April 26, 2020. Foy Concert Hall would have been bustling with students—most graduating seniors—and their proud families excited for Moravian College’s Outstanding Student Awards ceremony. But the Covid-19 pandemic forced all of us to shelter in our homes. The concert hall and the rest of South Campus lay vacant.
Join us here as we present those 40 outstanding students.
And to our future nurses, researchers, teachers, lawyers,
business leaders, writers, artists, scientists, musicians, doctors ...
... We honor you. We celebrate you. You make us proud.
Vina-Andrea Aguirre
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Major: Graphic and interactive design with business marketing
The Zeta Psi Award
To the senior art major who, in the judgment of the art faculty, has demonstrated leadership ability while maintaining a superior scholastic record and outstanding artistic achievement
Vina-Andrea Aguirre’s passion for creative and collaborative thinking is deeply rooted in her exposure to different cultures, new people, and new ideas. Discovering the importance of adaptability, she has become a resourceful and creative thinker, which helps her thrive in the work environment. Codirector of Studio South, the student-run graphic design organization, she also served as a student worker in Moravian’s marketing and communications department, where she assisted in updating the visual style guide, created visuals for the website and social media, and filmed recruitment videos. Vina currently serves as an intern at St. Luke’s University Health Network, where she creates packaging design and visuals for the website and social media, and she is an intern at the architectural design firm Alloy5. —Camille Murphy, assistant professor of art; head, graphic and interactive design track
Looking ahead: Vina plans to pursue a career in graphic design, working for a company’s marketing department or for a design agency.
Alvaro Belmonte
Hometown: Originally Caracas, Venezuela; currently Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Major: Mathematics
The Marlyn A. Rader Memorial Prize in Mathematics
To the senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the study of mathematics; those considered for the award must have completed at least five courses in mathematics, including at least one 300-level course, and the award winner will have the highest mathematics cumulative quality point average among those who qualify. This year’s prize is awarded to both Alvaro Belmonte and Steven Berger.
Alvaro Belmonte has taken most of the mathematics courses offered at Moravian as well as a few independent studies, and he has excelled in all of these. He possesses an excitement and vast curiosity for mathematics. Alvaro is a creative problem solver as well as an eager and devoted researcher, evidenced in his honors project, “Differential Equations on Non-commutative Algebras.” His academic excellence and dedication will serve him well in graduate school.
—Nate Shank, professor of mathematics
Looking ahead: In the fall, Alvaro will be entering Johns Hopkins University’s doctoral program in mathematics.
Steven Berger
Hometown: Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Major: Mathematics and music with a minor in education
The Marlyn A. Rader Memorial Prize in Mathematics
(see entry for Alvaro Belmonte)
Steven Berger has excelled in all of his mathematics courses and completed an honors project that combined his interests in mathematics, computer science, and music. Steven has been extremely active in the Moravian College Math Society and Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society, and he has given more than a dozen talks on mathematics. His work ethic, passion for mathematics, and jovial demeanor has made Steven a standout at Moravian.
—Nate Shank, professor of mathematics
Looking ahead: Steven will be pursuing his graduate studies in applied mathematics at Lehigh University.
Vanessa Blose
Hometown: Germansville, Pennsylvania
Major: Secondary English education
The James M. Beck Shakespeare Essay Prize
To a junior or senior for the best essay on a Shakespearean topic; this year, seniors Vanessa Blose and Sonya Hennet share the award.
Senior Vanessa Blose’s paper, “The Few Powerful Women in Shakespeare,” focuses on the relative dearth of strong female characters in Shakespearean drama. Invoking the lenses of both feminist theory and masculinity studies, Vanessa deconstructs several strong female characters in Shakespeare’s tragedies who exhibit “masculine” traits that result in the emasculation of the men around them and thereby render the female characters “villainous.” —John Black, professor of English
Looking ahead: Vanessa hopes to acquire a full-time teaching position at a school in the Lehigh Valley.
