Sophia Z. Rivera ’24
Chair, Students Subcommittee
About You
What is your personal motto?
“Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.” —Paulo Coelho
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
When I was in elementary school, my younger brother and I were cast as models for a Crayola product as a favor to one of the moms in my Girl Scout troop. The session was very short, and we were not even sure if our pictures would be used. We never heard anything back after that, so we forgot all about it. A couple months later, another mom in the Girl Scout troop told us she was in a store and stumbled across the product we were advertising and saw my brother and me on the box! The product has been discontinued, but you can search “Crayola Grow & Show” and see us on the box! It was a unique opportunity, and I can officially say I was a model.
About Your Experience
Who at Moravian has influenced you most and how?
Nicole Loyd [executive vice president for university life, chief operating officer and dean of students] has influenced me the most at Moravian. I’ve known Dean Loyd since I was a little girl running around campus with my mom in the Student Life office. I was always treated with respect and kindness (even when I would take naps under her desk...shhhhh!) I deeply admire Dean Loyd’s leadership. Her position at Moravian requires her to be very student-facing, so she does not have an office on campus—she believes she should be among the students. Dean Loyd is endlessly selfless, compassionate, supportive, and intelligent. Her presence is radiating, and I look up to her as a role model and leader. She has influenced me and my leadership more than she knows, and I can confidently say that I am in the organizations, clubs, and positions I am in at Moravian because of her. I hope to be even just half the leader Dean Loyd is, and I will take the things I learn from her and carry them with me for the rest of my life.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Enjoy the journey! College can be challenging, but it’s also a time to create lifelong memories. Enjoy the journey, and remember that setbacks and challenges are part of the learning experience. Remember that everyone’s college experience is unique, but your time at Moravian University is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, so make the most of it.
About Lighting the Way
How do you believe Lighting the Way will help our students, their future, and the next generation?
Lighting the Way will pave the way for generations of students to come. I have many friends who attend Moravian and pay for their education through scholarships. These students are leaders in the classroom, on the field, and in clubs. They are constantly trying to make Moravian better than when they found it. The Lighting the Way campaign will empower Moravian students to achieve their academic and career aspirations by providing financial support, offering valuable hands-on experiences, and creating a dynamic learning environment. As a result, Moravian graduates will be well prepared to contribute to their communities, excel in their chosen careers, and make a positive impact on the world. This, in turn, will help shape a brighter future for the next generation of students and the broader society.
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for Moravian?
I am eagerly anticipating the emergence of accomplished individuals whose success is directly attributable to the campaign. I’ve witnessed numerous fellow students discover their remarkable potential while at Moravian, achieving truly extraordinary feats. The individuals who will rise to prominence through the campaign will be highly capable and successful in their unique paths. These impacts will affect generations of students for years to come—I cannot wait to see how brilliant they will be and how they will choose to light the way for students in the future!
Zoey M. Bronson ’25
Chair, Students Subcommittee
About You
How do you spend your free time?
I typically spend the majority of my free time in the gym or watching Jersey Shore with my housemates.
Who is your favorite musician/band/performer?
Justin Bieber is my favorite musician. I discovered Justin Bieber in 2008 on YouTube and have followed his career ever since. Why you may ask? Because my Bieber fever never subsided.
About Your Experience
What is your favorite meal in the dining hall?
My favorite meal in the dining hall is the chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast. I can eat up to eight.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
College is what you make it. Until you step out of your comfort zone and make yourself uncomfortable, you will never know what could have been. Really put yourself out there by joining clubs and different organizations to leave a lasting legacy at Moravian.
About Lighting the Way
Why is it important for you to serve/volunteer?
I am a member of multiple organizations dedicated to community service. This is important to me because I've found there is no greater feeling than giving back to those in need and creating an accessible future.
What are you most excited to see Lighting the Way make possible for Moravian?
I am most excited to see Lighting the Way expand the HUB to fit the needs of our growing community at Moravian.
