As the Spring 2025 semester began, The Comenian’s editor-in-chief, AJ Minnich, and Lola Offenback, managing editor, sat down with Moravian President Bryon Grigsby to better understand the institution’s primary areas of focus and concern. We also discussed changes that occurred during Winter Break.
Here are the highlights from our conversation:
#1: Moravian is working to create the Moravian Institute of World History and Heritage, which will support programming and potential degree programs around the university’s inclusion in the Moravian settlement’s recent designation as a World Heritage Site. The institute will be led by Craig Atwood, professor theology and ministry at the Moravian Theological Seminary.
The institute will develop curriculum courses that could be introduced into the new MILE program and certificate courses.
#2: Grigsby noted that Moravian’s athletic teams are exceeding expectations. Grigsby gave a shout-out to the men’s and women’s cross country team, which he said can “never be beaten, only tied,” referring to the eight Moravian runners who earned 2024 NCAA Division III Metro All-Region honors last fall.
#3: This year’s graduating class will be the first cohort of students to receive the ELEVATE Career Promise. The ELEVATE program provides students with a study abroad travel voucher, access to a Career Strategist in the Center for Career and Civic Engagement, real-world leadership experience through the RISE program, and a career promise.
The career promise is granted to students who complete their ELEVATE digital badging program. Six months after graduation, if a student is not employed, the university will either fund a continued education program (graduate school, certifications, etc.) or assist in paying student loans.
#4: Moravian is working to start an AI task force to evaluate evolving technology and its presence in and outside the classroom. Grigsby wants Moravian to be at the forefront of AI advancements and spoke about being open to experimenting with different AI bots in the near future.
#5: As of now, Grigsby estimates that the first two stories of the HUB will open by August and that the building will be fully open and operational by Fall Break of the Fall 2025 semester.
Over Winter Break, cement was poured to form the first level of the building, and more structural beams were set into place. Grigsby also mentioned that the building will use “bird strike” windows to prevent birds from flying into them.
#6: Grigsby released an email with the subject line, “Affirming Our Commitment to Inclusion and Support” to make sure all members of the campus community feel they are supported during times of divisive rhetoric surrounding inclusivity.
As the semester continues, keep an eye on The Comenian to read more in-depth articles on these topics.
Correction: January 28, 2025
An earlier version of this article about the university’s athletic teams was edited to correct factual errors.