Emily Bolger
Hometown: Stewartsville, New Jersey
Major: Mathematics with minors in dance, economics, and informatics
The Schattschneider Mathematics and Computer Science Prize
To an outstanding junior or senior woman mathematics or computer science major who has shown great interest and potential to pursue an undergraduate research opportunity or graduate degree in mathematical sciences
Senior Emily Bolger sought out research opportunities, including an REU and an independent study in probability theory. She served as president of both the math society and the Moravian College Dance Company and was an active member of
Pi Mu Epsilon, the national mathematics honor society. Her passion for mathematics and dance are evidenced by her diligent work on her honors thesis, “Nutrient Intake of Dancers: A Measurement Error Analysis.”
—Nate Shank, professor of mathematics
Looking ahead: Emily will be pursuing a PhD in the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University.
Cora Castor
Hometown: Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Major: Music education with a concentration in classical voice
The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award
To an outstanding music major at or near the end of the student’s junior year
Cora Castor, a vocalist, participates in the choral program, where she is the treasurer of both the college choir and the women’s chorus. She is very active in Moravian College’s chapter of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association, where she served as treasurer and is the organization’s president-elect for 2020–2021. With an outstanding overall GPA, Cora has excelled academically in both music and nonmusic courses. —Neil Wetzel, professor of music and department chair
Carly Danoski
Hometown: Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
Major: Environmental science with a minor in French
The Environmental Science Prize
To the senior environmental science major for outstanding academic achievement in the study of environmental issues; this year, Carly Danoski and Kathleen Mayer share the award.
Carly Danoski excels in the classroom and the lab and is very enthusiastic about research. During the summer of 2019, she worked on a SOAR (Student Opportunities for Academic Research) project investigating the diversity of salamanders at the Deputy Field Center, conducting most of the field work on her own. She has also demonstrated her ability to transfer skills learned in the classroom to her research. For example, she used the Geographic Information System (a computer system) to create maps for both her SOAR and honors projects. —Daniel Proud, assistant professor of biology
Looking ahead: Carly plans to attend graduate school.
Samantha Doyen
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
Major: International management with a concentration in French and a second major in global studies
The Irving S. Amrhein Prize
for French
To a graduating senior for distinguished work in French
Samantha is a member of Phi Sigma Iota, the honor society for modern languages. She served as president of the French Club and was a French language tutor. In addition, Samantha was invited to lead required small-group French-language study sessions for an intermediate-level course. Always boldly pursuing valuable opportunities, Samantha spent a semester in Brussels in an academically oriented internship with a Belgian company through the Institute for Field Education. —Joanne McKeown, professor of French
Looking ahead: Samantha is pursuing a career in higher education working with international students as well as students interested in study abroad.
Brandon “Bran” Faust
Hometown: Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Major: Political science
The Albert Ferkel Jr. Memorial Prize
To a senior political science major for demonstrated service in raising awareness of social justice issues to his or her fellow students; this year, Brandon Faust and Justin Vatti share the award.
Bran Faust graduated from Moravian with an entire résumé of political engagement and a focus on social justice and climate awareness. Engaged in Moravian’s student government, USG, as well as US presidential campaigns, he has been a constant contributor to political projects, conversations, and awareness. He was the graphic design editor of the Comenian, the president of the Interfraternity Council, and a member of the residence life team. Bran credits his advisor, the late Professor John Reynolds, with inspiring him to excel in both the study and practice of politics. —Khristina Haddad, associate professor of history
Looking ahead: Brandon is seeking work within a political organization focused on promoting activism.
