Profile
Please describe your connection to Moravian.
I attended many events at Moravian Seminary and enjoyed the talks by authors and pastors. I received an invitation to attend a seminar on the degree and certificate programs and then began my journey with the spirituality and spiritual direction courses.
Who at Moravian most influenced you and how?
There were many professors who influenced me, including Rev. Dr. Frank Crouch, Marcella Kraybill-Greggo, Director of the Formative Spirituality and Spiritual Direction graduate certification programs, and Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood S’87, in Moravian Studies. Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons was always involved with continuing education and events, and Rev. Dr. Jane Williams was helpful with clinical pastoral care (CPE) and pastoral care.
I enrolled in Moravian Studies because I wanted to learn how Martin Luther interacted with the Moravian community. I learned Ebru, the traditional Turkish art of paper marbling from my interfaith groups. The dean always smiled and spoke to us in the halls. Marcella led the spirituality and spiritual direction certificates with a true spirit of service. I am so grateful to all the professors I had in my past.
Share your favorite memory from Moravian.
I enjoyed going on the retreat with my class. These moments were healing for me when we prayed with each other. I also shared my interfaith cookbook so others could copy their favorite recipes.
There are many ways to support Moravian philanthropically. Through which giving method do you support Moravian and why?
I received money after an accident and decided to begin a scholarship program for students in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program. I support this every year, hoping someday I can help two students.
Your endowed scholarship supports students in the Master of Divinity program. Why is this path important to you?
I received my Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 2006. However, I was in the middle of this degree program and teaching a class in California when I experienced a brain injury. A seminary professor once said, “If you are not sure which direction to go, take another class.” My first classes at Moravian focused on formative spirituality and spiritual direction.
God healed me and gave me the strength to pursue my calling. These classes strengthened my gifts for ministry and my faith in God. Our focus for ministry is to take the required classes for the candidacy committee and the different denominations. I wanted to invite MDiv students to pursue spirituality courses to enrich their ministry. I have enjoyed meeting my scholarship recipients, and I encourage them on their journey.
I am passionate about supporting Moravian because…
Moravian Theological Seminary encouraged me to continue my calling. I completed four years of CPE-focused spirituality classes in the locked-down unit at Morristown Hospital, New Jersey. The patients in my group tried to take their lives unsuccessfully and suffered from mental health issues. I used pictures of rainbows, beautiful landscapes, puppies, and animals to help facilitate discussions of the most important question: “What gives you life?”
After facing rejection by society, these individuals needed to regain their dignity, and I was able to show them compassion. I had the time to sit and listen and saw God touch each patient, sharing His peace.
What are you most excited to see Moravian’s School of Theology make possible for its students?
I would like Moravian to continue the lunches with scholarship recipients so that I can hear how the Holy Spirit is moving the church. At one time, I thought this was the only way I could use my MDiv in a scholarship, but it also gave me chaplaincy. Students need support and encouragement from the alumni and professors, and I pray the church will move forward in a broken world.
