The Love Letters to Moravian University event featured several inspiring individuals. From the left: Dave Sommers ’82, S’87; Arly Hernandez ’26; Gwen Kester ’24; Catie Lovett ’25; Sabrina Moody ’24; Sonia Aziz, dean of the school of business and economics; Fred Rooney ’75; Gabriella Greenhoward ’20; Marquis Ratcliff ’26; Brian Rashid, creator of Love Letters; Charles Decker ’63; and Claire Kowalchik P’22, director of editorial content at Moravian.
(All photos from the event can be viewed in Moravian’s flickr album.)
The Love Letters to Moravian University event at Foy Concert Hall in Bethlehem, on March 5, was an unforgettable evening that brought together more than 100 supporters from Moravian University and the Lehigh Valley community.
Brian Rashid, CEO of Brian Rashid Global; Claire Kowalchik, director of editorial content at Moravian; and Moravian’s Department of Marketing and Communications collaborated to build this special project and program.
In short films, the Love Letters to Moravian University campaign highlights the powerful stories of students, alumni, and a faculty member as they describe their special experiences on campus, meaningful connections, and successes found along the way.
The program at Foy showcased the premiere of a 9-minute documentary combining segments from 13 Love Letters. After the feature, Rashid led a panel discussion with the students, alumni, and Sonia Aziz, dean of the school of business and economics, as they shared more inspiring stories of personal growth and connections to Moravian University.
The room was filled with laughter, tears, and emotions as the audience was engaged and moved by each personal and passionate message.
“I’ve hosted and attended countless events over the last 20 years of my professional career. Still, the energy, openness, and genuine connection at the Love Letters to Moravian event was unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” says Rashid.
“These stories and the spirit of the evening made me realize the power of bringing together a dozen individuals, spanning decades, with diverse backgrounds and interests. For two hours at Moravian University, everything felt right in the world, and a future was painted that could light up the night sky. Endless, infinite, and radiant,” he adds.
“The positive energy in the audience was palpable,” says Kowalchik, “and it made me happy to see the students, alumni, and Sonia receive such deserved recognition.”
A reception followed the Bethlehem event as special guests, families, friends, and the Moravian Community gathered to mix, connect, and further extend the sweet emotions of the Love Letters’ celebration.
“What an amazing event and powerful campaign,” notes Bryon L. Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26, Moravian University President. “When you hear these stories detailing personal achievements and triumphs, you are reminded of what a special place Moravian University is. I’m so proud of these amazing people who were able to share their special experiences with our community.”
If you missed last week’s program at Foy, the Love Letters to Moravian University films are available on the university’s website at moravian.edu/loveletters, and photos from the event can be viewed in Moravian’s flickr album.
Be sure to check them out to experience the impact of these special and inspirational stories. #BeBrilliant #moravianuniversity
— Craig Larimer, Moravian University