Alyssa Flannery
Hometown: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Major: Political science with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Outstanding Achievement Award in Women’s Studies and Advocacy
To a graduating senior who shows exceptional promise in the field of women’s and gender studies
Alyssa Flannery is dedicated to equity issues with a special interest in human rights law. She served as the chair of advocacy for the Moravian College AAUW Student Affiliate Group and as the group’s vice president. She was a member of the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee and the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Committee (WGSS). Alyssa received two grants allowing her to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. She is a member of the honor societies Iota Iota Iota, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Sigma Tau. —Stacey Zaremba, professor of psychology; director of women’s studies program
Looking ahead: Alyssa will be attending Widener University Commonwealth Law School in the fall.
Emerson Gieryic
Hometown: Parkton, Maryland
Major: Business with a marketing track and a minor in communications
The Willis N. Baer Award
To the economics and business student who, at the end of their junior year, has shown the greatest overall improvement (academic achievement, character, GPA) over a period of five terms. is award was established by the Epsilon Beta Alpha Society in honor of the first chair of the Department of Economics and Business at Moravian College.
Emerson Gieryic is a very solid and engaged student in the classroom, and she has made great strides over the past semesters. —Gary Kaskowitz, professor of economics and business
Sonya Hennet
Hometown: Effort, Pennsylvania
Major: English with a minor in education
The James M. Beck Shakespeare Essay Prize
To a junior or senior for the best essay on a Shakespearean topic; this year, seniors Vanessa Blose and Sonya Hennet share the award.
Sonya Hennet took an engaging approach in her paper, “Neither Gods nor Humans: An Exploration of Tricksters in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest.” Sonya’s paper insightfully examines the manifestations of the trickster archetype as seen in Puck and Ariel. She argues that, while both characters fill crucial roles in their respective plays, they distinguish themselves in their motivations. —John Black, professor of English
Looking ahead: Sonya plans to work to save money toward her goal of graduate school.
Dalton Hornberger
Hometown: Watsontown, Pennsylvania
Major: Environmental science
The Patricia Erskine Memorial Award
To the junior or senior Moravian
College Theatre Company member who has contributed most to that organization; this year, the award is shared by seniors Dalton Hornberger and Corinne Philbin.
Dalton Hornberger served the Moravian College Theatre Company steadfastly for four years. He was the company’s facilities manager and could often be found changing light bulbs in the theater or digging through the “prop house” in search of a costume, prop, or set piece for a production. He also provided offstage support in stage management—the MVP role in any theatre production. In addition, he played memorable roles in several productions. —Christopher Shorr, associate professor and director of the Moravian College Theatre Company
Looking ahead: Dalton is considering master’s programs in biology and forensics while applying for jobs in his field across the country.
Margaret “Maggie” Jones
Hometown: Morristown, New Jersey
Major: Cellular neuroscience
The Neuroscience Award
To a senior neuroscience major who has demonstrated excellence in academic and research pursuits in understanding the brain and behavior
Margaret Jones is a dedicated scholar with a genuine desire to engage broader audiences in the wonders of the brain and behavior. During her years at Moravian, she led our Moravian College Brain Club and the Lehigh Valley chapter of the Society for Neuroscience in educating the public about the brain and benefits of neuroscience research through numerous service learning events. She was also one of the lead students in developing a Music and Memory research program, where she introduced personalized music to elders living with dementia to examine any benefits to cognition and quality of life. She presented this research at the internationally recognized conference of the Society for Neuroscience. —Cecilia Fox, professor of neuroscience
Looking ahead: Next year, Maggie plans to apply to pharmaceutical schools.
Megan Konrath
Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Major: Biochemistry
The Biochemistry Prize
To a senior who, in the judgment of the biochemistry faculty, has demonstrated outstanding achievement in biochemistry and shows potential for significant future contributions to biochemistry or related fields
Megan Konrath’s passion for science, and cancer research specifically, is admirable and infectious. She expanded her summer 2019 SOAR project on DNA-binding of rhodium complexes with potential antitumor activity into an honors project to explore how these rhodium complexes affect cancer cell growth. Off campus, Megan works year-round as a dedicated member of a local learning academy and volunteers regularly at camps and programs that support families of children with cancer.
