Moravian University hosted its first Lehigh Valley Partnership Summit on Wednesday, March 4. Photo by Nick Chismar ’20

Moravian University hosted its inaugural 2026 Lehigh Valley Partnership Summit on Wednesday, March 4, inviting a panel of local business leaders to discuss “The Human Side of Change: Building Cultures That Perform Under Pressure.” 

The summit was also an opportunity to highlight the variety of ways in which organizations can partner with Moravian, including executive education, sponsorships, placement of interns, and hosting events in the new Haupert Union Building.

Speakers included Bill Schaninger, senior managing director of Accenture, an international speaker, and author; Marci Lesko, CEO of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley; Angela Connell, chief administrative officer of HNL Lab Medicine; and Courtney Cox, senior human resources specialist and talent acquisition for Lutron. The discussion was moderated by Katie P. Desiderio, bestselling author, Moravian professor of management, and assistant vice president for organizational learning and leadership. 

The summit was the first of many such events Moravian University hopes to host for Lehigh Valley businesses and their employees. Held in the new HUB, attendees also enjoyed a cocktail hour and networking following the discussion. 

Moravian’s partnership program is dedicated to delivering innovative education and partnership solutions that empower organizations, strengthen talent pipelines, and drive long-term success. For more information visit moravian.edu/university-partnerships. 

Check out photos of the Lehigh Valley Partnership Summit below. Photos by Nick Chismar ’20 

An attendee tries out the Iris Air Photo Booth, which takes professional headshots with the tap of a screen.
Bill Schaninger, senior managing director of Accenture, an international speaker, and author; Katie P. Desiderio, bestselling author, Moravian professor of management, and assistant vice president for organizational learning and leadership; Marci Lesko, CEO of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley; Angela Connell, chief administrative officer of HNL Lab Medicine; and Courtney Cox, senior human resources specialist and talent acquisition for Lutron (from left)
The summit offered attendees a chance to network.
The sound crew for Wednesday’s summit
President Bryon Grigsby ’90, P’22, P’26, P’29 addresses the audience.
Nearly 100 local business leaders and employees attended the summit.
Guests were invited to a cocktail hour after the event.