End of a year, Dawn of an age

April 24, 2007

It is needless for me to go into the tragedy this week at Virginia Tech.  The Moravian community was deeply saddened by the horrific events and, in true MoCo style, did something about it.  A large banner was laid out in the HUB for students to write messages on, then sent to VA tech.  Many students and professors also engaged in discussion about gun violence, and what can be done to prevent more tragedies like this one.  But, onto happier things. 

It was probably the biggest weekend at Moravian in, well, a few years!  This weekend marked the inauguration of President Christopher Thomforde, the 15th president of Moravian College & Theological Seminary (that’s counting the presidents of the early predecessors of the modern school!).  The weekend was full of festivities in celebration of this wonderful man and new leader of our school.  But what’s more is that it was also a celebration of all of Moravian College – a celebration of scholarly, artistic, and athletic achievements, a celebration of what it is to be a part of Moravian, and shameless MoCo pride!

Events kicked off with a parade from north to south campus, with the marching band leading the way!  Before we marched off, the band warmed up on Virginia Tech’s alma mater… I got goose bumps.  President Thomforde and his family rode in horse-drawn carriages, and many school organizations rode in convertible cars.  Students and faculty weren’t the only audience; residents came out onto their porches and leaned out windows to watch and cheer.  Back on north campus was a picnic/BBQ with live entertainment by a student band, followed by a fantastic fireworks show set off from the quad. And to think – this fantastic light show is happening now all because a girl named Benigna von Zinzendorf founded a small girls’ school in Bethlehem in 1742!  Crazy, the ways of the world, sometimes…

Saturday morning was the official inauguration ceremony which, unfortunately, I could not attend.  Instead, I was at a dress rehearsal for Carmina Burana (but more on that later!).  The afternoon was complete with a luncheon and performances by the brass ensemble, clarinet choir, woodwind trio, and two of my groups, U.R.G.E. and Monteverdi.  Student work was also showcased, with seniors’ honor projects, SOAR projects, and art exhibits all over campus.  The highlight of my day was when I bumped into two friends from home in the HUB – the emeritus pastor of my church and his wife are good friends of Dr. Thomforde’s and were there for the ceremony (what a small world!).  In the evening was a “gala,” dinner and dance.  In hindsight, I wish I had gone.

Sunday morning, President Thomforde was the guest preacher at Central Moravian Church, and members of the Moravian choir and guitar ensemble also provided music for the occasion.  The President’s sermon alternated between deeply moving and hilarious.  The inauguration festivities were later brought to a triumphant close with the choir’s performance of Carmina Burana.  I was in the orchestra, which consisted mostly of adjunct faculty and other professionals, with students filling out sections where necessary.  It was simply amazing!  I have never played in an orchestra of that caliber before, and it was certainly a priceless experience.  The house was packed, the music electrifying and immensely powerful.  At the end, the audience literally leapt out of their seats.  I really hoped we would do an encore!

Amazingly, the year is fast drawing to a close.  This is the last week of classes, next week is finals, and then we all depart for home.  And, since this is my last post, I wish all reading the best of luck on finals and a wonderful summer!  It has been a pleasure sharing my world with you this past year! 

All the best,
~Rachel

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