—Shari Dunham, associate professor of chemistry
Looking ahead: Megan is taking a gap year while applying to doctoral programs in biochemistry.
Austin Lewis
Hometown: Quakertown, Pennsylvania
Major: Political science with minors
in sociology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies
The Ronald J. Stupak Award
To a graduating senior who, in the judgment of the political science faculty, has performed distinguished work in political science
For Austin Lewis, politics and music both richly informed his undergraduate studies and experiences. Interested in music’s effect on social change and how marginalized groups gain representation, he studied the Lilith Fair music festival to examine how music can represent an ideology and thus impact mainstream culture. As the founder and president of the student club Hound Sounds, he promoted communal singing as a relaxed and supportive form of campus community. Austin was often seen and heard playing guitar on campus, and he shared his learning generously with other students as a mentor and a tutor. He is a member of several honor societies, including the political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha.
—Khristina Haddad, associate professor and chair of political science
Looking ahead: Austin is pursuing graduate school.
Brenden Malloy
Hometown: Pennsburg, Pennsylvania
Major: History with a minor in global religions
The E. C. Schultz History Prize
To a senior who has demonstrated distinction in historical scholarship and indicated a commitment to continued excellence and studies in the field, according to the wishes of Edward C. Schultz ’62
Brenden Malloy is an extraordinary student. He is self-motivated and disciplined, and he goes above and beyond in every class. He spent last summer at an archaeological site in Peru and is considering a career as a professor.
—Sandra Aguilar-Rodriguez, associate professor and chair of history
Looking ahead: Brenden plans to attend graduate school to earn his master’s degree.
Kathleen “Katie” Mayer
Hometown: Mount Arlington, New Jersey
Major: Environmental science
The Environmental Science Prize
To the senior environmental science major for outstanding academic achievement in the study of environmental issues; this year, Carly Danoski and Kathleen Mayer share the award.
While Katie Mayer is very bright, what also distinguished her is how much she engaged with the course material and participated in class discussions. She is also very driven and decided quite early in her college career to pursue honors in environmental science. She presented a poster about her independent study research at the 2019 Benthic Ecology Meeting and had planned to give an oral presentation at the conference this spring. Unfortunately, the conference was cancelled due to the pandemic. Katie was an excellent and helpful role model for the other five students who have done research in my lab this past year, sharing her experience with these younger students. —Joshua Lord, assistant professor of biology
Looking ahead: Kathleen hopes to acquire a position as an environmental scientist or researcher for a company working toward improving global sustainability while she considers pursuing a graduate degree.
Jessica McCormick
Hometown: Waymart, Pennsylvania
Major: ACS chemistry
The American Chemical
Society Award
To a senior chemistry major with an outstanding academic record and promise of an academic or research career in chemistry or a related discipline
Jessica McCormick was selected by the chemistry department faculty as the American Chemical Society (ACS) award winner from the Class of 2020 for her outstanding achievements in the classroom and in research at Moravian. The ACS degree in chemistry requires additional courses and laboratory experiences that prepare students for a career in chemistry.
—Stephen Dunham, associate professor and chair of chemistry
Looking ahead: Jessica will be working at the Sanofi Pasteur pharmaceutical company following graduation.
Jillian McLuhan
Hometown: Hughesville, Pennsylvania
Major: Studio art
The Daniel W. Tereshko Memorial Prize in Studio Art
To the senior art major who has demonstrated outstanding creative, technical, and intellectual achievement in the field of studio art
Jillian McLuhan is our top student for 2020. She was president of the art club, where she planned and directed many of our activities, and she was chosen president of the art honor society, Kappa Pi. She completed a SOAR project, assisting me in research for two exhibitions. Jillian engaged in many of the arts beyond the visual. She was a member of the Moravian College Dance Company and was active in theater on campus and as a member of the Pennsylvania Playhouse. Jillian has achieved all this while maintaining a stellar GPA and developing her voice as an artist through her growing studio art practice.
