DC Alumni Gather at Elizabeth's on L

More than 30 attended the DC Area Alumni event Feb. 2. Scott T. Williams '04 (above), newly elected president, with Deb McKinnon '73

On Wednesday, February 2, the Moravian College DC Area Alumni Club hosted a cocktail reception at Elizabeth's on L in Washington, D.C., for alumni, current students, staff, and friends to meet, network, and share memories. More than 30 attended, including several current Moravian student athletes and Washington Semester participant Kelly Fackenthall '12.

President Christopher M. Thomforde offered remarks and outlook about the College, and passionately shared the "Moravian Promise." Attendees were inspired by its vision of offering equal access to education for all and helping students build a strong foundation for their futures. The three pillars of Moravian—a strong and personalized academic major, hands-on learning opportunities, and an environment that promotes the development of a deeper enjoyment of life—rang true with all in attendance.

The evening also marked the end of Rev. David G. Berg’s '66 eleven-year tenure as president of the DC Alumni Club. We all want to thank David for the leadership, kindness, and guidance he provided through the years. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of the entire DC Alumni Club, we thank him for his time, talents, and service, and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

The Nominating Committee of Deborah McKinnon '73 and Andy Semmel '64 were tasked with vetting the next generation of leaders for the club. The evening's election resulted in Scott Williams '04 taking over as president, Amanda Logan '06 as vice president, and Caroline Smith '96 as secretary/treasurer. The officers have big shoes to fill with the exit of Rev. David Berg.

The DC Alumni Club is in the process of strategic planning for 2011 and beyond. We anticipate several initiatives aimed at better connecting DC area alumni with current and prospective students, other alumni, and the College.—Cathleen Lavelle Williams ’05 and Scott T. Williams ’04

Moravian Alumni to Gather in Florida Early March

Alumni and friends in the Boca Raton area and in the Sarasota area will have the opportunity to meet with other alumni and members of the College, including President Christopher and Dr. Kathy Thomforde, at a Moravian Hound Hour on Wednesday, March 2. The event will be held at Carmen's Top of the Bridge in Boca Raton from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and half-price happy hour drinks. Register online by Wednesday, Feb. 23.

A luncheon will be held at Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota on Sunday, March 6. The reception will begin at noon; lunch will follow at 1:00 p.m. The program, A Foundation for the Future, presented by President Christopher Thomforde, will begin at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $25 per person with a cash bar. For more information and to register online by February 28, click here.

Mark Your Calendar

March 26
Undergraduate Philosophy Conference
Reception and Luncheon honoring Dr. Frederick McConnell

March 27
Concert Celebration of Early Music Performance at Moravian College

April 7
Alumni Hound Hour in Central New Jersey

May 20 and 21,
Alumni Weekend
Open to all alumni, but featuring reunions for classes ending in 6 and 1, from 1976 and back. 

For more information about these events visit www.moravian.edu/alumni/events.

Spotlight

Beth Rosenthal '95 with her father at a fundraiser

Beth Rosenthal '95 is using her own medical challenges as a springboard for helping others. Diagnosed with a benign brain tumor at the age of 11, Beth endured surgeries, radiation, and decades of pain, yet managed to obtain a degree in sociology from Moravian in 1995.

In 2008, she decided to do what she could to help other survivors of benign brain tumors. She launched the website ItsJustBenign.org to help survivors and dispel common misconceptions about benign brain tumors. In January 2010, the organization officially qualified as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit (making donations tax-deductible).

"There really isn't anything else out there for survivors," she said. "My mission is to provide support for our members worldwide, especially by providing peace of mind to those recently diagnosed.

"Educating the general population about the consequences is another goal. People don't understand that adult survivors often face long term psychological, social, and career challenges." Rosenthal hopes to eventually have a team of specialists available to offer full support to other survivors.

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