the Governor of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.
2008 Christopher Banach ’08 finished his first year of medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Chris graduated with honors from Northeastern University with a B.S. in criminal justice and a B.S. in biology from DeSales University.
Justin Walker ’10 has joined Hershey Medical Center as an anesthesiology resident. Prior to his graduation from Penn State College of Medicine, he was honored with induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society. Justin and his wife Olivia welcomed their first child, Charlotte, last year. Olivia attained her M.Ed. Both she and Justin graduated the same day. (see photo below)
2013 Upper School Dean of Students Dan Axford shares, “Devon Wasson ’13 and I met while I was attending the Deans’ Roundtable in the greater Boston area. We met in Boston to catch up on life’s developments. Devon is currently working for Amazon in their computer science and technology department. Coding, coding, and more coding.” (see photo of Dan and Devon above)
2014 Congratulations to all the college graduates of the Class of 2014. Pictured here is Nicollette Amico ‘14 following Muhlenberg College’s commencement ceremony. (see photo below)
CLASS NOTES
Julien Caubel ‘08 graduated this year with a Ph.D. in engineering from University of California, Berkeley.
2009 Adam Fix ’09 presented his research paper entitled “The Acoustical Paradox: How Music was Unmoored and Set Adrift from Science in the Seventeenth Century” at the History of Science Society meeting held in Toronto, Canada in November 2017. He is writing his dissertation at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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DEATHS CLASS NOTES
Dorothea M. “Dot” Herty Ashworth ’41S, of Amherst, MA, passed away on August 9, 2016. Annie-Prue Soulis Cooke ’54P, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on April 13, 2017. Annie was the twin sister of Wilbur “Bill” Soulis ’54P. Timothy W. Genthner ’78, of New Hope, PA, passed away on May 9, 2018. Timothy was the brother of Christopher Genthner ’72. Alexander Battisti ’14 recently accepted a job offer with Goldman Sachs in their New York City office and has subsequently moved to Brooklyn.
2016 Gregoire “Greg” Caubel ‘16 recently entered his junior year at The Cooper Union in New York City. Greg is studying mechanical engineering.
2017 Gabrielle Kelly ’17 was recently selected by Berklee College of Music to be part of its Featured Performer Showcase. Gabrielle is in her first year at Berklee and is part of the college’s singer-songwriter/ music business program. She was also asked to perform recently at the Windows Lounge in Beverly Hills, CA. (see photo above)
ALUMNI IN THE NEWS 1962 Featured in The Morning Call in May, Lehigh Valley natives Santo Loquasto ’62P and parent of alumna Ann Roth (mother of Hannah Green Sorkin ’83) received nominations for the 72nd Annual Tony Awards. To view the article, visit www. moravainacademy.org/alumnipress.
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1989 Eric Kuhn ’89 established FoundersCard, a community of over 25,000 of the world’s most successful and influential entrepreneurs, innovators and business owners, in 2009. His company was highlighted in Business Insider in May. To view the article, visit www.moravainacademy.org/alumnipress.
1991 Kenji Ota ’91, executive director of Cushman & Wakefield, was honored during Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)’s 20th Annual Retail Deal of the Year Awards. His accomplishment was announced in a June issue of Real Estate Weekly. To view the article, visit www. moravainacademy.org/alumnipress.
1995 Mike Howard ‘95 and his wife, Anne, recently appeared in a segment on CBS This Morning. The news program interviewed the Howards and a handful of other travelers about leaving corporate jobs to explore the world and work from the road. To watch the segment, visit www.moravianacademy.org/alumnipress.
1999 Jessica Abo Shainfeld ’99, author of “Unfiltered: How to Be as Happy as You Look on Social Media,” appeared last month on NBC’s TODAY show to detail how you can look beyond social media to live your best life. To view the segment, visit www.moravainacademy.org/alumnipress.
Roy B. Goshorn ’54P, of Bellwood, PA, passed away on June 6, 2013. Jane Newman Koch ’45S, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on May 7, 2018. She was the mother of Dr. Henry Koch ’75, Louise Koch ’68S, and T. James Koch ’72. Bertram Lutton ’55P, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away on January 30, 2017. William Ewing Maier ’84, of Bethlehem, PA passed away on August 1, 2018. William, more fondly known as “Chip,” was the younger brother of Margaret Maier Whitaker ’78. Margaret shared, “If you were fortunate enough to know my brother, then you were blessed to have known a beautiful mind!” Gudrun Matel, of Bloomsbury, NJ, passed away on June 4, 2018. She was the mother of Didier Matel ’81, and taught both German and French during her 16-year tenure at the Upper School. (See article on page 43.) Louise “Petey” Dixon DuBois Perkins, of Bethlehem, PA and Tyringham, MA, passed away on April 23, 2018. She was a Trustee of Moravian Preparatory School as it merged into Moravian Academy in the early ‘70s. She was the mother of Louise Perkins Hoblitzell ‘67P, Ned Perkins ‘69P, James Perkins ’72 and David Perkins ’74, and the grandmother of Lucas Perkins ’99. (See article on page 43.) Alice Greenberg Ramer ’58S, of Hollywood, FL, passed away on October 19, 2016. Rita Kay Lappen Sperry ’50S, of San Francisco, CA, passed away on December 26, 2017.