—Angela Fraleigh, professor of art and department chair
Looking ahead: Jillian plans to move to Bethlehem and work in the Lehigh Valley art scene.
Kaitlyn Nemes
Hometown: Northampton, Pennsylvania
Major: Biology on the premed track
The Biological Sciences Prize
To the senior biology major and member of Beta Beta Beta with the highest cumulative quality point average in biology
Kaitlyn Nemes’s excellence in academics, research, and campus leadership earned her this year’s Biological Sciences Prize. Kaitlyn engaged in laboratory research first through SOAR and then through an honors project that aimed to understand the effect of antioxidants in reducing bacterial burden in a white blood cell infection model. Her work was accepted for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, which was to take place in April 2020. Kaitlyn served in numerous leadership roles for campus organizations: Women in Science and Engineering, the 26-Point Ambassadors program, and several honor societies, including Beta Beta Beta, the biology honor society. —Kara Mosovsky, assistant professor of biology
Looking ahead: Kaitlyn hopes to enroll in a master’s program in biomedical sciences before pursuing her dream of going to medical school.
Marley Palmere
Hometown: Dunmore, Pennsylvania
Major: Music performance
The Leon Prokofy Leonovich Memorial Prize
To a member of the sophomore class who has shown significant growth and excellence in the study of music
Marley Palmere is entering her junior year in the Bachelor of Music in Performance degree program, with a concentration in clarinet. Marley completed an independent study with me in the fall of 2019 on Wagner and philosophy, after having the requirement of junior or senior status waived. Her work was excellent. She synthesized a great deal of very challenging information on 19th-century German philosophers with a sophisticated analysis of selected operas of Wagner. Marley has registered for a second independent study for the fall 2020 semester and plans to do an honors project during her senior year. Marley plays principal clarinet in the clarinet choir and the Moravian College Community Orchestra and is the leader of the Krummhorn Ensemble. —Larry Lipkis, professor of music and composer in residence
Johanna Pearson
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Major: Music with a concentration in sacred music
The Judith Green Memorial Prize
To a music student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and an exceptional talent in writing about music or has demonstrated excellence in musical scholarship and shows promise for future achievement
Johanna Pearson, a junior, is a talented musician and a fine writer. She has impressed faculty in her assignments, especially her written listening journals for the course Music in the 20th Century to 1945. Her writing is very sophisticated, with well-thought-out paragraphs, careful attention to detail, and perceptive analytical commentary. She plans to undertake an honors project with me during the 2021–2022 academic year on a topic involving rhetoric and music. —Larry Lipkis, professor of music and composer in residence
Alyssa Pereira
Hometown: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Major: Spanish
The Irving S. Amrhein Prize
for Spanish
To a graduating senior for distinguished work in Spanish
From the moment she started at Moravian College, Alyssa Pereira demonstrated constant progress in the areas of academic writing, self-expression, and creative and critical thinking. Her love for the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world drove her to expand her learning outside of Moravian, and through the LVAIC consortium, she took classes at other institutions. She studied abroad in Málaga, Spain, and successfully presented her work at two undergraduate conferences. The Spanish faculty enthusiastically support Alyssa’s award and would like to recognize her as one of the best students we’ve had at Moravian College. ¡Felicitaciones! —Claudia Mesa, professor of Spanish
Looking ahead: Alyssa is pursuing a career in Spanish translation/interpretation.
Corinne Philbin
Hometown: Danbury, Connecticut
Major: English
The Patricia Erskine Memorial Award
To the junior or senior Moravian College Theatre Company member who has contributed most to that organization; this year, the award is shared by seniors Dalton Hornberger and Corinne Philbin.
Corinne Philbin was a mainstay in the Moravian College Theatre Company.
