Opening ceremony will honor Hank Barnette, Chairman Emeritus of Bethlehem Steel and Charlene Donchez Mowers, President of Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites
Bethlehem, PA, September 16, 2019: Today, Moravian College announced that it will celebrate Heritage Day 2019 on Wednesday, September 18 at their Main Street campus with an opening ceremony, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Johnston Hall, 221 West Locust Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
“Heritage Day is a special day for the entire Moravian College community every year,” commented Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian College. “This year is even more special since we have the opportunity to honor two people who’ve given so much to Moravian College and the City of Bethlehem in Hank Barnette and Charlene Donchez Mowers.”
The opening ceremony of Heritage Day 2019 will include the presentation of the Presidential Medal to Curtis "Hank" Barnette, lawyer, businessman, educator, philanthropist, Chairman Emeritus of Bethlehem Steel Corporation and a member of the Moravian College Board of Trustees, for his continued dedication and support of the college and the conferment of the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on Charlene Donchez Mowers, President of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and President of the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission for her lifelong dedication and commitment to the worldwide recognition of Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a National Historic Landmark District.
“It is a very great honor to receive the Presidential Medal from Bryon Grigsby and Moravian College,” commented Hank Barnette, Chairman Emeritus of Bethlehem Steel Corporation. “The college is a vital part of the Bethlehem community and continues to provide outstanding educational opportunities for all of its students. I am especially proud to support the college in my role as a member of the Board of Trustees. The faculty, students, and staff of Moravian College, and other colleges and universities, have my deep appreciation and respect.”
“Throughout my career, I have been working to bring attention to the national and international significance of the history of Moravian Bethlehem, and Moravian College has proven to be a great partner over the years,” commented Charlene Donchez Mowers, president of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites. “I am thrilled to be receiving this Honorary Degree from President Grigsby and Moravian College. Being recognized in this way means so much to me, my family and my colleagues.”
Heritage Day was proposed by President Bryon L. Grigsby in 2016 as a celebration of Moravian tradition, community, and service. Last year, more than 1,200 faculty, students, and staff fanned out across the Lehigh Valley to support various community organizations. In 2019, Heritage Day will take place on the Main Street campus, providing a unique opportunity for the campus to work together in support of the Lehigh Valley community at large.
Additional information:
To learn more about Curtis “Hank” Barnette and his background as a lawyer, businessman, educator, philanthropist, and Chairman Emeritus of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, visit his bio here: Curtis J. Barnette.
To learn more about Charlene Donchez Mowers, please read more here: Charlene Donchez Mowers bio
Event Details:
What: Opening Ceremony of Heritage Day 2019, including the awarding of the Moravian College Presidential Medal to Curtis “Hank” Barnette and conferring the Honorary Degree of Humane Letters on Charlene Donchez Mowers, both by President Bryon Grigsby.
When: Wednesday, September 18 @ 8:30 a.m.
Where: Moravian College, Main Street campus, Johnston Hall, 221 W Locust St, Bethlehem, PA 18018.
Media contact:
Michael Corr
Director of Marketing and Communications
corrm@moravian.edu
610.861.1365
About Moravian College
Moravian College is the nation's sixth-oldest college located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania offering undergraduate and graduate degrees that blend liberal arts with professional programs. For more than 275 years, the Moravian College degree has been preparing students for reflective lives, fulfilling careers, and transformative leadership in a world of change. Moravian College is a member of The New American Colleges and Universities (NAC&U), a national consortium of selective, small to mid-size independent colleges and universities dedicated to the purposeful integration of liberal education, professional studies, and civic engagement. Visit moravian.edu to learn more about how the Moravian College focus on education for all prepares its students for life-long success.