Photo by Megan Smith. The new SPECTRUM bench.

Have you ever wondered what kind of community engagement Moravian offers? What clubs and organizations can you get involved in? Well, look no further than … a bench?

The painted benches dotting Moravian’s campus represent the 70+ clubs and organizations Moravian has to offer students, ranging from the Black Student Union to the Pre-Health Club to the Volleyball Club, and even the Cheese Club. You may have noticed that these benches have been painted over in the past few weeks. Don’t worry! They won’t stay blank. USG is giving Moravian’s clubs and organizations the chance to brighten campus with their creativity once again!

It’s been a few years since the benches were last repainted, so long that some of them still bear the name “Moravian College” instead of “Moravian University.” Some featured clubs that aren’t active at the moment, such as the Bowling Club bench, which was on the backside of Comenius Hall. 

This wave of repainting will be a welcome refresh, coinciding with the opening of the new HUB. For those of us who can remember what the old HUB looked like, I’m really hoping they reinstall the benches that were outside the B&G Café along Monocacy St. Once they move the shuttle stop back there, there’ll be sturdy, freshly painted benches on which waiting students can sit and relax.

The bench painting initiative will also give new and reactivated clubs, such as the Gender Equity Club and Stitches, the opportunity to showcase what they’re all about! It is an easy opportunity for students looking to get involved on campus, and they’re a hit among prospective students as well. When I toured Moravian as a graduating high school senior, the benches were one of the first things that caught my eye. 

Specifically, I remember thinking how fun and silly it was that a bench themed after Grey’s Anatomy stood next to a hundred-year-old building. But that really is just the charm of Moravian! We have a building from 1748 and another from 2025, both on the same campus. Everything seems to fit together perfectly, complete with benches on which students can leave their mark. Well, at least until the next time they get painted.

The benches are a nice spot to sit and rest, as well. I’ve seen many students, faculty, and staff relaxing on them, sipping a coffee from Delight’s, chatting with friends, or just soaking up the sun. 

I really do love the benches. They have provided me with a shady spot to sit many times on a hot August day at the beginning of the Fall semester, or a place to wait for my friends to pick me up for our next adventure. They’re something I haven’t seen on other college campuses, proving to be a unique feature in our little slice of Bethlehem. I am excited to see what design each club comes up with and to appreciate the diverse interests and activities represented in the Moravian community. 

A special thank you to USG for organizing the bench painting initiative and to Facilities staff for doing the prep work! Your clubs and organizations appreciate you!