She acted in plays, supported her peers in their creative endeavors, and served as the company manager. As a performer, she was equally successful in comedic, musical, and dramatic roles. In her senior year, she also took on directing. After successfully completing the fall 2019 production of Dog Sees God, she went on to tackle the highly challenging play Machinal in the spring. The tragedy is that the show had to be cancelled. Based on Corinne’s track record, though, there was no doubt that it would have been a great success!
—Christopher Shorr, associate professor and director of the Moravian College Theatre Company
Looking ahead: Corinne is working as a freelance copywriter and transcriptionist and plans to move to Bethlehem and continue in this career path.
Kellen Pisani
Hometown: Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Major: Music performance with a concentration in jazz guitar
The Al Lazaro Memorial Jazz Prize
To a music major of the current junior
or senior class who has shown significant growth and excellence in jazz performance; awarded in memory of standout student jazz performer Al Lazaro
Senior Kellen Pisani is avid about practice and has made great strides in jazz performance. He is a prolific listener and transcriber of jazz recordings and landmark jazz solos. He served as co-director of the Moravian College Big Band and travelled to Europe twice to attend the Karel Velebny Summer Jazz Workshop in the Czech Republic. Kellen plays professionally in the region. —Neil Wetzel, professor of music and department chair
Looking ahead: Kellan plans to take a year off before attending graduate school near New York City or Philadelphia.
Shianne Reimer
Hometown: Whitehall, Pennsylvania
Major: History and German studies
The History Prize
To the senior history major who, in the judgment of the History Department, has demonstrated excellence in historical scholarship and shows the most promise of future achievement
When Shianne Reimer sets her eyes on something, she soon achieves it, and over her four years at Moravian, she pursued prizes that were increasingly higher. Shianne’s ambition, which manifested itself in a SOAR research project during spring semester 2018, continued when she marched into my office one day last spring and told me that she wanted to write an honors thesis. Between the semester SOAR and honors, she tried her wings with many projects, from the Millennium Fellowship to a semester abroad in Erfurt, Germany, in spring 2019. Shianne is an ambitious and adventurous soul who happily takes on any challenge.
—Heikki Lempa, professor of history
Looking ahead: Shianne has been awarded a Fulbright teaching assistantship in Germany.
Sarah Riegel
Hometown: Birdsboro, Pennsylvania
Major: German with a certificate in secondary education
The Irving S. Amrhein Prize for German
To a graduating senior for distinguished work in German
Sarah Riegel has been an outstanding student throughout her college years. She worked very hard to improve her German language skills and successfully participated in the prestigious German summer program at Middlebury College. In her junior year, she studied one semester at the University of Erfurt in Germany and was a very active member of the Moravian College German Club, serving in several officer positions. Sarah’s passion for language and culture represents the German heritage of Moravian College. Herzlichen Glückwunsch! —Axel Hildebrandt, associate professor of German
Looking ahead: Within the next year, Sarah plans to find a teaching job, take another trip abroad, and visit some of the national parks out West.
Noah Rosenthal
Hometown: Flemington, New Jersey
Major: Philosophy and global religions
The Frederick (Jiggs) McConnell Prize in Moral Philosophy
To a graduating senior who, in the judgment of the Department of Philosophy, has demonstrated excellence in moral philosophy
Noah Rosenthal has been an outstanding leader in the philosophy department. He was the president of the philosophy club, which flourished under his leadership, meeting weekly and discussing a variety of philosophical issues. Noah was also a stellar member of Moravian’s debate team. —Bernie Cantens, professor and chair of philosophy
Looking ahead: Noah is an aspiring writer who hopes to write plays, novels, and philosophy texts.
Benjamin Sanchez
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Major: Music education and music performance
The James M. Beck Oratorical Prize
To a student demonstrating excellence in the art of public speaking
Benjamin Sanchez, a rising junior, demonstrated a remarkable commitment to—and personalization of—the persuasive speaking in An Enemy of the People, an adaptation by Brad Birch of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, produced by the Moravian College Theatre Company. Most years, this award goes to a public speaking student; however, Benjamin’s superb handling of the impassioned speech in the play caused us to deviate from the norm and award the prize to an actor for his skillfully delivered oratory!