Moravian Academy community members gathered at a “Celebration of Gudrun’s Life” at the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church on July 23. Pictured back row, left to right: Bruce Hoelter, John O’Donnell, Ann Mindler, Tom Bross, Ron Quinn, Liz Hoelter, Mimi Stanford, Gail Long, Patrice Kidd, Debbie Bross, Laura Drum. Front row, left to right: Kathleen O’Donnell, Jeff Yates, Marilyn Albarelli, Sue Russell, Miriam Devey
IN MEMORIAM GUDRUN ELISABETH LICHTI MATEL Former Moravian Academy faculty member Gudrun Elisabeth Lichti Matel, 82, of Bloomsbury, NJ passed away on June 4, 2018, at Country Arch Care Center with her devoted son by her side, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of her life, attended by many members of the Moravian Academy community, was held at the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church on July 23rd. Gudrun was born on June 26, 1935 in Bad Bergzabern, Germany, daughter of the late Albert and Helene (Felgenhauer) Lichti. She graduated Cum Laude from Moravian College with a double major in German and French and went on to earn her Master’s degree from Lehigh University. In 1977, after briefly substitute teaching, she began a sixteen year tenure at Moravian Academy, teaching both German and French with great affection for her students. Her memorial program stated that “her end-of-schoolyear faculty picnics for her beloved Moravian Academy colleagues became legendary.” She retired in 1993.
Gudrun is survived by her son, Didier Matel ’81, his wife Penny and three grandsons, Trestan Matel, Guerric Matel and Corey Butterworth, as well as other family both here and in Europe. She was predeceased by her brothers Klaus Lichti and Bodo Lichti.
LOUISE “PETEY” DIXON DUBOIS PERKINS Louise “Petey” Dixon DuBois Perkins, former Trustee of Moravian Preparatory School as it merged into Moravian Academy, passed away peacefully on April 23rd in Bethlehem, PA after a short illness. Two celebratory services of her life were held at Cathedral Church of the Nativity on May 4th in Bethlehem and at Tyringham Union Church in Tyringham, MA on July 7th.
Mason DuBois and Marie Louise Dixon DuBois. She attended the Lawrence School in Hewlett, Long Island and graduated from Garrison Forest School in 1942 and from Barnard College in 1946 where she was president of her senior class. She married Edward “Ned” Clifford Perkins in Lenox, MA in 1947. Petey was a communicant of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity since 1955. In addition to her involvement with Moravian Academy, she was a founding member of the Society for the Arts at the Allentown Art Museum, President of the Bethlehem Junior League, and President of Talbot Hall, the Episcopal Diocese’s home for teenage girls. Since 1980 she served as an Associate Chaplain with the Pastoral Care Department of St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem.
Petey was born September 22, 1925 in New York City, the daughter of Arthur
She is survived by her brother Dr. John Jay Dubois of Lenox, MA; her children Louie Hoblitzell ’67P of Vero Beach FL, Edward “Ned” Perkins ’69P of Bennington VT, James “Jamie” Perkins ’72 of Stamford CT, David Perkins ’74 of Short Beach, CT, and Kate Perkins of Reading, PA; her grandchildren Max, Kate, Emily, Matthew, Lucas “Luc” Perkins ’99, Ben, Sarah, Eliza, Madeline and Sam; and her great-grandchildren Logan and Michaela.
Gudrun Elisabeth Lichti Matel
Louise “Petey” Dixon DuBois Perkins
Gudrun was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. She raised her only child, passing on to him her love of learning, books and supporting his many academic and extracurricular activities. Her greatest joy was her grandsons, whom she cherished, and with whom she shared the joy of travel, nature, music and languages. JOURNAL | FALL 2018
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INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
NEWS
5K FAMILY FUN Run/Walk 2018
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL FUND DONORS!
