Profile
Please describe your Moravian experience.
During the 1970’s, the majority of students at Moravian were commuters. Although the classes were the same regardless of whether you lived on campus or not, a commuter was not able to embrace the full college experience. I had just completed active duty in the Navy and started night classes in the spring. The teacher-to-student ratio was perfect to create a learning environment. This was all pre-computers and well before the digital breakthrough. Simpler times like that had advantages in many ways for young people that you don't really find anymore.
How have you been involved at Moravian, and why did you get involved?
Although I have been a regular financial supporter of Moravian, in December 2023, the passing of my wife, Matilda Chase, was a guiding force in me establishing the James ’76 and Matilda Chase Endowed Scholarship Fund at Moravian University and Theological Seminary. It was a very smooth and effortless process to do so, and I encourage others to consider ways to support future students.
What do you like/enjoy most about Moravian, and why is it so important to you?
Moravian University is lightyears ahead of the Moravian College that I knew. People today are so much more aware of ways in which to make change happen for the betterment of others. Also, Moravian is making meaningful impacts across the Lehigh Valley community by developing graduates that have expertise in liberal arts, science and medicine, and also the Seminary program.
What would you like to see improved or changed at Moravian (if anything)?
Continued growth in the school’s infrastructure and technology, and continued emphasis on providing a steady stream of graduates that can make a difference to all levels of society.
What type of legacy do you hope to leave at Moravian? How would you like to be remembered?
[I would like to be remembered] through the establishment of a scholarship to benefit young people. My emphasis to anyone with financial means is to “pay it forward.” Make plans now to see if you can use your assets to help anyone who desires to attend Moravian through financial donations and endowed scholarships.
What motivates you to stay involved at Moravian?
I know that Moravian will always be around to make a degree a valuable tool for someone entering the workforce. By giving financially, I can make it happen.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that Moravian does?
Moravian is competitive with any college or university in preparing their young students for higher education and the rewards that accompany receiving a diploma. The school is constantly reaching out to young people, encouraging them to think about enrolling there. The success of the graduating students also makes an impression on their peers to consider Moravian, themselves.
Why do you volunteer/donate?
I recently realized that you have to decide to make an effort in order to bring change. I feel that I am doing that through the scholarship program.
Which contribution/achievement are your most proud of in your work? At Moravian? In your personal life/community?
I worked in production and manufacturing for the majority of my career until I sought a career change in 2007. At that point, I finally found that my degree would make a difference for others when I became a children, youth and families worker. Upon retirement in 2016, I felt I could look back at my life and be satisfied.
Recently, I succeeded in publishing my wife’s novel that she had finished before she died. It was her recollection of her three-times great grandmother who went by covered wagon in 1826 to northern Mississippi to be a missionary to the Chickasaw Indians.
What do you hope Moravian will achieve in the near future? Long term?
The HUB is being redesigned, which will prove a major draw for more students, along with the growth across the board in educational departments at the school. Overall, the facilities in housing, sports, and education are all top-tier in their attraction to students.
Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement at Moravian? Who inspires you to support Moravian?
Moravian University and Theological Seminary have proficient leadership personnel that are making the continued success of the school possible for the long term.
Do you have a message to share with the Moravian University community?
Think more about others than about yourself. Give generously to help the students succeed. And for any high school students seeking an all-encompassing education with quality instruction, choose Moravian University.