—Christopher Shorr, associate professor and director of the Moravian College Theatre Company
Brooke Santy
Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania
Major: English with a certification in early childhood education
The Zinzendorf Prize
To the graduating senior English major with the highest cumulative quality point average in English
Brooke Santy is an exemplary student-athlete and educator. In pursuing her degree in English with a certification in early childhood education, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and was applauded by her professors for her strong work ethic and intellectual curiosity. She also excelled as a member of the Moravian College Women’s Basketball Team. —John Black, professor of English
Looking ahead: Brooke aspires to be an elementary school teacher and pursue a master’s degree in special education.
Julius Sarkozy
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Major: Music with concentrations in piano performance and sacred music
The Steven K. Van Auken Memorial Prize in Music Performance
To a member of the junior class for notable achievement in vocal or instrumental performance
The Betty Airestock Moore Prize
To the most outstanding junior keyboard musician during his or her second semester junior year
Julius Sarkozy performs frequently in our department, as he is always very busy accompanying vocalists and other instrumentalists, and he has been making great strides on his keyboard technique, both on the piano and the organ. In the fall of 2019, Julius performed the very challenging Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto no. 2 in G Minor, op. 22, with the Moravian College Community Orchestra. In addition, Julius has been the music director and keyboardist for several local and regional musicals, as well as for the Disney Company. —Paula Zerkle, professor of music
Autumn Schray
Hometown: Catasauqua, Pennsylvania
Major: Nursing
The Nursing Excellence in Practice Award
To the senior nursing student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in practice excellence and professionalism
Autumn Schray was an exceptional caregiver, educator, advocate, and leader in her clinical rotations. Beyond patient care, she fully embraced her senior year community clinical partnership experience with Faith Community Nurses (FCN), with whom she worked collaboratively as an advocate and educator. Autumn also assumed a leadership role within her research course practicum team by organizing and assisting her peers through the steps of a literature-based research project. Autumn seized every opportunity to expand and refine qualities that will make her a well-rounded professional nurse.
—Karen Groller, assistant professor of nursing
Looking ahead: Autumn will begin her nursing career through a critical care nurse internship. She is also in the process of applying to graduate schools with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
Christopher Shosted
Hometown: Originally West Valley City, Utah; currently Allentown, Pennsylvania
Major: English with a concentration in writing arts
The English Prize
To the graduating English major who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the discipline
The Zinzendorf Prize
To the graduating English major with the highest cumulative quality point average in English
Christopher Shosted was a top student, English department staff assistant, and writing center tutor. His honors thesis, “The Rhetorics of Healthcare on Reddit: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Online Right-Wing Communities,” is one of many examples of the ways that Christopher truly represents a student-scholar in English. English professor Joyce Hinnefeld describes Chris as “one of the most thoughtful and critically astute students I’ve worked with throughout my years at Moravian.”
—Christopher Hassay, adjunct professor of English
Looking ahead: Christopher has been accepted to the master’s program in English at Lehigh University and will begin studying there in the fall.
Daria Van Doren
Hometown: Annandale, New Jersey
Major: Nursing
The Priscilla Payne Hurd Prize in Nursing
To a senior nursing student selected on the basis of overall outcomes of academics, professionalism, student involvement in campus programming, athletics, and community care
Daria Van Doren was at the top of her class academically and was a leader among her peers in classroom, clinical, and campus settings. She rejuvenated the Student Nurse Association with her leadership as president and her involvement in community service outreach and planning throughout her four years at Moravian. Daria is passionate about nursing, a quality that is evident in her academic work ethic as well as the care she provides to her patients. —John Mikovits, instructor of nursing
Looking ahead: Daria will be taking the NCLEX-RN board exam to obtain nursing licensure in New Jersey. She hopes to work in the critical care field in either the NICU or ICU and plans to attend graduate school.