Our sincerest thank you to the
1,169 DONORS who enabled Moravian Academy’s Annual Fund to raise
$477,452
to benefit our school and our students for the fiscal year, which ended June 30th. We are grateful to each and every one of you for your generosity and support of Moravian Academy!
The 11th annual 5K Family Fun Run/Walk will take place Saturday, October 13th at 9:00 a.m. on the Merle-Smith Campus, just before the start of Country Fair.
Student registration is free but does not include a t-shirt. Student t-shirts may be purchased for $15. A limited number may be available for purchase on race day.
Adult registration is just $30 per participant. Registration includes a t-shirt for the first 100 runners. Late registrants may receive a t-shirt depending upon availability.
For additional information, please contact Robin Flemming in the Institutional Advancement Office at 610-332-5281 or rflemming@moravianacademy.org.
2 75T H AN N I VE R S AR Y I N I T I ATI VE :
Alumni Circle
In 2017, Moravian Academy celebrated its 275th anniversary. With this celebration, the “Alumni Circle” and an initiative to enhance Snyder House on the Merle-Smith Campus was born.
The Alumni Circle has been added to the front exterior of the Snyder House on the Merle-Smith Campus. The Alumni Circle, which was installed in May 2017 and cost approximately $152,000, includes new landscaping; the prominent display of the Moravian Academy logo; two sitting walls featuring the logos of both Moravian Seminary and Moravian Prep; and most importantly, the replacement of the blacktop with brick pavers, which ultimately will be inscribed with the names of all alumni from 1931 to the present. This prominent location on campus is a celebration of the individuality of each
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graduate within our one Moravian community. From 2017 to 2027, all reunion classes will have their names added to the Alumni Circle and there will be a special ceremony at each fall reunion. This spring, the names of all the members of the class of 2018 were added and all classes ending in ‘8’ will be added at the Alumni Reunion in October. More than $107,000 has already been raised from 145 alumni for this project so far. Additional funding will be raised in the next several years. To learn more about, donate, or to volunteer to help with the Alumni Circle project, please contact Bob Zaiser, Director of Institutional Advancement at bzaiser@mamail.net or (610) 332-5291.
MORAVIAN ACADEMY’S PARENT AMBASSADOR NETWORK
ENDOWMENTS AT MOR AVIAN ACADEMY Did you know that Moravian Academy has an endowment valued at $20.9 million as of June 30th, 2018? Endowments are important because they are held in perpetuity by the Academy and only the interest income is used for the specified purpose. Moravian Academy holds 118 endowments that support education and general purposes, scholarships and awards, buildings and grounds, and unrestricted purposes. Donors can give an unrestricted gift to the endowment fund at any time and in any amount. Donors can also establish a named endowment for a specific purpose with a gift of $25,000 payable over a five-year period. Interested? Call Robin Flemming, Director, Annual Fund at (610) 332-5281 for additional information. We’d love to speak with you about how your giving interests can benefit Moravian Academy.
In conjunction with the Office of Admissions, Moravian Academy created a Parent Ambassador Network (PAN) of approximately 25 members to represent our school by sharing their many and varied experiences with other families in and about the Greater Lehigh Valley. We know that our parents are our best advocates and tell stories about our Moravian community better than just about anyone. We value and trust our relationships with these advocates and supporters. Our goal for PAN is to collaborate with Moravian Academy parents through the admissions process and offer support to families interested in attending our unique school. In order to assist our members, we also provide literature with key items such as top reasons to choose Moravian Academy, statistics and studies supporting an independent school education, and guidelines for answering some of the more difficult questions posed to the admissions team. We invite you to consider joining our Parent Ambassador Network. If you are interested, please reach out to Jess McPherson, Admissions Associate and PAN Specialist, at jmcpherson@mamail.net.
Annual Fund Gifts to the Annual Fund have an immediate impact, supporting nearly every aspect of a Moravian education and enriching the intellectual, athletic, and personal development of every student. Every Annual Fund gift touches every student and goes directly to the Moravian Academy operating budget. Join us to achieve our goal of $480,000 with your gift. M AK E YO U R G I F T AN D YO U R I M PAC T BEF OR E JU N E 30 AT WWW. MOR AVIANACADEMY.OR G/ GI VI NG .
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS October 12-14 October 13 October 17 October 20 October 27 October 24 November 9 November 20 November 21-25 December 5 December 8 December 21- January 2
Reunion Weekend Country Fair Boston Alumni Gathering Upper School Admissions Open House Lower and Middle School Admissions Open House Fathers’ Lovefeast International Festival for All Families Grandparents’ Lovefeast Thanksgiving Break (No School for Students) Christmas Vespers Service Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Winter Holiday (No School for Students)