Justin Vatti
Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania
Major: Political science with minors in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and public health
The Albert Ferkel Jr. Memorial Prize
To a senior political science major for demonstrated service in raising awareness of social justice issues to his or her fellow students; this year, Brandon Faust and Justin Vatti share the award.
Justin Vatti’s presence on campus has been remarkable. He encouraged his peers to become engaged in student government. As a safe-zone-trained resident advisor for students who identify outside of the gender binary, he sought to create community by empowering others to find their own voices and to consider the reach of politics beyond self-interest. And as a political science student, he saw the broad impact of policies and procedures and championed engagement and participation. Justin also served others through spring break service projects. —Khristina Haddad, associate professor of political science
Looking ahead: Justin will be working with Delta Tau Delta undergraduate students across the country and plans to pursue a master’s degree in higher education administration in the future.
Bryn Wiragh
Hometown: Macungie, Pennsylvania
Major: Business management with an organizational leadership track plus minors in German and international studies
The Edwin L. Stockton Prize in Economics and Business
To the senior who has achieved the highest cumulative quality point average in the Department of Economics and Business
Bryn Wiragh has embraced the Moravian experience in every way, from her unwavering commitment and work ethic in her academic experience to her involvement in service, clubs, and especially several study-abroad programs. She is as curious as she is accountable and was a role model for her peers in every way. —Barbara Vinciguerra, associate professor of accounting
Looking ahead: Bryn’s goal is to work at a consulting firm.
Cayden Wisner
Hometown: Hellertown, Pennsylvania
Major: Music performance
The T. Edgar Shields Memorial Prize in Music
To a member of the graduating class for progress and proficiency in music studies
Cayden Wisner is a very creative improviser, profound thinker, and outstanding performer, and he has become a prolific composer of new jazz works. In addition, he possesses leadership skills, as demonstrated in his role as co-student-director
of the Moravian College Big Band. Cayden’s other academic interests include music recording and audio studies. His breadth of musical interests, impressive performing skills, and academic achievements make him well suited for this award.
—Neil Wetzel, professor of music and department chair
Looking ahead: In the fall, Cayden will attend Temple University to pursue a master’s in music therapy.
Cody Yarnall
Hometown: Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
Major: Philosophy
The Douglas R. Anderson Prize in Philosophy
To a graduating philosophy major who, in the judgment of the Department of Philosophy, has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the study of philosophy and outstanding service and leadership within the Department of Philosophy
Cody Yarnall exemplifies the integration of intellectual and practical success. He has made the dean’s list over six semesters and is a member of Phi Sigma Tau, the international honor society for philosophers. While at Moravian, Cody immersed himself in the philosophy club and the debate team. Most importantly, Cody is a kind, considerate, and generous human being who is always willing to help his peers and those around him. —Bernie Cantens, professor of philosophy
Looking ahead: With the accompaniment of the church, Cody will continue to discern the diocesan priesthood.
Mairead Young
Hometown: Richboro, Pennsylvania
Major: Psychology
The Psi Chi Service Award
To a Psi Chi member who has shown outstanding achievement, dedication, enthusiasm, and participation in the field of psychology
Senior Mairead Young was a fabulous student and ambassador for the psychology department. She excelled in her academic work and as a writing fellow for our statistics course. Mairead was inducted into Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, where she served in multiple capacities. Most extraordinary was her dedication to our Psi Chi newsletter. She single-handedly found students to write articles, edited the newsletter, and helped to get it published and distributed. She quickly and without question jumped in with other tasks that needed to be done as well. Mairead was a role model for other students, and I am so very grateful for her! —Michelle Schmidt, professor of psychology
Looking ahead: Mairead will be pursuing a master’s in applied developmental and educational psychology at Boston College this fall.